What if someone could read your thoughts—or even predict your secrets before you said a word? In this captivating TEDx talk, mentalist and magician Sushil Jaiswal takes the audience on an unforgettable journey through the power of illusion, psychology, and belief. Blending mind-reading demonstrations with personal stories of academic pressure, rediscovery, and defying expectations, Sushil reveals how magic is more than tricks—it's a tool to challenge perception and awaken imagination. Prepare to question your reality, reconsider what you know, and rediscover the magic of believing in the impossible. Sushil Jaiswal stands out as a top mentalist and magician who grabs people's attention by mixing illusions with psychology in a powerful way. He loves magic and uses mind-blowing shows to look into how people think, pay attention, and act. His work does more than just entertain—it makes people question what they believe and tries to uncover the secrets of the mind. People recognize Sushil for his one-of-a-kind skill. He makes people feel amazed and curious showing how using your imagination can change what's real. 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 the most powerful tool to unlock a child’s potential isn’t an app or a tutor—but a simple storybook? In this heartfelt and inspiring talk, Gomathy Narayanan, reading specialist and phonics instructor, reveals how daily reading rituals can transform chaos into curiosity and tantrums into self-expression. Through enchanting anecdotes—from mythological tales to modern science—she shows how reading aloud fuels imagination, builds vocabulary, and shapes emotionally intelligent, confident kids. With over eight years of experience working with thousands of families, Gomathy shares how stories helped children like Vaishnavi and Flora overcome developmental and behavioral challenges. Her mission is bold yet deeply personal: to replace gadgets with books in the hands of one million Indian children. Backed by research and driven by love, this talk is a call to parents, teachers, and caregivers to rediscover the magic of reading together—one book, one voice, one bedtime story at a time. Gomathy Narayanan works as a reading specialist, teaches phonics, and tells stories to change how kids think through books. She started by sharing tales with her boy, which grew into a goal to create a group of kids who love to read. She runs a busy reading group, picks out book sets, and makes online stuff to get people to read every day. She wants to make one million kids across the country curious, use their minds, and learn to read well. 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

This compelling talk explores the emotional and psychological burden of masking; the act of hiding our true selves behind roles, expectations, and social pressures. Through the lens of a mother, wife, and CEO, the speaker illustrates how many of us, especially women, wear multiple masks daily, often at the cost of our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Drawing from her own experience growing up in a marginalized community, she reveals how masking can feel like survival, but ultimately keeps us from genuine connection and healing. The talk blends personal storytelling with cultural and psychological insights, showing how masking affects not just individuals but entire communities. The speaker urges us to become self-aware, embrace vulnerability, and take practical steps to remove the mask, breathe freely, and rediscover our authenticity. Her call to action: envision a world where being real is enough, and where showing up as our true selves empowers others to do the same. From the gritty streets of inner-city Milwaukee to the forefront of mental health advocacy, Mickell Dent has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. A licensed clinical therapist and the visionary of the transformative national girls’ organization GLOW 414 Inc., Mickell is a force to be reckoned with. Navigating the challenges of teenage motherhood and the harsh realities of inner-city life, Mickell discovered her true calling: to empower others to heal and thrive. With unwavering determination, she transformed her life's struggles into a driving force for change. Her mission is to shatter the global stigma surrounding mental health and guide individuals toward their full potential. She is a catalyst for global transformation, a champion for mental well-being, and a testament to the indomitable human spirit. 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

This powerful talk reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic served as both a global pause and a deeply personal awakening. While the world was forced to stop, many also faced their own internal crises: divorce, job loss, depression, which mirrored the chaos outside. The speaker reveals how losing a job and a sense of self became an unexpected opportunity to rediscover true purpose. Through moments of stillness and reflection, she realized that personal pandemics can be invitations to rebuild, not as who we were, but as who we are becoming. The clear message is that a crisis doesn’t destroy purpose but reveals it. Rock bottom isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of a new, more authentic story. Tawakalitou Alawoe is a social media influencer, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to empowering women to embrace confidence, gratitude, and self-acceptance. Born in Togo with Nigerian roots, she made the courageous decision to convert to Christianity, sacrificing her inheritance and status. After overcoming personal hardships, including an unknown illness, she moved to the U.S., becoming the first woman in her family to earn an American business degree. Now based in Denver, Colorado, she balances her writing career, business ventures, and a mission to build generational wealth while inspiring others to live fully and fearlessly. 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, Les Brown delivers a powerful and inspiring message about the relentless drive needed to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Drawing from his own story of being labeled “educable mentally retarded” and raised by a single mother, Brown emphasizes that success is not about talent or intelligence, but about hunger; the deep, unshakable desire to rise above limitations and fulfill your potential. He challenges listeners to use every gift, idea, and opportunity while they’re alive. Brown also underscores the importance of adapting to the times, encouraging individuals to leverage artificial intelligence in this era to gain a competitive edge, expand their influence, and stay ahead. With passion and purpose, he reminds us that hunger is the fuel for greatness. **Les Brown: A Voice for Greatness**Les Brown is a world-renowned motivational speaker, author, and television personality known for his high-energy message that inspires individuals to break free from mediocrity and achieve greatness.Born in Liberty City, Miami, and adopted at six weeks old by a single mother, Les overcame early struggles, including being mislabeled as a slow learner, through relentless self-education and determination. With no formal education beyond high school, he rose from a radio DJ to a broadcast manager, a community activist to a legislator, and an emcee to a globally sought-after keynote speaker.Today, Les empowers Fortune 500 companies and audiences worldwide with his heartfelt storytelling and passion, equipping them with the vision and motivation to transform their lives. 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

Bullying doesn’t end at the schoolyard; it lingers, shaping our mental health, self-worth, and even our workplace environments. In this heartfelt and empowering talk, speaker Teresa Robinson recounts her experience being ridiculed in school and how the affirmations instilled by her mother became the foundation of her healing and success. Drawing from personal narrative, science-backed research, and a bold call to action, Teresa explores how affirmations can rebuild identity, how bullying impacts global productivity, and how businesses can become powerful allies in the fight against bullying. Her message is clear: resilience is possible, affirmation is powerful, and collective action is necessary. Teresa "Rita" Robinson, a 56-year-old from Mount Vernon, New York, is a dedicated single mother who worked tirelessly to provide her son with the education and support he needed for success. She holds a Business Degree from the College of Westchester and has served for over 36 years as a civilian employee with the Town of Greenburgh Police Department. In addition to her professional work, Teresa has dedicated over a decade to helping adults with Autism, teaching them independence.Known for her passion and compassion, Teresa is a fierce advocate for her family, friends, and important causes. Her empowering talks focus on resilience and the power of positive affirmation. Having experienced bullying herself, Teresa’s powerful message encourages others to rise above adversity and no longer accept the victim mentality. Through her personal journey, she inspires audiences to use positive affirmations as a tool to navigate life’s challenges and overcome difficult times. 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