What my neurodiverse family taught me about communication | Kevin O'Reilly | TEDxBlack Mountain
Forget the textbooks. Forget the corporate seminars. In this deeply personal and groundbreaking TEDx talk, Kevin O’Reilly, founder of Thrive Now Group, shares what years of parenting, learning, and growing with his neurodiverse family taught him about communication that no course ever could.Through raw insights and real-life moments, Kevin introduces the world premiere of the ACC Framework, Assume Nothing, Clarify Everything, Confirm Understanding, a radical, first-of-its-kind communication model designed for real life. Whether at home or in the boardroom, this framework works because it was built on truth, empathy, and lived experience.This is more than a talk. It’s an invitation to rethink how we connect, listen, and lead, because the study of successful behaviours to inspire action often begins at home.If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or struggled to truly understand others, this talk will change the way you communicate, forever.
Kevin O’Reilly is the founder of Thrive Now Group and a leader in entrepreneurial growth, performance strategy, and business transformation. As Division Director for Toastmasters International, he helps people communicate with clarity and confidence. He hosts the podcast My Worst Interview Ever!, exploring resilience and lessons from failure.A forthcoming author of The Power of Client Questions (July 2025), Kevin reveals how client-led questions can drive breakthrough results. Through coaching, workshops, and speaking, he equips individuals and teams with the tools to improve every day, blending insights from communication, behaviour, and performance into practical, transformative support 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
More from TED
- 17:03Do's and Don'ts of What You Can Put in Your CV | Inderjit Singh | TEDxSerembanInderjit reminded us that a CV that stands out is not built on fluff or pretence. It is about the strategic art of cutting through the noise and showing who you are by positioning your strengths with clarity and intention. In a competitive world, authenticity and alignment speak louder than buzzwords. People-first HR expert and talent strategist bridging market trends with hiring, culture, and purposeful growth 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
- 20:40We’re Wasting the Most Powerful Platforms in History | Richard Ker | TEDxSerembanRichard reminded us that in today’s world, visibility is equal to opportunity. Yet most of us use social media and digital platforms for mindless scrolling and distraction. If used with purpose, these tools can become our loudest stage to create value, build movements, and solve real world problems. A technologist, content creator, entrepreneur and business influencer. Richard has more than 20 years of experience in tech, entrepreneurship, social media and digital marketing. He is known as a digital story teller of businesses in Malaysia. 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
- 14:47Chasing Money or Passion | Michael Teoh | TEDxSerembanMichael explored a question many young people struggle with. Should we chase money or passion? He reminded us that chasing passion without purpose and chasing money without passion are both paths that can lead to emptiness. The real goal is to create value at the point where both intersect. That is where fulfillment lives. Michael Teoh Su Lim is a two-time TEDx speaker, global talent developer, and youth advocate who built a career not by chasing money—but by choosing love, purpose, and service. As the Founder & CEO of Thriving Talents, Michael has helped develop young leaders and corporate teams across 42 countries, impacting organizations from Microsoft to Fortune 500 companies.His journey began as a bullied teen who turned his pain into purpose—using public speaking and service-driven projects to build confidence, skills, and global networks. Michael believes that when young people choose to serve, grow, and create with love, the world rewards them in ways far beyond financial gain. 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
- 13:58How to be an artist in an ultra-capitalist world | Sukhbir Cheema | TEDxSerembanIn a world where everything is measured, monetised, and optimized for profit, Sukhbir reminded us that art remains a language of rebellion, of truth, and of real connection. It challenges the system, speaks to the soul, and dares us to express what cannot be captured in numbers. Sukhbir Cheema is the co-founder and co-editor of Asian arts & culture online magazine, Eksentrika. He is a writer, a cartoonist, and an avid tech enthusiast with SAYS Tech. 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
- 15:29Why comedy is more powerful than you think | Gajen Nad | TEDxSerembanGajen reminded us that humor and laughter are not just for relief. Sometimes, they are the remedy. They can heal wounds, turn pain into progression, and open doors to unexpected opportunities. His message was a powerful blend of emotion, empathy, and energy. Comedy can be a serious force for connection. From a Mechanical student to an IT Consultant in Accenture to a full-time stand-up comedian. He is also one of the very few comedians in Asia to have a Netflix comedy special. 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
- 16:20The Thief You Pay | Andrew Lourdes | TEDxSerembanMr Andrew stirred the audience with a powerful question:"Do we pay thieves? Or… are we the thief?"His talk uncovered the silent crisis of workplace dishonesty, urging us to reflect on the hidden costs we allow or perpetuate in our organizations. A bold reminder to lead with integrity and awareness. Criminal defense lawyer and educator standing firm for justice 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
