As AI reshapes the future of work and renders traditional skills obsolete, what truly makes humans irreplaceable? In this sharp and witty talk, entrepreneur and podcast host Saadi Mansuri argues that it’s not degrees or coding bootcamps, but our ability to navigate uncertainty, improvise in real-time, and thrive in chaos. Drawing on insights from everyday life and his unconventional journey into tech, Saadi reframes unpredictability—not as a disadvantage, but as the ultimate competitive edge in an AI-driven world. Saadi Mansuri is a seasoned marketing leader and AI entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience at global brands. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics from LUMS and an MBA in Marketing from IBA Karachi.Driven by curiosity, Saadi co-founded Nostrad.AI, a forward-thinking tech startup focused on AI-driven marketing and analytics. As CEO, he helps organizations navigate digital transformation by blending artificial intelligence with real-world adaptability. 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 a world quick to judge and eager to categorize, how do we reclaim the power to define ourselves? In this thought-provoking talk, Tara Uzra Dawood explores how cultural norms, gender expectations, and societal labels can box people in—especially women. Drawing from her work as a business leader and advocate, she reveals how shedding external definitions unlocks personal freedom and meaningful change. This is a powerful call to unbox identity, not just by breaking free of what others expect, but by intentionally deciding who you are, on your own terms. Tara Uzra Dawood is a visionary leader and advocate redefining what it means to lead with authenticity. As Founder and President of the Dawood Global Foundation and Ladies Fund, she champions women's financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and leadership through capacity-building initiatives and landmark recognition programs.Tara is also the CEO and Founder of 786 Investments Ltd (formerly Dawood Capital), Pakistan’s first publicly listed Shariah-compliant asset management company.She is a global speaker and board member of leading social impact organizations, Tara’s mission is to dismantle societal boxes—whether cultural, gendered, or professional—so individuals can define themselves on their own terms. As a pioneer: she became the first female CEO of a non‑banking financial institution in Pakistan, launched the country’s first awards celebrating women’s leadership, and continues to uplift underrepresented voices . 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 this heartfelt and thought-provoking talk, Zulfawu Tahiru explores the generational journey toward gender equality through personal stories, cultural reflections, and global insights. Inspired by her grandmother’s lived experience and ongoing conversations with peers, Zulfawu challenges misconceptions about feminism and powerfully reframes gender equality as a win-win for society; benefiting men, women, companies, countries, and communities alike. She makes the case that true equity requires empathy, shared responsibility, and making gender visible, especially to those who benefit from privilege. This talk is both a call to reflection and a rallying cry: How might we all, regardless of gender, actively advance equality in our homes, workplaces, and world? Zulfawu Nobre Tahiru is a Development Senior Associate at the African Leadership Group, where she leads stewardship and engagement efforts to support transformational initiatives across the continent.A passionate advocate for gender equality, youth, and community development, Zulfawu combines her professional expertise with a deep commitment to creating opportunities that empower marginalised communities. Her mission is to empower young girls in disadvantaged communities through policy, advocacy and access, with a focus on women in continuous conflict communities.Prior to the African Leadership Group, she contributed to impactful projects through roles at organisations such as the African Union - African Continental Free Trade Area, the African Philanthropy Forum, and Global Citizen Year.Zulfawu is also an alumnus of the African Leadership University, with a Bachelors in International Business and Trade. 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 this talk, Taarika Sethee explores the three most overlooked elements in climate advocacy: community, education, and optimism. For climate activists, she emphasizes that community serves as an anchor, education is the key to meaningful action, and optimism is a mindset that must be consciously adopted. Through these three pillars, Taarika also highlights the importance of a solution-based mindset, accessible education, intersectionality, and the crucial balance between acknowledging the realities of the climate crisis while maintaining hope for the future. Taarika Sethee is the Youth4Climate Intern at SanDiego350 and a sophomore at Canyon Crest Academy. She is deeply engaged in climate advocacy, driven by a lifelong connection to nature and a commitment to empowering youth from diverse backgrounds to lead in the fight for climate justice. Beyond her environmental work, Taarika is a competitive dancer, accomplished public speaker, founder of the Beads4Needs service initiative, and a Punjabi language instructor at her local temple. Through her leadership, she aims to inspire the next generation to create a more just and sustainable future. 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

When wars end, we think the damage ends too. But what if the real harm lingers unseen — buried in the very soil beneath our feet? In this deeply personal talk, environmental scientist and Navy veteran Carrie Shuster takes us beneath the iconic battlefield of Iwo Jima to uncover a hidden geological scar — the toxic residues of heavy metals left behind by one of WWII's most intense battles. Through original fieldwork, soil sampling, and environmental modeling, she exposes how lead, mercury, and other pollutants still persist nearly 80 years later, not just as remnants of history but as ongoing threats to ecosystems and human health. From Iwo Jima to modern conflict zones, this talk challenges us to recognize war not only as a geopolitical crisis, but as an environmental one — one whose residues may outlive us all. Carrie Shuster is an environmental scientist and veteran revealing the hidden pollution of war and advocating for sustainable, accountable military practices. 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

Education has the power to give new direction to society. While the private sector, consumers, and governments must join forces to combat social and environmental injustices, this effort would be incomplete without academia or education as a foundation. This talk explains why integrating sustainability into education (particularly business education) is key. Erlinde Cornelis (Ph.D. 2013 Ghent University, Belgium, BAEF grant) is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Senate Distinguished Professor at the Fowler College of Business. She also serves as the Chair of SDSU's Senate Sustainability Committee and as a co-prime investigator for SCEIN, a Cleantech SD incubator funded by the California Energy Commission. In 2017 and 2018, Cornelis was named the Most Influential Professor in Marketing in the Fowler College of Business.Cornelis developed new curriculum on sustainability in business, including the Undergrad Sustainable Business Consulting Program. Her research focuses on persuasion, consumer psychology, and economic, social, and environmental sustainability in business. Her research was published in Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, International Journal of Research in Marketing, International Journal of Advertising, Journal of Business Research, and European Journal of Marketing, amongst others. 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