The Power of Discomfort: How Struggle Unlocks Potential | Mirus Ponon | TEDxKU Leuven
Turning discomfort into a valuable lesson is a concept Mirus Ponon understands brilliantly. In his talk, he reveals his journey into becoming the founder of a globally recognized youth activism organization, and the insights he has gained from the process.
Mirus Ponon is a dynamic 23-year-old youth changemaker and the Founder and Chairperson of the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network. His journey began at age 9 when he saw poverty first-hand while growing up in Paco, Manila. This personal encounter with adversity ignited Mirus' passion for advocacy, and he has since shared his story in numerous news and media outlets. With over 500 speaking engagements around the globe, Mirus has become a powerful voice for change.Currently, Mirus is a postgraduate student at KU Leuven and was the youngest speaker at the United Nations Global Climate and SDG Conference. His aspirations lie in continuing to be a catalyst for positive transformation, leveraging his platform to address global challenges and empower youth to create a lasting impact. His multifaceted roles and impressive achievements underscore his dedication to making a meaningful difference. 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
- 5:23Curiosity May Benefit the Cat | Alura Levia Anandita | TEDxKBS YouthThis talk explores how developing strong reading habits can sparks curiosity, improve comprehension, and open new perspectives. It shows that the reading is a life skill that helps us understand, connect, and grow. Alura is an 11th-grade student at Kesatuan Bangsa School who is known for her passion for reading and her love of learning. A dedicated member of the Student Council, she actively contributes to student initiatives and school events. Alura has also represented her school in several competitions, including an international English competition, where she demonstrated her deep interest in literacy and language. 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
- 6:32Your Key to Possibility | Calya Cetta Mecca | TEDxKBS YouthHaving a dream can unlock opportunities, lead to self-discovery, and inspire change. This talk encourages others to dare to dream because one dream can open many doors. Calya is a 9th-grade student at Kesatuan Bangsa Junior High School with a passion for science, leadership, and community involvement. She has represented her school in various extracurricular activities and competitions, including an international science project competition where she earned a gold medal. As President of the Student Council, Calya leads a dedicated team in organizing key school events and fostering student engagement. 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
- 12:29Speaking Up: My Journey from Fear to Freedom | DJ | Dong Jiang | TEDxCSTUFrom shy and introverted to confident and empowered, Dong Jiang—or better known as DJ—is a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and passionate communicator. In this TEDx talk, he shares his personal journey of transformation through public speaking—from a silent observer to a bold self-expressor. Having attended over 700+ events and connected with 6,000+ people around the world, DJ reveals how he turned fear into freedom—and how you can too. Whether you're an introvert, a hidden talent, or someone longing to be heard, his story is a powerful reminder: If he can speak up, so can you.Event: TEDxCSTU Date: May 18th, 2025 Location: California Science & Technology University (CSTU) Website: https://www.cstu.edu?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedx2025&utm_term=dong_jiangSpeaker: Dong Jiang (DJ) Learn more about the speaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dong-dj-jiang/ Check out his webpage: https://www.huajiaodj.com/ Speaker’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HuaJiaoDJOrganizer: Leni Jin, Organizer of TEDxCSTU Behind the scenes of TEDxCSTU: Stories & notes: https://lenijin.com/tedx More about the organizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenijin/ Organizer's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Leni_Jin#TEDxCSTU2025 #SelfImprovement #Communication #EffectiveCommunication #Storytelling #StorytellingSkills #Courage #OvercomeFear #OvercomingFear #PublicSpeaking #Motivation #Empowerment #LearningDisclaimer This talk was recorded at TEDxCSTU, an independently organized TEDx event hosted at California Science and Technology University under a license from TED. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent those of TEDxCSTU, the university, or TED. Dong Jiang or DJ, a lifelong learner who embodies the spirit of curiosity, growth and sharing. He is deeply involved in AI automation, building AI agents, and the world of no-code development. With a passion for public speaking and communication, he've learned from top mentors and coaches and attended around 700 events, connecting with over 6,000 fascinating individuals, and he’s not only committed to his own growth but also love to helping others improve their communication and public speaking skills 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
- 10:37Re-Connect: Path to a Resilient Future | Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg | TEDxPFH GoettingenFeeling lost in digital overload and disconnected from nature? In her powerful TEDx talk, Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg presents a practical roadmap to building resilience and finding yourself again. Learn her simple steps toward clarity and joy, and discover how to take mindful, sustainable action to shape the modern world with purpose. Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg, an internationally recognized expert in sustainability, innovation, and leadership, is described by Hypovereinsbank as "one of Germany's outstanding managers and entrepreneurs." A futurist, speaker, journalist, and founder, she is the CEO of Sustain Plus, Managing Director of the Berlin SRH Institute for Sustainability Management, and a Professor of Communication, succeeding Dieter Kronzucker. From an early age, she has been committed to human rights and environmental protection. Today, she continues her efforts as a co-founder of World Cleanup and GreenBytes, a board member of Plant for the Planet, President of the Club of Budapest Germany, and at the International Embassy for Economic Affairs. 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
- 9:52The Strange Cure for Loneliness: Strangers | Georgia Reinés | TEDxBlumenauLoneliness is a silent epidemic - and our traditional relationships aren’t always enough to heal it. In this talk, the brazilian researcher Georgia Reinés uncovers how intentional groups, made up of strangers, are offering deep connections in a disconnected world. Sometimes, the deepest connection comes not from those we've always had around, but from the strangers we decide to let in. Georgia Reinés explores global human transformations to drive changes, design new business models, and create sociocultural impact. She tackles some of the most pressing questions of our time and guides strategic decisions for leading companies across the world. 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
- 16:22Life’s Biggest Influences | Jaya Sriram | TEDxBISV YouthJaya reflects on how people shape one another and hopes exploring their archetypes helps others discover new aspects of themselves. Jaya Sriram is a freshman at BISV. She has a passion for music and loves singing, performing in musical theatre, and watching movies. She enjoys learning about business and hopes to pursue a career in law. In her spare time, Jaya is a softball player in the position of pitcher. She hopes to make a difference in the world by eventually starting a nonprofit that helps support the unhoused by selling self-made products from local rising artists. 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