Branding Appalachia: From Stereotype to Story | Kevin Mullins | TEDxJohnsonCity
In this inspiring TEDx talk, Kevin Mullins shares a deeply personal story about identity, stereotypes, and finding your voice. What started as a promising career moment turned into an unexpected turning point—one that forced him to rethink who he was and how others saw him. With humor and heart, he reveals how purpose, voice, and action can help us take back control of our own stories. This talk is a reminder that no one else should get to define who you are. To the outside world, I'm known as Kevin. But in the circles that speak the language of positioning and personas, I also answer to the shout of, “Hey Brand Guy!”More than a nickname, it’s an identity—the fallout of a full-blown obsession with brand. Call it a passion. Call it a problem. Either way, my purpose is to help businesses and organizations own their story, know why it matters, and connect to those who actually give a damn.Because when you show up as your true self, people don't just notice—they find something to believe in. 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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- 13:51Conscious Leadership and Sustainable Human performance | Neeraj Kumar | TEDxFiesoleWhat does it take to lead consciously in a world facing profound ecological, economic, and human crises? In this inspiring talk, Neeraj Kumar, global automotive executive, sustainability advocate, and mountaineer, shares how leadership rooted in awareness, resilience, and purpose can drive sustainable performance in business and beyond. Drawing from over 18 years of experience across leading global corporations and his mission to climb the Seven Summits, Neeraj explores the powerful intersection between peak physical endurance and conscious executive decision-making. His journey is a call to leaders everywhere: to rise not just in rank, but in responsibility, and to forge organizations where both people and the planet can thrive. Neeraj Kumar is a global executive in the automotive industry, currently Director – Head of Network Development & Performance at Stellantis Middle East Africa. With over 18 years of experience across Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Mahindra & Mahindra, and GE Europe, he has led strategy, business development, and network transformation across global markets. Neeraj holds a BE from Delhi College of Engineering, an MBA from Kedge Business School, and executive education from Stanford GSB. He is also a mountaineer, speaker, and coach, having summited Imja Tse, Kilimanjaro, Lobuche East, and climbed Aconcagua to 6650m. His mission: to complete the Seven Summits in dedication to sustainability and human resilience. 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
- 10:46How to grow a healthy corporate-garden? | Lucia Franchi | TEDxFiesoleWhat if we treated our organizations like living ecosystems, nurturing them with the same care, patience, and intention as a flourishing garden? In this insightful talk, Leadership Coach Lucia Franchi draws on 25+ years of global corporate experience to explore how leaders can cultivate thriving workplaces through empathy, authenticity, and conscious growth. With vivid metaphors and practical wisdom, Lucia guides us to rethink leadership not as control, but as care, where people are seen, heard, and empowered to bloom. A fresh perspective for anyone ready to grow the kind of company culture where purpose, performance, and people flourish in harmony. Lucia Franchi is a Leadership Coach dedicated to empowering emerging leaders worldwide. With over 25 years of global experience in senior leadership roles across diverse industries, Lucia now coaches individuals and teams, combining empathy with practical strategies to unlock potential, inspire authentic leadership, and drive meaningful change. 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
