NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and experiences in politics. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfPicture yourself in a grocery store. Ever find yourself curious about someone else’s choice of cereal? Why that brand over another? Is it on sale? A family favorite? The healthier option? Sure, these questions may seem nosy, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. In this thought-provoking talk, Leonardo Williams, Mayor of Durham, NC, challenges the idea that nosiness is a flaw. Instead, he reframes it as a sign of curiosity, care, and community—a vital ingredient in building stronger, more connected communities that take action together. Mayor Leonardo Williams is a former teacher and school administrator. He was elected to Durham City Council in December 2021 and sworn in as Mayor December 2023. Mayor Williams is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, earning a Bachelors in Music Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership. While attending, Leo met his wife, Zweli, who are the proud parents of their son. Mayor Williams was recognized twice by Durham Public Schools as Teacher of the Year and by the Triangle Business Journal with a “40 Under 40” Award for producing innovative practices in education. He transitioned from full-time educator to full-time small business owner when he and his wife opened Zweli's, the first full-service authentic Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States. Mayor Williams continues to apply his experience and passion in education, entrepreneurship, and commitment to addressing deep social issues to make Durham, a united, safe, and prosperous community for all. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Last year in a report UN mentioned that it will take is 132 years from now to achieve gender parity on a global scale. That is 1584 months of women being denied education, that many days to give women a seat on the table. It takes us that many years for us as a society to even stand a chance to work towards a sustainable future. Last year in a report UN mentioned that it will take is 132 years from now to achieve gender parity on a global scale. That is 1584 months of women being denied education, that many days to give women a seat on the table. It takes us that many years for us as a society to even stand a chance to work towards a sustainable future. Yashashwi is originally from Nepal, but currently living and learning in Melbourne on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung land. “My journey I believe started in my early teens. I spent my time in workshops with children in Nepal, as we worked towards a better world for girls. That passion and vision continues to drive me today in Plan International Australia and in anything else I do. My roots for advocacy are embedded deep within the struggles that come with navigating the world as a woman of colour. I am excited to be able to give a talk about the intersectionalities of climate change and gender.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Dr. Morris shares how her uncle’s life shaped her mission to reframe disability. Drawing on personal and professional insight, she makes the case for documenting disability status to see the whole person.Megan A. Morris, PhD, is a Member of the Faculty in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Langone Health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Rethink balance, focus on motion. In a world obsessed with time hacks and linear success, Kika Buhrmann invites us to lead from a place of flow and grounded strength. Her talk challenges outdated norms and shows how purpose, presence, and perspective fuel true impact in life and leadership. Through my 20 years of work experience in several countries, leading large organizations, combined with the love of raising our three children, I discovered that many conventional concepts don’t make sense. Time management, work-life balance, career ladder, are all mindsets that made me very stressed and limited my thinking. But I do think there is something better! In order to create a ripple effect, we need to be the strongest version of ourselves. In this talk I will share my personal learnings and how I apply a different way of thinking to create a positive impact on the ones around me. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What if one small shift could change everything? David Aston shows how momentum, not perfection, is the key to transformation. With insights from decades across global financial markets, he shares why the tiniest turn of the wheel often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. David Aston is one of the co-founders of the NextWave Group and the Founder and CEO of Infinium Consulting (trading as NextWave-Infinium). A serial entrepreneur having established five different and successful businesses over the past 30 years. With in-depth experience of building consultancy focused businesses, David has also gained extensive experience in delivering complex change within Financial Services and Markets and has a proven track record in managing large, high profile, Global projects. His expertise spans Investment Banking, Corporate, Retail and Transaction Banking. David's consulting skills are particularly strong in regulatory, integration-related, and new business-driven projects, usually with a focus on technology and regulation. He has lived and worked in major financial hubs including Amsterdam, Hong Kong, London, Milan, New York, Sydney, and Tokyo. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

“Why am I like this?” One question changed everything. Bianca Zwart takes us behind the polished surface of discipline and success to explore how introspection can unlock deeper purpose. Her story challenges us to lead with intention, and to become the ripple that transforms our world from within. Bianca is bunq’s Chief Strategy Officer, shaping the company’s long-term vision and ensuring bunq delivers on its promises to users. She removes roadblocks, drives growth, and keeps bunq focused on what matters most - building the world’s first global bank people love to use. Starting as a frontline support guide in 2016, Bianca skyrocketed through the ranks, built and sold two companies, then returned to bunq in 2022 as Chief of Staff. A global citizen herself, Bianca lives an international lifestyle, experiencing firsthand the challenges and opportunities faced by bunq’s location-independent users around the world. This unique perspective helps her keep the company’s focus on what matters most: bunq’s users. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx