We all know it. Before an exam. Before an interview. Before we take a risk. It sneaks in and whispers: You’re not ready. You don’t know enough. You can’t predict what will happen. Most of us treat uncertainty as a weakness. Something to eliminate. Something to overcome. Something to hide from. I am studying at Nanjing Foreign School Xianlin Branch International High School and have previously been awarded the titles of Outstanding Student and Outstanding Student Leader 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

Friends, imagine this: A towering tree doesn’t grow overnight, and a rushing river originates from tiny streams. The most profound wisdom of nature often lies in the principles of circulation, repetition, continuity, and refinement. Today, what I want to explore and unlock with all of you is precisely such a tool—it seems to come from an industrial workshop, yet in fact, it contains the code for the growth of the universe: the PDCA Cycle. PDCA is the acronym for Plan, Do, Check, and Act. It is not a cold, mechanical process, but rather the core algorithm that enables us to thrive and grow like natural living beings. This concise closed loop represents the underlying logic of all things’ growth: Plan is taking root downward, Do is growing upward, Check is adjusting toward the sun, and Act is iterating for new life. 汽车&风电18年，质量管理15载，从工艺出发，在质量一路成长，制造之美，质量为规；工科思维为基，求知心态为引，荆棘旅途感悟人生得失，知识花开分享乘风而行，环是圆满，也是无限。 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

Ayanda Carter recounts leaving South Africa at 22 to pursue a career in interior architecture in Nigeria, despite initial uncertainties and cultural differences. She highlights her reliance on talent, tenacity, and self-driven opportunities, such as designing airports and homes while adapting to diverse cultural norms. Emphasizing that becoming oneself is a lifelong journey, she encourages students to be curious, persistent, and accountable, learning from experiences even when frustrated. Praising the students' calmness and detail-oriented nature, she urges them to contribute to Nigeria's growth and to embrace challenges with resilience. The talk is an inspiring call to seize opportunities, develop skills, and remain committed to personal and professional growth. Ayanda Carter is an accomplished business strategist and architect of Melanin Creatives, a platform dedicated to amplifying African design and storytelling. With her expertise in strategy, communications, and creative innovation, she integrates African perspectives into global conversations, equipping the next generation to lead with identity and vision. 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

West explores the invisible forces that derail communication—even among the smartest, most well-intentioned teams. With humor and deep insight, she reveals how tiny assumptions, unsaid “obvious” facts, and quickly formed insider language can quietly sabotage collaboration. Drawing on two decades of research, West unpacks why teams miss critical information even when it’s in the room, and how our brains are wired to overlook what others don’t know. Her stories will make you laugh, cringe, and rethink your next team meeting. This talk is a powerful call to slow down, check your shared assumptions, and finally say the thing that “goes without saying.” Tessa West is a Professor of Psychology at New York University and a renowned authority on interpersonal communication. Her research tackles complex issues such as the challenges of giving honest feedback, the impact of class, race, and cultural differences on workplace communication, and strategies for improving professional interactions.A prolific scholar, Tessa earned her PhD from the University of Connecticut and has published over 80 articles in leading academic journals, including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Psychological Science, and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Her contributions have earned her multiple honors, including the Early Career Award and the Theoretical Innovation Prize from the Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology, as well as significant funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.Tessa’s insights have garnered extensive media coverage in outlets such as The New York Times, Scientific American, TIME, and Forbes, and her expertise has been showcased on Good Morning America, CNN, and ABC World News. She is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal and the author of two acclaimed books, Jerks at Work: Toxic coworkers and what to do about them and Job Therapy: Finding work that works for you. Her TED Talk, "The problem with being too nice at work," was among the top 10 most-watched talks of 2024. 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 are in a crisis. Climate change, mass extinction, and soaring inequality are not separate problems—they are symptoms of a single, dangerous idea that has been poisoning western society for more than 400 years: the idea that humans are separate from, and superior to, nature. In this talk, we trace this flawed mindset from the philosopher René Descartes to the economic theories of Adam Smith and Milton Friedman. You will see how this single assumption gave us permission to build a society that relentlessly pursues profit at the expense of our planet, leading to the unjust and unsustainable world we see today. But what if there's another way? What if we could initiate a "Reformation 2.0"? This isn't about small fixes like taxes or regulations; it's about a revolutionary shift in our most fundamental beliefs. This is a call to challenge our deepest assumptions and build a future that works for everyone, not just a fortunate few. It's time for Reformation 2.0. Kevin is Professor Emeritus of Chemical Meteorology at Stockholm University. He is known for his research on global sustainability, and on the role of aerosols and clouds in climate and air quality. He was Director of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme and he is Chief Scientific Advisor at the International Sustainable Finance Centre and Re-Define. Kevin engages widely in science outreach, working with NGOs, businesses, faith groups, and policymakers. 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 been told a terrifying story about climate change. We stand before two doors: behind one is environmental collapse, and behind the other is economic ruin from the drastic policies meant to stop it. It’s a classic "wicked problem" where every choice leads to disaster. But what if that story is wrong? What if there's a third door? In this talk, you'll discover why the choice between our planet and our prosperity is a false dilemma. The key isn't drastic, short-term sacrifice; it's the incredible, often-overlooked flexibility of our economy over the long run. Learn how a planned, 30-year transition to a climate-neutral world isn't a painful cost, but a cheap insurance policy for humanity. It's time to replace fear with a practical, optimistic, and achievable plan. Welcome to through the third door. John is Professor of Economics at the Institute for International Economic Studies at Stockholm University. He is known for his research is on public finance, social mobility, growth and climate change. He has worked as advisor to the Swedish Ministry of Finance and the European Economic Advisory Group. 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