I’ve spent my life turning vision into ventures, merging my personal passion with purpose-driven leadership. From my early roots in a family of entrepreneurs to building one of the fastest-growing technology firms serving the U.S. government, my journey reflects a deep belief: real innovation happens when business ambition aligns with mission.In this TEDx talk, I explore how identifying market opportunities is just one part of the equation. Lasting impact comes when we anchor those opportunities in service, values, and a relentless commitment to people. Whether you’re launching a startup or leading at scale, I want to share a blueprint for building with both head and heart. Gautam Ijoor is the founder and CEO of Alpha Omega, building mission-focused solutions that ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in national security, federal financial, health, space and science through AI, cybersecurity, digital modernization. A 2025 finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year, Mid-Atlantic, he led the company's growth from $500,000 to $214M in 9 years and acquired two new businesses on the same day in January 2025. A humble leader and passionate advocate for education and service, he mentors students, women, and minority-owned small business owners. As a Board Member of ChildHelp, he is dedicated to actively combating and preventing child abuse and neglect worldwide. 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

Solutions and tools are profoundly different. Tech is sold to us as “solutions”: things that supposedly solve our problems for us. By taking control from us, however, so-called solutions solve nothing. Instead, they disempower us and foster dependency. Tools, however, grant us control. They empower us, build our capacities, and put us in charge. By equipping us to solve our own problems, tools make us the solutions we need Peter Norton is an associate professor at the University of Virginia, specializing in the history of technology and transportation. He is the author of Fighting Traffic and Autonorama, and a leading voice on sustainable, equitable urban mobility. A recipient of multiple teaching awards, Norton frequently speaks on the social impacts of high-tech driving and car-centric city planning. 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, I share my journey through burnout, injury, and the painful decision to leave the soccer team that shaped my identity. Stepping away from comfort forced me to embrace uncertainty and in doing so, I discovered that growth often begins where familiarity ends. This story invites you to see change not as loss, but as a powerful path to resilience and self-discovery Shalika Kothuri is a rising freshman with a fervent passion for sports medicine and soccer. As a patent holder and dedicated researcher, she is committed to pioneering advancements in athlete health and injury prevention. Shalika’s work bridges her love for science and sport, inspiring her to explore innovative solutions that support athletic performance and wellbeing. Beyond her research, she is an avid soccer player who embraces the sport’s teamwork and discipline, fueling her drive to make a meaningful impact in the field of sports medicine. 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

What if robots could learn the way we do by reflecting, adapting, and figuring things out as they go? Too often, I’ve watched them stuck in rigid routines, breaking down the moment something unexpected happens. In this talk, I’ll show you how we can teach robots to learn on the job, transforming them from pre-programmed tools into evolving partners who grow and navigate the world alongside us. Dr. Xuesu Xiao leads the RobotiXX Lab, where humans ("XX-Men"/"XX-Women") and robots ("XX-Bots") develop intelligent, real-world-ready mobile robots with minimal human supervision. His work has powered field missions in the Mexico City earthquake, Greece refugee crisis, Fukushima nuclear disaster, and U.S. search-and-rescue ops. Featured in The New York Times, Google AI Blog, IEEE Spectrum, and WIRED, Dr. Xiao has received the GMU Presidential Award for Research Excellence and the 2025 Faculty Excellence Award 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

Exploring how indigenous wisdom—rooted in sustainability, culture, and community—offers innovative solutions to global challenges. The talk highlights the relevance of traditional practices in modern contexts like environment, health, education, and leadership, showing how local insights can inspire worldwide impact. With over five years of experience in shaping minds and voices, Shubham Kumar Nath has been a dynamic force in English language and literature education, with expertise in Language & Literature Facilitation, Public Speaking, Elocution, Interview and Group Discussion Training, and Company-Specific Placement Coaching. Having mentored learners from primary school students to professionals, he brings rare versatility and depth to the art of communication. His intellectual pursuits span non-fiction, history, political literature, geopolitical analysis, and Indian Knowledge Systems and Mythological Studies. A passionate orator and lifelong learner, he continues to devote himself to words, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to the craft of speech. 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

A decade in the classroom has been more than teaching—it has been a journey of learning, growth, and transformation. This talk reflects on the invaluable lessons students teach their teachers, the evolution of education beyond textbooks, and how ten years of experience can shape perspectives on resilience, empathy, and lifelong learning. Sucheta Mukherjee is a Computer Science educator with over 10 years of experience, known for her ability to connect instantly with people. More than a teacher, she is a mentor and communicator who creates spaces where learning transforms into meaningful conversations. A lover of books, dance, and travel, Sucheta draws inspiration from diverse experiences that shape her unique approach to teaching and storytelling. Passionate about lifelong learning, she believes in sharing ideas that spark curiosity, encourage reflection, and inspire growth. 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