What happens when a lifelong content creator starts to hate content? Jim Caddick, known online as “Caddicarus,” takes a brutally honest look at burnout, authenticity, and creativity in the digital age.His talk explores how chasing views can kill passion - and how rediscovering joy can bring it back. Jim, known online as “Caddicarus” or “Caddy,” is a pioneering YouTuber famed for his sharp wit, dark humour, and cinematic absurdity. Since 2011, he’s grown a loyal global following with over 1.1 million subscribers and 350 million views, influencing the evolution of long-form gaming comedy on YouTube.Despite releasing 600+ videos in his first nine years, over 30% of his total views came from just 29 videos in the last five years—prompting a powerful question: what truly drives connection and impact online? This exploration now shapes his creative philosophy as he navigates how creators evolve and thrive in a fast-changing digital world.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

Financial literacy isn't just about numbers-it's about confidence, freedom, and a future women fully own. Stacey is a seasoned financial expert with over 20 years of experience. She began her career at Ernst & Young before moving to Oracle Corporation in CA and in 2019, she joined Infinity Strategic Partners (ISP). Appointed as a trustee to the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI) where she played a key role in overseeing the management of more that $23 Billion in state pension assets. A Michigan native, Stacey earned her BBA in accounting and finance from the University of Michigan and she is a Certified Public Account (CPA) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). Stacey currently resides in Wilmette with her husband and two sons and their playful dog, Nala Grace. 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

How understanding our unique, complex brains can give us a new way of looking at the world — and each other. Tara May is a visionary, charismatic leader who transforms legacy organizations into thriving, future-focused digital properties. In her career in media and tech, Tara has masterfully revolutionized companies by leading cultural shifts, innovating new products and introducing new technology to result in dramatic revenue growth. She is CEO of Aspiritech, a revolutionary tech company with a mission of meaningful employment for autistic team members. She sits on the Board of Directors of Neurowrx and HAAPE advocating for neurodiversity and employment both nationally and internationally and is a renowned speaker championing embracing neurodiversity, mental health, and most of all kindness, in the workplace. 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

We are the wells that sustain one another. Here’s how to tend them with care. Gizelle L. Clemens is a disruptor of norms and a champion for equity-driven futures, shaped by both personal adversity and a commitment to systemic change. After experiencing a spinal cord injury and confronting ableism firsthand, she dedicated her career to challenging inequities and fostering true inclusion. As Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Impact at National Medical Fellowships, she builds networks of underrepresented physicians and medical students to improve national health outcomes. Through her consultancy, She Sparks Genius, and her initiative, Pretty Ugly Grief, she helps individuals and organizations address systemic inequities with empathy while redefining how communities navigate loss and healing. Whether leading philanthropic efforts, engaging in participatory grantmaking, or using storytelling as a tool for empowerment, Gizelle’s work proves that profound challenges can inspire transformative action. 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

Xavier Crockett shares hard-won lessons from leading COVID-19 response and public health crises, offering practical insights on building adaptable teams and systems in times of rapid change and uncertainty. Xavier Crockett is a public health leader and emergency medical professional advancing community resilience through strategic programs, crisis response, and evidence-based leadership at local and state levels. 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