Rest is a winning strategy
What if the secret to success isn't working harder, but learning to rest strategically?In this powerful TEDxAlabaster talk, discover why our culture's obsession with productivity is leaving us exhausted, unfulfilled, and disconnected from our true potential. Through a deeply personal story about burnout, family legacy, and a 4-year-old's surprising wisdom about wanting to "be a flower," Ashley Joy Sutton explores how rest isn't the opposite of ambition--but instead the foundation of it. Learn the three essential elements of strategic rest: permission, personal boundaries, and presence. This TEDxAlabaster talk isn't about self-care trends or work-life balance—it's about redefining worth, breaking generational patterns of exhaustion, and giving yourself (and others) permission to grow without grinding. Watch now to transform your relationship with rest, productivity, and what it truly means to flourish. Ashley J. Sutton is the Founder and CEO of The AJS Group, a coaching, consulting, and leadership training firm specializing in communication skills that elevate teams and enhance workplace performance. A certified Life and Leadership Coach, two-time published author, keynote speaker, and communications executive with 15 years of experience, Ashley empowers individuals and organizations through strategic guidance and inspiring engagement.Recognized by Ebony Magazine in 2017 as one of the “Black Women to Know in PR, Tech, and Digital Media,” she brings a global perspective shaped by her years working and living in Europe. Ashley has facilitated workshops and spoken in West and South Africa and across the U.S., building a global platform to uplift and inspire women to lead fulfilled, purpose-driven lives.She holds a B.A. in Business Management from Wilberforce University and an M.A. in Media Communications from the Academy of Art University. 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
- 15:20How Motherhood Broke Me | Nishma Karim | TEDxMissionThey say motherhood is the most beautiful chapter of a woman’s life, but for me, it broke me wide open. I found myself drowning in postpartum depression, feeling ugly, unworthy, and painfully lost… but what I didn’t know then was that in breaking, I was being invited to rise. Nishma Karim is an international bestselling author, holistic nutritionist, certified personal trainer, dynamic podcaster, and the proud CEO of Be Light to Raise Light, a global platform dedicated to uplifting and amplifying the voices of mothers. Through her books, stage talks, and global collaborations, she co-authors transformative stories with moms around the world, empowering them to rise, share their light, and inspire others to become the best version of themselves. Her work is rooted in connection, healing, and the belief that when one mother rises, we all rise. 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
- 12:43The Identity That Saved Me Was Killing Me | Joel Yi | TEDxMissionAs a former U.S. Army officer turned entrepreneur, whose journey through emotional collapse, silent success, and soul-deep healing led him to a powerful revelation about true resilience. In this talk, Joel shares the story of how the identity he built to survive nearly destroyed him, and how choosing to come home to himself changed everything. Joel Yi is a high-performance sales strategist and a Forbes Council and Entrepreneur-recognized expert in scaling elite sales organizations. Since 2018, he has generated over $200 million in revenue for his clients and led teams of 100+ sales professionals. But Joel’s journey goes far beyond metrics, it’s a story rooted in grit, reinvention, and purpose. 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
