Sandeep Kondury reveals why knowing the lingo can be the difference between fading out and winning the market. He explains how crafting the right words or phrases can capture the attention of clients or customers and build culture, and propel your startup into the top 10%.As a Startup Operations Architect and Venture Capital Strategist, I empower early-stage ventures through innovative financial modeling and operational frameworks. With experience evaluating over 800 startups and driving successful capital raises, I specialize in identifying high-potential opportunities and optimizing growth through data insights. My journey spans building systems at Astralabs, advancing financial strategies at Forecaster, and now pioneering the Groundwork Framework at Startup Haven Ventures. A founder and Gildre community member, I am passionate about sharing insights on innovation and collaborating to shape the future. Let’s connect and explore the transformative power of forward-thinking strategies and technology.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

“Son Day Dinner” is more than a meal it’s a sacred space where Black men come together to be fed in body, mind, and spirit. In a world that often demands strength but denies vulnerability, this monthly gathering offers a table where healing, honesty, and brotherhood are always on the menu. Through my own journey from trauma to transformation, I share how one dinner table saved my life and how I’ve set the table for others to feel seen, heard, and whole. This talk is a call to reclaim the spaces that nourish us, and to build new ones for the men who need them most.” William “Billy” Council is a Harlem-based community leader, youth advocate, and social justice strategist. As Founder of the CouncilHim Foundation and Manhattan Director of Project Pivot (NYC Public Schools), he champions violence prevention, mentorship, and leadership development for young people. Billy also serves on the boards of New Heights Academy and the Renaissance Center of Mastery After School, and consults with Global Kids to advance civic engagement. A former City Council candidate and co-founder of The Rens basketball program, Billy uses sports, education, and policy to shift resources to historically excluded communities. His work has earned recognition from the NAACP, National Action Network, Harlem Fashion Week, and more. Through grassroots leadership and philanthropic impact, Billy is creating lasting change in Harlem and beyond. 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

We all meet people we just don’t like — but why? Xinnuo dives into the psychology of aversion, blending science with everyday experience. With warmth and wit, she offers strategies for managing negative feelings and discovering unexpected respect — or even connection. Xinnuo Xu is a student at Jinling High School. She’s an active member of the Student Council and excels at both writing and dancing. 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

Yun opens up about the emotional traps of people-pleasing and codependency — how they form, why they hurt, and what it takes to break free. With honesty and hope, she shares the tools that helped her find balance, autonomy, and self-worth. Yun Liu is a Senior 3 student at Jinling High School. She used to have a people-pleasing personality, which has given her a lot to reflect on over the past three years. In her talk, she will share insights on codependent relationships and the path to recovery. 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

Productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. This talk explores how focus, habits, and mindset shape our ability to work smarter, not harder. It offers simple yet powerful strategies to boost efficiency, reduce burnout, and achieve meaningful results. Motivated by the pursuit of purposeful work, this speaker explores the science and habits behind true productivity. With practical tools and mindset shifts, they help others overcome distraction, manage time wisely, and achieve more by focusing on what truly matters. 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