What do you do when life swallows you whole, when the world you know disappears? In this personal and metaphorical talk, Isabela uses the analogy of an Acacia seed and its process through an elephant's digestive system to explore how vulnerability, migration, and culture shock can break us, but also transform us. From the crisis in Venezuela to the icy Patagonia, to Tanzania, her story reveals how losing our "shells", our comfort zones, ideologies, and fears, can connect us to a global community and our true selves. The Power of a Seed" explores the transformative journey of vulnerability through the metaphor of an Acacia seed. Just as the seed must endure the harsh process of being eaten by an elephant to grow, we, too, face challenges that strip away our comfort zones and push us toward growth. Through my migration from Venezuela to Chile and later to Tanzania, I experienced the discomfort of change, the struggles of adaptation, and the power of human connection. Vulnerability, rather than being a weakness, became my greatest strength—it allowed me to embrace new perspectives, break down biases, and truly connect with others. This talk is a reflection on resilience, empathy, and the courage to grow beyond our shells, proving that even when life throws us into an elephant’s stomach, we have the power to transform the experience into something extraordinary. 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

What do cars, office dynamics, and 90's boy bands have in common? In this engaging talk, Ernest challenges the conventions of a strong leader by showing how vulnerability can be transformed from a weakness into a workplace superpower. Using analogies and real-life insights, he explores how embracing our imperfections can create stronger teams, foster innovation, and build authentic connections. Buckle up for a fresh perspective on what it really means to lead with humanity! "From Perfect to Human," explores the power of vulnerability in leadership, teamwork, and innovation. Using an analogy of two car brands, you highlight how embracing human imperfection leads to resilience and success. Vulnerability is not weakness—it fosters authenticity, real connections, and a culture of trust. It enhances innovation by promoting collaboration and eliminating micromanagement. Leaders who admit faults and empower others to build more effective, motivated teams. However, vulnerability must have boundaries to be productive. Your speech encourages people to embrace imperfection, own their mistakes, and foster real, human relationships. 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

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal spiritual views and understanding of energy, healing, and manifestation. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfLebogang (Gabela) Makubetse takes us on a moving, humorous, and deeply spiritual journey—one that begins in the dust-filled streets of Soweto, winds through boardrooms around the world, and finds sacred stillness on ancestral land in Magaliesburg. As she trades suits for soil and frontals for forest walks, she reminds us that true success isn’t in accolades, but in alignment, healing, and remembrance.Speaking directly to young people navigating identity, societal pressure, and inherited dreams, Lebogang urges the next generation to listen to the quiet call of their soul before it turns into a scream. She invites youth to break free from borrowed narratives and boldly craft a life rooted in their own purpose. This is a story of land, legacy, and the powerful moment when your calling refuses to wait. Lebogang Makubetse is a corporate strategist, wellness visionary, and founder of Forest Lodge The Retreat, a holistic healing retreat nestled in Magaliesburg. With an MBA and over 12 years of experience in global pharmaceutical leadership, she has worked across Africa, Europe, and South America, most recently in Vaccine strategy. By day, she navigates the corporate space; by night, she listens to ancestral whispers and walks the path of the healer.At Forest Lodge The Retreat, she blends modern wellness with African indigenous wisdom—offering cannabis therapies, ukufutha (traditional steaming rituals), ice-bath breathwork, river cleanses, and herbal healing rooted in sacred plant intelligence. 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

Mischa Oak reflects on his groundbreaking experience of being one of the first gay people married on reality TV and how it sparked his lifelong mission to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion. He highlights the challenges faced by queer individuals, debunks myths about sexuality and gender, and emphasizes the joy and innovation that diversity brings to communities. Mischa draws on global and historical examples to show that embracing difference is natural and essential for progress. With humor and authenticity, he inspires audiences to see inclusion as a way to unlock human potential, amplify excellence, and create a world where everyone’s identity is celebrated as a unique gift. LGBTQ+ Inclusion Trainer, Speaker and StrategistMischa founded LGBTQ Inclusion Training to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people and support diversity and inclusion within organizations. Mischa believes inclusion amplifies excellence for everyone and that the Queer community offers invaluable life lessons that can enrich humanity.With over 20 years of experience as an educator and 2SLGBTQ+ advocate, Mischa holds a Master of Education in Social Justice Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning. He gained international recognition as part of the first wave of legal same-sex marriages, featured on the reality TV series My Fabulous Gay Wedding. Taking part in the Queer Liberation movement propelled his ongoing advocacy work, including efforts to expand transgender and Queer inclusion in BC schools during his 17 years as a teacher.Today, Mischa advises and trains companies, organizations, governments, and communities on 2SLGBTQ+ well-being, anti-discrimination, and inclusion, helping to foster life-changing progress. Mischa Oak is a Loran Scholar and an alumnus of Queen’s University, the University of Toronto, and Memorial University.#pride #pridemonthThis 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

Every day, you make thousands of decisions. Most are automatic. But a handful, just seven - can shape your entire life. In this powerful TEDx talk, you’ll join a transformative exploration of courage—how it shapes your life, fuels your decisions, and liberates you from regret. Drawing from personal experience and global leadership roles, and inspired by a transformative pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, former Fortune 500 executive Christopher O.H. Williams unveils seven key choices that define courage and challenges us to embrace a life driven by purpose, rather than fear. Prepare to see your daily choices in a whole new light, and to walk away ready to take the first bold step toward seven that matter. Christopher O.H. Williams is an international keynote speaker, board director, and author who advises leaders and organizations on courageous growth and transformation. A former Fortune 500 executive at adidas, Nike, VF Corporation, and Gap, he is also the first President of African Leadership University and founder of the consulting firm Custament Partners. In his upcoming book, C.O.U.R.A.G.E.: 7 Choices for Living a Life Without Regret (Fall 2025), Christopher offers a bold roadmap for living more authentically. A U.S. citizen based in Europe, Christopher holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics from Morehouse College. For more about Christopher and his work, visit https://www.christopherowilliams.com/ 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

Think you understand AI? Think again. AI pioneer Tim Schleicher reveals why your intuition about AI is dangerously flawed. Using disturbing proof, Tim challenges you to reconsider your deepest assumptions. Learn three powerful strategies to master the messy world of AI and discover revolutionary possibilities where you least expect them: in the most human of all spaces. Tim Schleicher is a leading voice on AI in Europe. As the founder and CEO of One Thousand, Tim spearheads a large breakthrough squad on a mission to build 1,000 real-world AI solutions – taking on declining productivity, demographic shifts, and the continent’s innovation gap head-on. Known for blending deep tech expertise with sharp business strategy, Tim turns AI from buzzword to bottom-line. With 10+ years in AI, Tim has worked with DAX-listed heavyweights, the hidden champions powering Germany’s economy, and brought AI to the public sector and global NGOs alike. He’s a trained data scientist, with academic roots at institutions including Columbia University and Zeppelin University. He’s also a Senior Fellow at Humanity in Action and an Inspirer at Hacker School, working to shape a more inclusive Age of AI. 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