Lessons from an undefeated pro-boxer | Nicola Barke | TEDxNorthern Quarter
What if real strength isn’t about fighting harder, but knowing when to change direction? In this inspiring talk, martial artist and coach Nicola Barke shares how lessons from the ring can help us build resilience, adapt to life’s challenges, and find power in flexibility. Her story reveals that success isn’t just about throwing punches - it’s about having the courage to step into a new lane when it matters most. Nicola Barke, aka The Burmese Python, is a two-sport World Champion and the UK’s first female Lethwei fighter, breaking barriers in one of the world’s toughest combat sports. Now an undefeated pro boxer with Queensberry Promotions, she blends power with creativity, proving adaptability wins in and out of the ring.Her journey - facing narcolepsy, life-threatening injuries, and a brain tumour - has fuelled reinvention: from biomedical science graduate to global project manager to inspiring speaker. Nicola believes the creativity behind elite performance can shape agile, visionary leaders. Her story is proof that resilience plus imagination is unstoppable. 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
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