What if the most powerful act of resistance isn’t loud or public—but intimate, embodied and ancient? In this soul-awakening TEDx talk, Sepideh Eivazi—an Iranian-born visionary, immersive experience designer, trauma-informed breathwork practitioner, and mental health activist—guides us from silence to self-reclamation through the radical power of breath.At 20 Sepideh fled Iran with her 17-year-old sister in search of freedom. What she discovered was that true liberation isn’t geographical—it’s physiological. A body conditioned to shrink and disappear, especially in a repressive environment, can only hold trauma, But, as explained in this talk, the body has within it an awesome blueprint for its own healing . .One raw, trembling breath changes everything.Rooted in ancestral wisdom and somatic intelligence, this talk reframes breath as a radical protest in a world addicted to numbness, performance and disconnection. With poetic storytelling and lived defiance, Sepideh reveals regulation not as self-care, but as revolution—and dares us to ask:What if your next breath… was your rebellion?Sepideh Eivazi is a revolution in motion. An Iranian-born visionary, a trauma-informed mental health activist, immersive event architect, and founder of Dawn of the Earth—a purpose-driven platform weaving somatic breathwork, tea rituals and ancestral wisdom to reawaken the human spirit.As a psychedelic integration practitioner and member of Global Wellness Institute’s Breathe Initiative, Sepideh is redefining how we gather—transforming events into portals of remembrance, regulation, and collective awakening. Her mission: to rupture numbness, restore connection, and leave every soul she touches moved and seen.A 2025 Smart Meetings Hall of Fame inductee, Smart Speaker, 40 Under 40 honoree, and Meetings Today Trendsetter, Sepideh’s impact spans global stages and publications including Poosh, The Purist, Skift, Women to Watch, IMEX, and MPI. Her groundbreaking activations include wellness roadshows with Caesars Entertainment and a somatic pre–Met Gala ritual with Morphe and Dripology. 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 bold and unflinching talk, police captain and public sector leader Nick Nicholas explores the real reasons why government doesn’t innovate—and what we can do about it. Using a powerful symbol from his public safety career, he illustrates how outdated systems, fear-driven policies, and institutional inertia are handcuffing progress. Drawing on insights from Peter Drucker and real-world examples of reform, Nick challenges both public leaders and everyday citizens to rethink what’s possible. This is a call to action to unlock government—not through more policies, but through courageous abandonment of the ones that no longer serve us. Nick Nicholas is a police captain and public sector executive with nearly two decades of experience navigating the inner workings of local government. He has served both on the front lines of law enforcement and behind the scenes in management and leadership—balancing operational demands with the bureaucratic realities of public systems. Nick is a doctoral student at the Drucker School of Management, where his research focuses on understanding the factors that influence city pride and how local governments can foster stronger civic identity through strategic leadership and organizational practices. He is passionate about empowering professional staff, rethinking outdated processes, and unlocking the potential of public institutions. Nick has spoken nationally on policing, leadership, and civic innovation. 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

Gum Cruz’s mission to uplift the barbering industry in the Philippines began with a small but powerful moment—a tall, skinny boy walked into his barbershop. What was it about that moment that changed everything Gum thought he knew about success? Through his story, discover how your own unique skills can open the door to a mission far bigger than yourself.Gum Cruz, A Barber, Barbershop Owner, and the First Filipino Southeast Asia Barbering Educator.A graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Gum Cruz began his career not in the hospitality industry but as a banker. While in the corporate world, he started two small businesses—eventually leaving banking to build a brick-and-mortar for them. That shop would unexpectedly evolve into a barbershop.What started as business became passion. He picked up the clippers, became a barber, and pursued mastery—training in two top UK barbering academies. His dedication led him to become the first Filipino Southeast Asia barbering educator, now on a mission to uplift the Philippine barbering industry.Along the way, he fell in love with public speaking. Today, he uses both the blade and the stage to inspire transformation. His unorthodox path shaped who he is—and through it, he aims to empower others to chase purpose over predictability. 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

