Don't become a captive of your company. When you get out there, question everything. The only constant is change. Chris Skinner is known as one of the most influential people in technology and an independent commentator on the financial markets and fintech through his blog, thefinanser.com. He has written eighteen books about finance and technology, with bestselling books including the series Digital Bank, Digital Human, Doing Digital and Digital for Good. He has been recognised as one of the most influential figures in finance, fintech, technology and payments, receiving a lifetime achievement award from the UK payments association in 2023. This is why he has been an advisor to the United Nations, the White House, the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, as well as governments and firms across the world. Chris is also a successful children’s author with the five-book series about Captain Cake and the Candy Crew. 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

The talk ignites imagination and harness the collective power of foresight and social innovation to reimagine the future of Ontario’s public universities. The TEDx talk will explore how collective foresight and social innovation can transform Ontario’s public universities into more inclusive, adaptive institutions for the next generation of learners. Cheryl Green is a design strategist and foresight practitioner with experience in education, design, and systems innovation, specializing in the intersection of human behaviour, technology, and social change. Her work explores how design can either erode or empower autonomy, and why cultivating collective imagination is essential for building more ethical, regenerative futures.Ian Rolston is a design strategist, speaker, and founder of Decanthropy, an intervention studio redefining how organizations approach design, equity, and strategic change. With a career spanning sectors like hospitality, corporate, and education, Ian's work seeks to bridge the gap between people and systems, driving resilient change. As a thought leader and lead consultant, Ian inspires the next generation of decision-makers, championing honesty, integrity, and equity in innovation.Jennifer Murphy is an educator and design strategist shaping the future of learning at the intersection of belonging, imagination, and systems change. With experience across the non-profit and K–12 education sectors, she applies design thinking, foresight, and Universal Design to reimagine learning environments that are inclusive, adaptive, and built for the futures we dare to create. 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

Play isn’t just for kids – it’s a fundamental part of being human. From childhood games to video games, sports, and hobbies, play boosts productivity, makes us more empathetic, and strengthens social connections. But somewhere along the way, many adults stop playing. Why? What if we reignite the playful spirit to literally change the world?In this talk, Jane Schmelkin explores the science, history, and power of play, revealing how it shapes our brains, fosters connection, and enhances productivity. Drawing from research and experiences in human factors engineering, game design, and everyday life, Jane makes the case for reclaiming play as an essential tool for curiosity, resilience, and happiness. Jane Schmelkin is a current senior at Tufts University studying Engineering Psychology and Computer Science. Jane has worked for the past nine months at Warner Bros. Games Boston as a product manager developing the Game of Thrones: Conquest live mobile game. In her free time she enjoys skiing, hiking, and trying new restaurants. 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

Yostina Adugna, a Year 13 student at Cambridge high school with a passion for inspiring others through storytelling and meaningful experiences. Today, she will be sharing her thoughts on the importance of living life in the moment and appreciating the little things. Yostina Adugna, a Year 13 student at Cambridge high school with a passion for inspiring others through storytelling and meaningful experiences. Today, she will be sharing her thoughts on the importance of living life in the moment and appreciating the little things. 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

Shreshth Dadhich, a Year 11 student from The Cambridge High School. Shreshth’s interests span a wide spectrum—from gaming to academics and everything in between. But today, he steps onto this stage not to talk about hobbies or school, but to share something deeply personal and relatable: his thoughts and experiences on the influence our family has on shaping our lives. Shreshth Dadhich, a Year 11 student from The Cambridge High School. Shreshth’s interests span a wide spectrum—from gaming to academics and everything in between. But today, he steps onto this stage not to talk about hobbies or school, but to share something deeply personal and relatable: his thoughts and experiences on the influence our family has on shaping our lives. 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

Sarah Shaheel, a student from Year 13 in CHS, is dedicated to proving that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience. While many see obstacles as roadblocks, Sarah views them as stepping stones, believing that passion and perseverance are the true keys to achieving greatness. Today, she’ll explore how an unwavering commitment to your goals can shape your future, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. Sarah Shaheel, a student from Year 13 in CHS, is dedicated to proving that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience. While many see obstacles as roadblocks, Sarah views them as stepping stones, believing that passion and perseverance are the true keys to achieving greatness. Today, she’ll explore how an unwavering commitment to your goals can shape your future, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. 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