When a young widow in Zimbabwe said “This is not my water to carry,” she wasn’t just resisting tradition, she was showing what leadership looks like when no clear answer exists. In this talk, Harvard lecturer and leadership advisor Farayi Chipungu introduces adaptive leadership — the kind we need when the challenge isn’t technical, but deeply human. Whether in families, boardrooms, or global systems, she shares how real change begins with three questions: What do we keep? What do we let go? Where must we innovate? Farayi Chipungu helps people do hard things—together. A lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Law School, she teaches leadership, change, and how to navigate the high-stakes, messy moments where clarity is rare and courage is required. With a background in corporate law and nearly a decade at McKinsey, Farayi brings real-world grit to every room she’s in, whether advising Fortune 500 leaders, coaching changemakers, or challenging students to ask braver questions and take smarter risks. Part strategist, part coach, part lawyer, part researcher, she’s known helping people lead with courage, clarity, and just enough chaos to disappoint people at a rate that they can tolerate. 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 TEDx talk, Millie Sawyer shares her lived experience navigating life with both ADHD and Autism. Drawing from personal insight, she highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and explores the common misunderstandings that surround these conditions. Millie’s goal is to spark change in how society, educators, and healthcare professionals understand and respond to neurodiversity. With passion and courage, she calls on the next generation to speak up, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive world for all. Let this be the moment we listen, learn, and begin to think differently. ADHD and Autism: Breaking Misconceptions.In this TEDx talk, Millie Sawyer shares her lived experience navigating life with both ADHD and Autism. Drawing from personal insight, she highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and explores the common misunderstandings that surround these conditions.Millie’s goal is to spark change in how society, educators, and healthcare professionals understand and respond to neurodiversity. With passion and courage, she calls on the next generation to speak up, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive world for all.Let this be the moment we listen, learn, and begin to think differently. 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 honest and deeply personal talk, CJ, a Year 7 student from Cronulla High School, speaks out about the harsh reality of bullying, from verbal abuse and exclusion to the silent toll it takes on mental health. CJ explores what bullying really looks like today, including its growing presence online, and reflects on why so many young people suffer in silence. With empathy and clarity, they explain how bullying affects individuals and groups, why it often stems from insecurity, and how students can seek support and take action. This is a courageous call to all students, educators, and communities: to recognise the signs, speak up, and work together to end bullying in all its forms. When Words Become Weapons. In this honest and deeply personal talk, CJ, a Year 7 student from Cronulla High School, speaks out about the harsh reality of bullying, from verbal abuse and exclusion to the silent toll it takes on mental health. CJ explores what bullying really looks like today, including its growing presence online, and reflects on why so many young people suffer in silence. With empathy and clarity, they explain how bullying affects individuals and groups, why it often stems from insecurity, and how students can seek support and take action. This is a courageous call to all students, educators, and communities: to recognise the signs, speak up, and work together to end bullying in all its forms. 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 TEDx talk, Christopher Kypreos shares his journey into the world of coding and how it has become a powerful tool for creativity and self-expression. From building his first simple games to developing more complex projects, Christopher reflects on the challenges of learning a new digital language and the persistence it takes to turn imagination into reality. Through trial, error, and determination, he has created games that others can play and enjoy, each one a testament to his growth as a young developer. His story highlights the creative possibilities of coding and encourages others to see technology not just as a skill, but as a way to bring ideas to life. The Impact of Social Media on Youth. Alicia Campbell explores the powerful influence of social media on today’s youth, highlighting its impact on self-esteem, identity, mental health, and real-world relationships.In this talk, Alicia calls for greater awareness around how digital platforms shape the lives of young people. Through thoughtful reflection and a call to action, she encourages her audience to foster a healthier, more authentic online culture. Her message is a timely reminder that change begins with conversation and that it’s time we rethink the role social media plays in shaping the next generation. 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 TEDx talk, Christopher Kypreos shares his journey into the world of coding and how it has become a powerful tool for creativity and self-expression. From building his first simple games to developing more complex projects, Christopher reflects on the challenges of learning a new digital language and the persistence it takes to turn imagination into reality. Through trial, error, and determination, he has created games that others can play and enjoy, each one a testament to his growth as a young developer. His story highlights the creative possibilities of coding and encourages others to see technology not just as a skill, but as a way to bring ideas to life. Bringing Ideas to Life with Code. In this TEDx talk, Christopher Kypreos shares his journey into the world of coding and how it has become a powerful tool for creativity and self-expression. From building his first simple games to developing more complex projects, Christopher reflects on the challenges of learning a new digital language and the persistence it takes to turn imagination into reality. Through trial, error, and determination, he has created games that others can play and enjoy, each one a testament to his growth as a young developer. His story highlights the creative possibilities of coding and encourages others to see technology not just as a skill, but as a way to bring ideas to 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

We often think we’re free — that we make our own choices. But what if the structures around us — education, transportation, tech — are already deciding for us? Vicky will explore how everyday systems quietly condition our behavior, and how that, too, is dystopian. Vicky Li is currently a Year 10 student studying at BASIS International School Shenzhen with a passion for law, criminology, and politics. She likes to dedicate her time to speech and debate tournaments, specifically participating in events such as impromptu, public forum, and extemporaneous speaking. She founded the Mock Trial team in her school and enjoys leading teams to compete in competitions. Through these activities, she has developed a strong interest in argumentation, critical thinking, and the intricacies of legal frameworks. She is also deeply fascinated by dystopian literature and would spend hours unraveling the philosophies behind imagined societies and questioning the fine line between control and chaos. Vicky’s TEDx talk will teach you how the themes of justice, power, and resistance found in dystopian fiction can reflect — and even predict — the challenges of our real-world legal and political systems. 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