"What does it take to walk away from everything society calls “secure” and build a life that’s truly your own?Supriya Donthi grew up rooted in a middle-class upbringing, excelling at school, chasing a job she was deeply passionate about. But, one defining incident and a leap of faith led her to a discovery, preserved botanical jewellery, a niche concept thriving in the West but unheard of in India. And so, in May 2016, Leafy Affair was born.From selling at flea markets to opening a flagship store, from being a solo hustler to leading a team that shares her dream, Supriya’s story is one of grit, growth, and grace. This is a talk for every dreamer stuck at the crossroads, reminding you that when you choose yourself, the world eventually follows.Her story is a powerful reminder that courage doesn’t always begin with a plan — sometimes, it begins with a pause, a pivot, and the courage to start over. And with the right financial backing, her dream has taken root — growing into a brand that now inspires others to believe in their own." Turning Nature into Wearable Art with Leafy Affair Supriya Donthi’s journey with Leafy Affair—India’s first botanical lifestyle brand—is a powerful story of courage, clarity, and creativity. A biotech graduate with no background in jewelry design, Supriya dared to chase an unconventional dream: to bring nature closer to people by turning real flowers, seeds, and natural elements into wearable art. Born into a middle-class family and often told that her place was in the kitchen, Supriya chose not to conform. Inspired by Einstein’s words—“Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better”—she believed in her vision and backed it with resilience. When she discovered terrarium jewelry in 2016, a concept unheard of in India at the time, she instantly knew this was her calling. 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 loudest voice holding you back… is your own? In this powerful and witty talk, Taruna Ramani unpacks the idea of the "Inner Script Writer"—that critical inner voice that convinces us we're not good enough. Blending storytelling with humor, she shows how everyday self-doubt shrinks our potential and how we can rewrite the scripts that no longer serve us. It’s time to stop playing small—and start being the author of your own story. Taruna is a public speaking coach with a storyteller’s soul and a survivor’s spirit. Her coaching style is part science, part strategy, and 100% grounded in real life. In 2016, faced with an unexpected pause in life, Taruna reimagined her work—and her purpose. She used that time to rebuild, refocus, and redefine what impact truly meant—rewriting public speaking programs, launching a podcast on mindset and resilience, and turning to bold fashion photography as a way to reclaim joy, beauty, and a sense of self beyond the moment. Today, she coaches adults and TEDx speakers to speak with clarity, confidence, and conviction—helping them refine their message, own their voice, and command a room. Whether she’s preparing a speaker for the red dot, coaching a leader to own the room, or creating platforms for young voices to be heard, Taruna brings curiosity, resilience, and a bold splash of flair to everything she does. 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 a world that rewards volume, what if your power lies in being quiet? In this deeply personal and insightful talk, Sneha Narahalli challenges traditional notions of leadership and presence. As an introvert, immigrant, and woman in tech, she shares how she turned "quiet" into a leadership strength—and how you can, too. Discover how Quiet Power Leadership isn't about being the loudest in the room, but the clearest, calmest, and most intentional. Sneha Narahalli is a technology leader shaping the future of consumer experiences through innovative, human-centered solutions. Raised in a family of writers in India, she brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to everything she does. After earning her master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, she has led cutting-edge initiatives at Sears, Walmart, and now Sephora—where she all aspects of technology and sets the vision for scalable, connected, and intelligent experiences. An introvert and immigrant who has thrived by staying true to herself, Sneha is passionate about challenging bias and using the power of storytelling to drive lasting 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

In this moving performance and talk, acclaimed country musician Luke O’Shea shares his song “Dharawal.” Featuring Dharawal man Jade Kennedy, who shares language and stories from his community, the performance offers a powerful welcome to all who wish to walk Dharawal country with respect and unity.Rooted in the guidance of Biame, the song carries a message of hope for reconciliation and a shared future. Experience the beauty of Dharawal language and culture brought to life through music and storytelling. Luke also shares the inspiration and message behind the song, to reconcile with ourselves and the country. Luke O'Shea is an Australian singer-songwriter and storyteller who has written, recorded and produced eight albums and won seventeen Golden Guitar Awards at the Country Music Awards of Australia 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 inspiring TEDx talk, Zakarya AlHemyari shares his personal experience overcoming cultural and social challenges after moving from Shabwa to Aden. He recounts how he faced bullying due to his different accent and how he overcame these difficulties to become a CEO and a trainer in administrative skills. Listen to Zakarya's story and discover how challenges can shape our character and push us toward success. Zakaria is an executive leader with 8 years of experience managing projects and organizations. As a trainer in management skills and personal planning, he empowers individuals to navigate change and drive impactful results. Believing that transformation is the key to progress, he inspires others to embrace adaptability in both professional and personal life. 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

Environmental specialist and activist Ibrahim Munaim shares his inspiring journey in defending Aden’s green spaces and natural ecosystems. He speaks about the challenges he faced and the motivations that led him to dedicate his efforts to environmental protection. He also reflects on how nature played a profound role in shaping his character and life path. Ibrahim Munaim is an environmental specialist, activist, and rural development consultant with over 30 years of experience in environmental conservation and awareness. A prominent public figure in Crater, Aden, he has led efforts to protect the city's natural and urban heritage, including reclaiming Sirah Bay as a public space. He was key in organizing **four major photo exhibitions (2016–2019) showcasing Aden’s **environmental, historical, and social identity. Passionate about ecosystem preservation and youth empowerment, Ibrahim has worked with numerous local and international organizations to promote sustainable development and environmental protection. 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