What does strength really look like in fatherhood? In this compassionate talk, Todd Duermyer opens a conversation about paternal mental health, often overlooked yet crucial to family wellbeing. Drawing on research and personal experience, Todd speaks to the silent struggles many dads face, including anxiety and postpartum depression. He calls for a cultural shift that uplifts fathers, supports open dialogue, and redefines strength as vulnerability and presence.Todd joined SIU in 2019 after 13 years in the television broadcast industry. As a Cinematographer/Creative Video Producer for SIU’s University Communications & Marketing, he creates videos showcasing SIU on various platforms, leads a team of students and Graduate Assistants in video production, and is also one of the licensed drone pilots for the campus. Since 2022, Todd has served on the Civil Service Council, contributing to scholarships, fundraising, and honorary degree recommendations.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

Soukeyna KANE - Experte en finance internationale, Poétesse Depuis peu, Soukeyna s‘est installée en terre ivoirienne pour poursuivre sa carrière au sein d’une institution financière de développement. Maman de deux garçons, l’écriture est pour cette femme de convictions, une seconde nature. Pour ses « premiers pas » dans la littérature, elle choisit son genre de prédilection : la poésie. Un art que les Peuls, l’ethnie dont elle est originaire, maîtrisent à la perfection. Elle a été moulée avec cette obsession de la parole enveloppée, adoucie, parsemée de paraboles, mais une parole sans complaisance. Experte en finance internationale, Poétesse Soukeyna Kane capitalise une expérience d’une vingtaine d’années dans la Finance internationale. Elle a occupé des postes à responsabilités au sein d’institutions bancaires de renom tant en Afrique qu’Europe. 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

Sharan reflects on his journey, emphasizing that even with age, he still feels proud of the work he did at 21. Looking back, he believes he was “too good” even then, but what stands out more than skill or success is a quality that has stayed with him through the years which is madness! For Sharan, madness isn’t defined as recklessness, its passion, energy, and the courage to live life on his own terms. He believes everyone has their own version of madness, and for him, it’s about being unapologetically himself, doing what he loves, and breaking the mold. He wants people to see him and say, "That guy’s mad." And he embraces it. He also challenges the audience’s expectations. They may have come expecting a serious speaker or a traditional motivational talk — but instead, he made them laugh, broke the seriousness, and still left them thinking and that to him, is a win. Sharan emphasizes us to not just copy others. Get inspired if you want, but real success happens only when you add your own twist to everything you do. Finally, he shares a full-circle moment. At 21, he used to sit in the crowd at TEDx events, watching others speak. Now, he’s the one on stage creating content, making money, living his dream. And that, in his eyes, is his true success. Sharan Chilimbi, popularly known as ‘The Powerhouse’, is a prominent Tulu content creator and YouTuber with a strong social media presence, boasting 1,35,000 subscribers on YouTube, 1,07,000 followers on Instagram, and 59,000 followers on Facebook. He successfully runs a Tulu podcast, ‘Chilling with Chilimbi’, featuring celebrated personalities like Raj B Shetty, Anchor Anushree, and CID Daya Shetty. Sharan has also acted in various Tulu web series and movies and shared the screen with Kannada Big Boss stars Raghu Gowda (Raghu Vinestore) and Shamanth Gowda (Bro Gowda) in Kannada web series. Additionally, he reached the quarter-finals of the Konkani dance reality show Naach Nara Naach Nari, broadcasted on Daijiworld. 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

In her TED Talk, The Maverick’s Blueprint: Connecting Confidence and Goals to Fulfillment, Alexia Hoffman shares how embracing bold confidence and setting intentional goals can lead to a more meaningful life. Drawing from her own journey as a young entrepreneur, she offers a practical yet empowering framework for building a life of purpose, not pressure. Her talk is a call to action for dreamers and doers to own their path, trust their instincts, and redefine success on their own terms. Meet Alexia, a passionate and determined business owner with a story that's as unique as it is inspiring. Originally from Southern California, Alexia made a bold move to Michigan on a lacrosse scholarship, not knowing a soul. After a year on the lacrosse team, she realized her heart was set on a different path, leading her to leave the team and forfeit her athletic scholarship in pursuit of a more fulfilled life. At the young age of 19, Alexia achieved a significant milestone—earning her real estate license. Fast forward a bit, and she proudly became a broker and owner at the age of 23. Her journey isn't just about resilience and commitment; it's filled with lessons and insights that can light a fire under anyone looking to carve their own path. 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

Ganesh Karnik, in this thought-provoking TEDx talk at NITK Surathkal, redefines what it means to be "lucky" in a society shaped by opportunity, education, and civic duty. Speaking to young engineers, he challenges them to see their college years not just as career preparation, but as a foundation for nation-building. He stresses on the fifth dimension of education - being a responsible citizen. Blending spiritual reflections with civic philosophy, he emphasizes the power of self-belief, enlightened citizenship, and responsibility. Referencing thinkers like Swami Vivekananda and Adi Shankaracharya, Karnik calls for youth to awaken their inner potential and contribute meaningfully to society. He explains why Adi Shankaracharya never was arrogant when he said “Aham Brahmasmi” or “Tatvamasi” and was rather a quest to answer the question that always has troubled enlightened minds “Who Am I?”As a seasoned educator, Ganesh Karnik has spent years guiding students, professionals, and policymakers alike toward values-based leadership. Known for his oratory and deep understanding of India's democratic and spiritual fabric, he brings a unique blend of political insight and philosophical grounding. His commitment to shaping responsible citizens and encouraging youth to reflect on their higher purpose is central to his work—making this talk not just a lecture, but a heartfelt call to action. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. A seasoned educator, public leader, and motivator, Ganesh Karnik has spent years guiding students, professionals, and policymakers alike toward values-based leadership. Known for his oratory and deep understanding of India's democratic and spiritual fabric, he brings a unique blend of political insight and philosophical grounding. His commitment to shaping responsible citizens and encouraging youth to reflect on their higher purpose is central to his work—making this talk not just a lecture, but a heartfelt call to action. 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

المقاولة الاجتماعية .. لماذا مهمة ؟ Social entrepreneur //Co founder NCI LAAYOUNE // co founder Build skillsconsultancysarl au // Facilitateur creativity capacity building 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