Dr. Saarthak Bakshi, the visionary Co-founder and CEO of RISAA IVF Centre, a leading name in fertility care across India and Nepal. Inspired by his mother, a renowned IVF specialist, Saarthak transitioned from a tech background to dedicate himself to making fertility treatments more accessible and ethical, challenging societal stigmas surrounding infertility. Under his leadership, RISAA IVF has expanded significantly, providing compassionate care and innovative solutions to countless couples. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Bakshi is a fervent advocate for social welfare, founding trusts like Upkaar Surrogacy Welfare Trust to empower women. Recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, he is a true entrepreneurial leader committed to transforming the landscape of reproductive medicine and helping dreams of parenthood come true.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 Dr. Saarthak Bakshi, the visionary Co-founder and CEO of RISAA IVF Centre, a leading name in fertility care across India and Nepal. Inspired by his mother, a renowned IVF specialist, Saarthak transitioned from a tech background to dedicate himself to making fertility treatments more accessible and ethical, challenging societal stigmas surrounding infertility. Under his leadership, RISAA IVF has expanded significantly, providing compassionate care and innovative solutions to countless couples. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Bakshi is a fervent advocate for social welfare, founding trusts like Upkaar Surrogacy Welfare Trust to empower women. Recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, he is a true entrepreneurial leader committed to transforming the landscape of reproductive medicine and helping dreams of parenthood come true. 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

“Hepimiz bu dünyaya mutlu olmak için geliyoruz. Ama gerçekten mutlu muyuz?” Cem Evereklioğlu’na göre mutsuzluğun en büyük sebeplerinden biri asosyal olmak. Aileler çocuklarının iyiliğini isterken çoğu zaman kendi hayallerini yükler; onları adeta “at yarışı” gibi yarıştırır, “inek” gibi çalışmaya zorlar. Ancak yıllar sonra insanlar, ölüm döşeğinde şu pişmanlıkları dile getirir:Keşke bu kadar sıkı çalışmasaydım.Keşke daha sosyal olsaydım.Keşke daha mutlu olmama izin verseydim.Keşke maskeyle yaşamasaydım.Keşke rüyalarımın peşinde koşsaydım.Ona göre bilim, sosyal yaşamla çelişmez. Hangi bölümde okursak okuyalım, zaman hızla akıp gider; sanat, spor ve müzik gibi tutkularımızı da hayatımıza katmalıyız. Çünkü zihni doğru zamanda boşaltmak, verileri daha iyi almamızı sağlar.Cem Evereklioğlu, hekimliği “insanları bilim ile iyileştirerek mutlu etme sanatı” olarak tanımlıyor. Akademide de nicelikten çok nitelik gerektiğini vurguluyor: Önemli olan yayın sayısı değil, kaliteli ve atıf alan çalışmalar.Kendi hayatında bilim, spor ve müziği harmanlamış biri olarak sporun disiplin kazandırdığını (Taekwondo 6. Dan, Karate 2. Dan) ve müziğin kapalı kapıları açtığını söylüyor. “Grup Metropol” ile yaptığı müzik çalışmaları, bilimle sanatın birlikte yürüyebileceğini gösteriyor.Mesajı net: Bilim + Spor + Müzik = Mutluluk Hayatta her şeyi “çalın”, para hariç! Enstrüman çalın, spor yapın, dünyayı gezin. Ve unutmayın: “Hayal gücü bilgiden daha önemlidir; çünkü hayal gücü tüm dünyayı kapsar.” He is a graduate of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine. He is listed among the “Top 100 Turkish Scientists Shaping Science Worldwide.” In 2023, he was nominated for both the “100th Anniversary TÜBİTAK Science Award” and the “TÜSEB Aziz Sancar Science Award” by a decision of the Senate.Aiming to inspire young people by combining science, sports, and art, Evereklioğlu is the guitarist and vocalist of the music group Grup Metropol. He also plays famous movie soundtracks on the piano.He holds a 6th DAN black belt in Taekwondo and a 2nd DAN black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Karate.He is a regional and national Taekwondo referee.Evereklioğlu has made a name for himself in the medical world by developing the “kite tail” technique for the treatment of eyelid drooping (ptosis). He continues to earn acclaim for his innovative surgical methods and his performances on stage and in the ring. 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

John Paul Penuliar, known as Sir JP, draws us in with the story of Popoy—a student weighed down by poverty, determined to hold on to his dream of higher education against overwhelming odds. Through vivid storytelling, Sir JP empowers us not to let any barrier stop us from becoming the best version of ourselves. The question is—where is Popoy now? John Paul Penuliar is a licensed engineer and a supply chain professional, currently based in Singapore. Outside his daytime work, he is an Education Advocate.His passion to empower Filipino students led him to create ‘Math Videos with Sir JP’ on social media, where he teaches Math, conducts online reviews, and creates videos on scholarships and career discussions. He also started a podcast focused on student and education-relevant topics, called “The Sunny Side Podcast,” ang podcast para sa mga estudyanteng Pilipino. 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