What if the secret to a peaceful life wasn't found in a self-help book, but in the most unlikely of places: the transformation of an angry, chain-smoking father who became a monk? Joy Sheppard is a nurse practitioner, former competitive bodybuilder, wife, and mom to a young son. She’s also the daughter of a man whose life took a shocking turn: from anger and chaos to saffron robes and monkhood. Joy wasn’t ready to accept his lesson of JAI — Just Accept It until her own near-death experience forced her to. In this talk, she reveals three truths about peace, strength, and letting go. 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

This TEDx talk explores the paralysing effects of overthinking, where infinite possibilities lead to inaction. Through personal stories, Richard speaker reveals how mental loops stall progress and amplify fear. Overthinking masquerades as depth but often traps us in shallow spirals. True innovation, he argues, isn’t found in perfect planning but in imperfect action. It’s choosing movement over mental rehearsal, trusting instincts, and daring to leap before feeling ready because, to him, progress begins not when fear disappears, but when we stop waiting for certainty and start living beyond the loop. Richard is an exceptional student whose academic brilliance and multifaceted talents set him apart. With a strong foundation across the sciences, Mathematics, and humanities, he consistently demonstrates intellectual depth and curiosity. His early IGCSE results speak volumes: two A* grades in Mathematics and English, and a high A in French, reflecting both aptitude and dedication. Beyond personal achievement, Richard generously tutors his peers in Mathematics, fostering a collaborative learning environment and helping others reach their potential. Outside the classroom, Richard is equally impressive. A strategic thinker, he hones his analytical skills through chess and was a pivotal member of the AISEN debate team, leading them to victory at the regional level and securing second place nationally. His competitive spirit also shines through in challenges like the QAPs sustainability initiative and the Mental Maths World Cup, where he ranked 13th in Nigeria. 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

This TEDx talk redefines innovation as a remix, not a spark. Using Jollof rice debates, Jay Fai’s street-food journey, and Gordon Ramsay’s pivot from football to cooking, it shows how greatness often comes from adapting and refining the ordinary. Innovation isn’t perfection—it’s persistence, creativity, and bold reinvention. From Afrobeat’s fusion to Lagos street hacks, the talk celebrates messy brilliance and cultural ownership. To Oluwatobiloba, true innovators don’t wait for ideal conditions; they transform what they have. Ambitious and purpose-driven, Oluwatobiloba Olugbenro is a young leader whose voice resonates far beyond his years. Currently a Year 11 student, He has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, sitting and earning IGCSE A* in Mathematics in Year 10 and earning a place on the Honours Roll from 2022 to 2024. His intellectual curiosity and eloquence were spotlighted when he led Meadowhall’s team to second place in the prestigious COBIS Virtual Debate Competition, where he was also nominated as the Star Speaker. His leadership journey began early, serving as Class Representative from Year 7 through Year 10, and later being elected to the Student Council in 2025. His passion for public speaking led him to found and preside over the TMS Club, a student-led platform for developing confident communicators. He has spoken at multiple high-profile events, including a TEDx talk at Meadowhall College in 2024. 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

In an age where digital connection increasingly replaces real human interaction, award winning games industry and events entrepreneur Simran Whitham takes us on a powerful journey into how grassroots events are transforming lives. Drawing from his experience building Europe’s leading games industry nightlife and creative events movement, Simran explores how the simple act of gathering - to dance, to play, to celebrate - serves as a revolutionary antidote to the growing epidemic of loneliness and disconnection in the Western world. This is more than a story about events - it's a blueprint for how reclaiming joy, community, and creative expression can help us reconnect with our tribe and, ultimately, with ourselves. Simran Whitham is an award-winning entrepreneur, renown business leader, and CEO of FORMAT Group, the UK’s largest games industry community organisation.With over a decade at the forefront of Europe’s creative industries, he has built one of the most acclaimed community event movements, known for uniting thousands across gaming, tech, and culture under a shared passion for bringing together in a way that has been lost in the events industry.On the TEDx stage, Simran shares his mission to help people rediscover meaningful connection in an increasingly digital world. His talk explores how to build real-world communities, foster belonging, and push back against the rising tide of isolation and disconnection in modern Western society. 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

Nearly one million young people in the UK are currently labelled “economically inactive” — a so-called crisis. Sam Squire challenges this narrative, reframing these young people as our greatest untapped treasure. Through powerful personal stories and his concept of the Scavenger Mindset - creativity born from challenge - he reveals how rigid systems overlook raw talent. Sam shares practical ways communities can nurture, equip, and empower young people to thrive, reminding us that real change takes collective action. It truly takes a nation to raise a child. Sam is an ex-professional footballer, turned youth worker.His vision is a world where every young person, no matter their background, can follow their dreams with the right support and pathways to succeed.His mission is to create an ecosystem that connects underserved young people to the experiences, skills, and networks needed to thrive.He believes talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t, and dedicates his life running a social enterprise called Inspire 2 Ignite to change that. 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

In a world where AI is advancing at lightning speed - automating creativity, problem-solving, and even human connection - our true competitive edge is becoming more human, not less. Jess Wiseman explores how, as machines perfect efficiency, human effort, intention, and curiosity become rare and valuable. This talk rethinks what learning means in the AI age, arguing that to thrive, we must learn fast, stay curious, and never lose our fingerprints in the work we create. Jess Wiseman is a 3D artist, traditional painter and has also founded her own character based IP Figuregot. With a passion for anything creative, her youth was spent dedicating hours to self-taught mediums across animation, design, illustration and product innovation.With a notable list of clientele including; The Sidemen, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Billionaire Boys Club, Reebok and many more, with these experiences acting as the perfect foundation to develop skills in multiple fields. Figuregot allowed her to funnel all areas into one brand- giving her the perfect opportunity to work with complete creative freedom, exploring the depths of her imagination and limits as an artist.Fast forward to 2025, her artwork’s pursuit for realism is abundant in her recent pieces both off and on the canvas. 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