We’re told that America is hopelessly divided—that our politics are broken beyond repair. But Congresswoman and former judge Laurel Lee offers a different perspective: disagreement is how democracy works. In this talk, she explains why debate is essential, not dangerous, and how we can all stay in the conversation. Laurel M. Lee serves in the U.S. House of Representatives and previously served as a judge in Tampa, Florida. A former federal prosecutor and Florida Secretary of State, she brings a deep understanding of the law and a strong commitment to principled leadership. Her work in Congress focuses on national security, public safety, and defending constitutional freedoms. Drawing from her experience on the bench, she believes that disagreement is not a weakness in democracy—but a necessary strength when it’s grounded in respect. 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
More from TED
- 12:50Museums must give back what they stole — here’s why | Dorota Blumczynska | TEDxWinnipegWhat does it mean to hold stolen history? Museum CEO Dorota delivers a powerful call for accountability and transformation within the cultural sector. Drawing from her experience at the Manitoba Museum, she exposes the legacy of colonialism that still lives in museum vaults—through artifacts taken without consent, displayed without context, and separated from the communities they belong to.With clarity and conviction, Dorota urges institutions to go beyond symbolic gestures: to return sacred objects, share authority with Indigenous communities, and become true allies in truth and reconciliation. This talk invites us to reimagine museums not as neutral spaces, but as platforms for justice, healing, and co-creation. Dorota Blumczynska, CEO of the Manitoba Museum and Vice-President of the Canadian Museums Association, advocates for museums as spaces of truth, reconciliation, and social justice. She shares her vision for transforming museums to foster healing and understanding. 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
- 15:53How Courage, Curiosity, and Compassion Can Redefine Your Life | Monalisa Saxena | TEDxKIS Pune YouthIn this deeply personal and inspiring TEDx talk, Monalisa Saxena—CEO of Pixights Consulting and COO at Merren—narrates three pivotal life stories that exemplify the power of choosing courage over convention. From breaking academic stereotypes in the ’90s to raise a trailblazing career in communications, to embracing her son’s autism diagnosis with strength and belief, