What if the life you built was never meant for you? | Tessa Tubbs | TEDxOldHickory
In this TEDxOldHickory talk, Tessa Tubbs speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they’re living on autopilot - doing all the right things but still wondering, “How did I end up here?”. She explores that quiet moment when success no longer feels like you - and what it really takes to stop performing a role and start writing your own story. Tessa Tubbs is a leadership strategist and executive coach who helps bold leaders cut through complexity and lead with clarity. With two decades of global experience—including work across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Asia, and Australia—she’s partnered with organizations like Disney, Liberty Mutual, Fidelity, and PepsiCo to elevate leadership, accelerate strategy, and drive meaningful impact. Known for fusing strategic insight with grounded wisdom, Tessa challenges leaders to move with purpose, lead with courage, and build what matters. She doesn’t hand out formulas—she equips leaders to think, move, and lead with intention. Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, she draws on lived experience and a global perspective while raising a teenage son, doing life with her husband of 18 years, and managing two energetic dogs. Her message? Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about intentional influence. 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
More from TED
- 6:06Smashing the Cage: Liberation for Women | Mohan Zhu | TEDxZhengzhou No.7 HSInspired by Delia's 1946 struggle against confining labels as wife and mother, my speech confronts the persistent "cages" of expectation women face today – labels like "bossy" or "not ambitious enough". It traces these labels' historical roots in biology and economics and details their high cost: stifling women's potential, harming mental health, and limiting societal progress. The call to action urges self-awareness, challenging stereotypes in language, supporting diverse role models and policies, and empowering every woman to bravely define herself and shatter the label-making machine. Students from Zhengzhou No.7 Senior High School who have only given individual speeches a few times in foreign teachers' classes. 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
- 6:58When "Mental Illness" Meets "Vulnerability" | Mengge Wang | TEDxZhengzhou No.7 HSThe speech argues against labeling mental illness as weakness, stating vulnerability can be strength, and calls for understanding and support for those with mental health issues. Wang Mengge High - school StudentI'm Mandy, a high school student exploring self - discovery through public speaking and psychology. When I step onto the stage and the lights hit me, I'm no longer just a bookish student. I become an explorer, using my voice as a bridge and stories as a guide to connect with the world. Sharing thoughts on mental health—like overcoming teen anxiety or rebuilding self - image—feels like peeling back layers of my heart to face my soul.Discussing topics such as "Mental illness ≠ weakness" taught me that speaking isn't just about sharing outwardly; it's a mirror to my own mind. As I voice insights about the psychological world, I untangle my own doubts and form a clearer sense of self. The audience's silence, nods, and questions show me: mental exploration is a lifelong lesson. Speaking has become my way to bond with others and stay curious on this path of self - discovery. 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
- 6:33Are Adolescent Children Inherently Rebellious? | Yilin Song | TEDxZhengzhou No.7 HSThis speech discusses whether adolescent children are inherently rebellious. It analyzes causes like physical/psychological changes and social environment. It also offers solutions for parents, schools and teens to prevent rebellion, aiming to help teens navigate adolescence smoothly. I am a student from Zhengzhou NO.7 High School 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
- 13:57What happened when we broke the rules | Will Dakin | TEDxScarisbrickWill Dakin, frontman of The Not Quite Big Band, took a 17-piece Rat Pack ensemble and broke every rule in the book. In this electrifying talk, he reveals how letting go of rigid tradition unlocked a new, high-energy sound that truly connected with modern audiences.His journey is more than a musical story; it's a powerful lesson in creative courage. Dakin makes a compelling case that true innovation doesn't mean destroying the past, but having the confidence to build upon it. For anyone feeling trapped by "the way things have always been done," his talk is a rallying cry to follow your instincts and discover what uniquely belongs to you. The director of the Not Quite Big Band (NQBB), a professional jazz ensemble based in Manchester. He is the driving force behind the band, which has seen significant success since its inception.The Not Quite Big Band is a professional jazz ensemble that started as a university band and has grown into a successful act, performing sold-out shows. 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
- 12:16Know Your Rights Shape your Future | Priyankha Prasanna | TEDxTIPS Trichy YouthIn times of uncertainty, when faced with a questionable situation, it is essential to remember the importance of understanding and asserting our rights. Priyankha sheds light on the significance of knowing our rights and how they empower us to navigate difficult circumstances with confidence. It is not just about courage but also about being informed and standing up for oneself. Priyankha Prasanna, a Grade 8 student, brings a global perspective shaped by her upbringing in the UAE and a lifelong education in the Cambridge curriculum. This international background has fueled a powerful personal mission: to share the empowerment that comes from knowing one's rights. She believes that awareness is the first step toward justice and is passionate about creating a global conversation that emphasizes the importance and usage of fundamental rights across all communities. For Priyankha, education is not just academic; it is a tool for universal empowerment, and she is determined to use her voice to help others find theirs. 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
- 9:23Design for Decades, Not for Trends | Mr Anik Jain | TEDxMayoor School AjmerAnik Jain’s talk challenges the growing obsession with overly complex and fancy designs in today’s world. He believes that true design excellence lies in simplicity, clarity, and purpose. As the world keeps evolving rapidly, we often end up adding more than what is needed — making designs heavier, distracting, and less effective. Anik emphasizes the power of minimalism, where every element has a reason to exist. He also highlights the importance of strong typography, stating that design should not just look good today, but stay timeless for decades to come. His message is clear: great design is classic, useful, and passes the ultimate test — the test of time. Anik Jain is the founder and creative director of DZ!NR, a design studio specializing in branding, visual storytelling, and innovative graphic solutions. With a philosophy that design is both art and communication, Anik crafts projects that resonate with audiences and convey meaningful narratives. His work spans logos, brand identities, social campaigns, and creative collaborations, reflecting originality, modern aesthetics, and cultural relevance. Beyond his client work, Anik mentors young designers, sharing insights on design thinking, portfolio building, and the power of visual storytelling. Through DZ!NR, he continues to redefine how contemporary Indian design is perceived, inspiring a generation of creative thinkers. 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








