When a design he created was used without permission, most people would have been upset. But designer Areous Ahmad saw an opportunity. In this inspiring talk, he shares the story of how that moment led him to embrace open-source design, a philosophy of sharing and collaboration over ownership and protection. He reveals how this simple act of generosity ignited a ripple effect of creativity, leading to the creation of free toolkits and resources that have empowered thousands of young designers across the globe.Areous makes a compelling case that in the age of AI, the future of design and technology is not built on individual brilliance, but on a culture of collective innovation, where sharing our work openly leads to more inclusive, ethical, and human-centered products. Areous A. Ahmad is a Product Designer and Community Advocate passionate about creating inclusive, scalable, and human-centred digital experiences. With years of experience leading design efforts across fintech, edtech, and AI-powered platforms, he focuses on simplifying complexity through design systems and no-code solutions.Areous is also an active voice in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, co-organising events like DevFest Ilorin and mentoring emerging designers through platforms like ADPList and Open Designers. His work sits at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact, constantly pushing beyond the surface to spark real 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

We've all heard the glamorous tales of success, but what about the messy, soul-shaking truth of building from nothing? Entrepreneur Fola takes us on a raw and honest journey through his rock-bottom moment—a period of betrayal, financial loss, and disillusionment that left him feeling like a failure. In this deeply personal talk, he shares how a moment of crisis became a classroom for clarity. Drawing on the principles from the book Midas Touch, Dada offers five essential tools for anyone looking to build a purpose-driven life or business: character, focus, brand, relationships, and the discipline of "the little things." This talk is a powerful and candid reminder that resilience, not rejection, is the true forge of an entrepreneur, and that the greatest triumphs often begin when we dare to rebuild ourselves from the ground up. Fola Oyedeji is a seasoned engineer and real estate developer with over half a decade of experience. He has facilitated real estate investments for over 1000 individuals locally and internationally, contributing to his vision of making affordable, top-quality real estate accessible to people across Nigeria and in diaspora.As the Founder and Group Managing Director of Experience Vision Creations (EVC), Fola specializes in innovative real estate solutions. He has developed key operational initiatives, driving substantial business growth and reducing the housing deficit in Africa. Under his leadership, EVC has successfully designed and developed prominent real estate projects, expanding into Ibadan, Lagos and Ogun.Fola's prowess in recommending company products and services to clients has secured over $2 million in sales revenue in 2024. Through his leadership and dedication, EVC has received numerous accolades, including the Housing Hero award in Ilorin from the Drive Leadership Network,The Trailblazer of the Year for 2024 as he also made the list of Power Brokers in Kwara for the Year 2024 by Kwarapedia.Fola holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Ilorin and has completed courses in management and corporate strategy at Lagos Business School. He is a member of several professional associations, including the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Nigerian Society of Engineers, Rotary International, the Forbes BLK community and the National Association of Technologists in Engineering.Fola's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to transforming the real estate landscape in Africa. 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