In “The Invisible Game,” Dr. Mikel Whittier unpacks how imposter syndrome and hidden organizational politics quietly limit even the most capable leaders. Drawing from his work coaching executives, physicians, and rising professionals, Dr. Whittier reveals how exclusion and unwritten rules create environments where self-doubt thrives. Through powerful stories—from Major League Baseball to corporate boardrooms—he challenges the belief that imposter syndrome is purely internal, showing it’s often a symptom of systemic barriers. His talk offers a new playbook: one rooted in awareness, authenticity, and strategic empowerment. When leaders learn to navigate the invisible game with confidence and clarity, they don’t just survive—they rise and redefine the rules for everyone Dr. Mikel D. Whittier is a nationally recognized healthcare strategist, executive, and certified leadership coach focused on transforming health systems through equity and excellence. As the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health, he leads initiatives impacting 35,000 employees and over 2 million patients annually. With 16+ years of experience, Mikel has worked across academic medical centers, public health systems, and national movements to drive justice-centered innovation. He helped implement the Ferguson Commission’s health equity recommendations, directing $2 million to community-based public health. He co-developed UCLA’s JUST Excellence Framework and led Medicaid expansion campaigns in Missouri. Mikel is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and founder of Splice Strategies, a consultancy supporting equity-driven leaders. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s in Health Administration. 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

The world is in desperate need of more authentic people those who show up as their true selves without pretense. Authenticity fuels innovation, inspires genuine connection, and creates space for real transformation. When people embrace who they are at their core, they unlock their greatest potential and empower others to do the same. True impact doesn’t come from imitation but from integrity, living boldly in alignment with one’s true self. Lisa Blackmon is an attorney, executive coach, and leadership strategist with over 25 years of experience in the legal and business sectors. As Managing Attorney at Blackmon & Blackmon, LLC, and Founder of Lifechangers International Inc., she blends legal expertise and a passion for transformational leadership. Lisa specializes in real estate law, guiding individuals and corporations in building wealth through property. She holds certifications in executive leadership, business coaching, and public speaking. Her programs and keynotes drive measurable growth. Lisa leads the “I AM A Lifechanger” movement, reaching thousands through workshops and speaking. She serves on the Executive Board of the Jimmie Hale Mission and is a charter member of both the Black Women Lawyers Association and NAWBO Birmingham. Lisa also volunteers with the Volunteer Lawyers Program. She empowers leaders to align purpose with performance and lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction. 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

Self-leadership is the foundation of all effective leadership. In a world where burnout is rising and uncertainty is constant, the ability to lead yourself—your thoughts, habits, emotions, and decisions—is more than a personal asset; it’s a professional imperative. We often focus on how leaders influence others, but forget to ask: Are they influencing themselves first? A professor at Samford University's Brock School of Business, specializing in leadership and organizational management. With a B.S. in Finance, an M.S. in International Business, and a Ph.D. in Business Management, I combine academic rigor with real-world insight. My background in corporate settings, higher education, and leadership development gives me a unique perspective on bridging personal growth and organizational success. I’m passionate about helping leaders and teams unlock their potential through practical, results-driven strategies tailored to their goals. My work fosters accountability, synergy, and effectiveness in today’s evolving workplace. I’ve published in leading journals such as Leadership, Personality and Individual Differences, Leadership & Organizational Development, and the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. My mission is to empower individuals and organizations to grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 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 living in a time of incredible technological progress—AI is writing code, answering emails, and even giving career advice. But as we speed up digitally, we risk slowing down relationally. No app can replace trust, empathy, or the joy of human connection. In this Relationship Renaissance, it’s time we start valuing people as much as we value progress. Pete Blank brings a wealth of leadership experience from his 13-year career at Disney, where he helped shape the company’s world-renowned employee culture. At the Disney University, he led the Traditions program and trained thousands of college interns, later serving as a Segment Learning Manager for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.Currently the Training and Organizational Development Manager for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, Pete also speaks nationwide on leadership, employee engagement, and customer experience. He holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Facilitator of Training (CFT) credentials and received Disney’s prestigious “Partners in Excellence” award.Pete is the author of Employee Engagement: Lessons from the Mouse House and 55 Ways to Add Disney Magic to Your Organization. With humor, insight, and actionable strategies, he helps leaders create meaningful workplace experiences that drive results. 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

“Disastrous Hope” is a story of resilience, identity, and rebirth in the face of loss. As a first-generation student and professional, I share how Hurricane Katrina washed away the tangible pieces of my past but revealed something deeper—the strength to rebuild from nothing. Through heartbreak and uncertainty, I discovered that hope isn’t the absence of disaster but the courage to rise through it. This talk reminds us that our greatest growth often emerges from what we lose, and that even in destruction, there can be transformation. Don Mosely is a civic leader, legal professional, and advocate for community safety and equity. He serves as Project Oversight Manager for the City of Birmingham’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), leading strategic planning to enhance public safety and well-being. Formerly the County Court Administrator for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, he improved judicial efficiency and access. Don, a Miles College graduate and first-generation college student, earned his J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. His career includes roles with FEMA, AmeriCorps, UAB, and the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity. He also led TRIO programs and managed $1.3M in federal education funding. Don has held leadership roles with UNCF, Toastmasters, and multiple nonprofit boards. Recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal, Birmingham Times, and Alabama Legislature, he models servant leadership. His work is rooted in justice, education, and community empowerment. 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 “Communicating with Everyone Throughout the World,” Dr. Henry Henderson shares how learning a new language can transform not only how we speak—but how we think, connect, and live. Growing up in Mobile, Alabama, with its deep French roots, Dr. Henderson rediscovered his love for French later in life and found that language learning strengthened his cognitive abilities, creativity, and communication skills as a cancer biologist. He reveals how bilingualism builds bridges across cultures and disciplines while enhancing brain health and empathy. Through his story, Dr. Henderson shows that learning another language isn’t just about words—it’s about expanding the mind and connecting more deeply with humanity. Dr. Henry J. Henderson III is a cancer biologist, medical science liaison, and passionate advocate for health equity. A Mobile, Alabama native, he earned his B.S. from Southern University and Ph.D. from Tuskegee University, followed by postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt. Dr. Henderson’s impact spans from Capitol Hill, where he has lobbied for cancer research funding, to international speaking engagements on cancer equity. Named one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health by the National Minority Quality Forum, he’s also a Southern University 40 Under 40 alumnus. Beyond science, Henry is a champion for global citizenship and cognitive health, promoting French language learning as a tool for connection and cross-cultural understanding. Through his work in research, education, and public engagement, Dr. Henderson inspires a future where knowledge, equity, and human connection drive transformative progress in healthcare 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