In high-stakes moments, many of us feel pressure to stay silent, to wait for the right moment, or to hope someone else speaks up. But what if the most powerful thing we can do is simply to be present, and to find our voice—even when unprepared?In this talk, Maggie Beckett explores the power of speaking up and challenges young leaders to own their place in decision-making spaces. She offers a compelling blueprint for stepping into these crucial moments with courage and clarity, and the importance of supporting those who do. This is a powerful call to action for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider looking in. Maggie Beckett is the Youth Mayor of Milton Keynes for the 2024–2025 term and a passionate advocate for youth engagement in politics. First elected to the MK Youth Cabinet in 2022, Maggie quickly rose to become Chair, leading its transition into the current Youth Council. She is committed to making political education more accessible and breaking down barriers between young people and decision-making spaces. As Youth Mayor, Maggie champions the voices of young people across Milton Keynes and serves as a representative on the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee of the MK Council. 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