When Max Duroseau was seven years old, a National Geographic magazine ignited his dream of becoming a photographer, until the world told him it wasn’t practical. Years later, during the isolation of Shanghai’s lockdowns, he unexpectedly rediscovered that passion and followed it into the mountains of China. Through his journey from abandoned childhood dreams to rediscovering “flow,” Max explores how purpose isn’t about a job title, but about what makes you feel most alive. His talk challenges us to listen, to say yes, and to lean into the pulse of purpose. Max Duroseau is a Haitian American educator and artist from the United States. He earned his bachelor's degree from Florida State University in 2016, and his Master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2019, in Textile and Apparel Management. Currently teaching a high school humanities course in Shanghai, China, Max's work delves into aspects of identity and the self. As a portrait photographer, he seeks to capture the beauty in people and things that are often overlooked or hidden. Max's passion is exploring villages and rural communities off the beaten path, revealing their secrets in ways that inspire curiosity and wonder. His roles as an educator and artist intertwine, driven by a shared mission to uncover and celebrate the stories that define humanity. For more details, visit maxduroseau.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

In an age of double-speed movies, nonstop deadlines, and rushed relationships, what would it mean to slow down? In this talk, Seven Xu explores the hidden power of pauses, the moments of rest and reflection that allow us to reconnect with ourselves and with others. Through stories of work, love, and friendship, she shows how slowing down can reset our direction, deepen our bonds, and even redefine what success means. Pauses aren’t wasted time; they are the space where meaning, clarity, and connection begin. Seven, a TED speaker from WLSA, embodies sincerity, enthusiasm, and empathy. Her hobbies—calligraphy, chess, reading, and spending time with her cat, Eleven—help her discover her uniqueness and spread positivity. Seven believes sincerity is the foundation of love and strives to assist others whenever needed. Passionate about biology and neuroscience, Seven immerses herself in research, competitions, and lab work, driven by her desire to solve problems and learn. Her enthusiasm fuels her perseverance even in tough times. A lover of travel and nature, Seven embraces adventure through activities like boxing and bungee jumping, which teach her strength and resilience. Seven is empathetic, supporting friends and studying psychology to understand emotions. She excels in public speaking, leadership, and performance, hosting events and inspiring others. Balancing studies, social life, and health. Seven shines as a multifaceted individual. 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

Britpop wasn’t just a music genre, it was a cultural movement born from ordinary people in extraordinary times. In this talk, Tony Liu explores how Oasis, Blur, and the Beatles transformed hardship, social frustration, and political stagnation into authentic music that resonated with millions. With live guitar performances, Tony shows how Britpop contrasted the generic mainstream with songs of honesty, rebellion, and hope. From Thatcher-era disillusionment to timeless anthems, Britpop carried the voices of a generation, and its pulse still beats today. A cheerful student, brother, and friend, Tony loves badminton, books, the Beatles, and above all else, the British rock band Oasis. As a loyal fan of the band, he enjoys playing the guitar and singing Oasis tunes as a pastime (for which he implores you not to judge too harshly during his performance in the event). His is also passionate about education, having done research on AI integration in education with Pioneer academics and been a junior teacher guiding younger students read English novels for three years. 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

Saakshar Duggal explains why AI, cybercrime, and data privacy are not merely "tech topics" but rather commonplace issues that impact everyone in this provocative TED-style talk. He illustrates how irresponsible behavior, such as sharing Aadhaar cards or blindly trusting AI, can result in deepfakes, defamation, and disastrous personal repercussions by using true stories of students, couples, and professionals. Saakshar dispels the myth that celebrities are the only ones who should be concerned about AI risks by reminding us that it is not the future but rather the present with humor, candor, and urgency. In a world where technology is advancing more quickly than we can comprehend, this serves as a wake-up call to assume responsibility, safeguard ourselves, and increase our awareness. Saakshar Duggal is an advocate at the Delhi High Court, a cyber law specialist, and a public speaking coach dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through the art of impactful communication. With expertise in AI, cybercrime, and emerging technologies, he has contributed to global conversations at the International Conference on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime & Cybersecurity. As a TEDx and public speaking coach, Saakshar has developed his signature SCAN method, mentoring coaches and entrepreneurs to deliver powerful talks with clarity, confidence, and stage mastery—bridging his legal acumen with a passion for transformative communication. 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

Drawing from her own life journey of overcoming fear, anxiety, and societal expectations, Dr. Padmini Panigrahi challenges the idea of what is considered “usual” or “unusual” in our lives. She emphasizes that every challenge, setback, or deviation can become a stepping stone for growth when paired with resilience and the right tools. Introducing techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) alongside practices of yoga and meditation, she highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health for students and professionals alike. Her talk inspires audiences to break free from limiting beliefs, release negative emotions, and embrace healing as a path to success and happiness. A dynamic business leader, educationist, and motivator, she is the CEO & Co-Founder of Koshala Group of Industries, a 6x TEDx Speaker, Ph.D. in Business Management, and a certified EFT Coach. She is also the founder of two impactful NGOs — Dream Team Foundation and Koshala Darpana — dedicated to empowering communities and driving social 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

Blurring the lines between illusion and innovation, this talk explores what happens when technology goes beyond prediction and begins to feel like magic. Through live demonstrations that merge the digital and physical worlds, Sushil Jaiswal reveals how deeply our lives are intertwined with devices, data, and the unseen connections that control us. His interactive performance leaves the audience questioning: are we using technology, or is technology using us? Sushil Jaiswal is a celebrated mentalist, illusionist, and digital magician from Delhi, widely recognized as “The Brain Unlocker.” He blends traditional sleight of hand with cutting-edge iPad and digital magic, creating immersive and personalized performances that captivate audiences across weddings, corporate events, and live shows. His unique approach has earned him a place among the Top 10 Magicians in India and a prestigious mention in the Guinness Book of World Records. He gained mainstream fame through appearances on India’s Got Talent and continues to dazzle as one of the country’s leading entertainers. 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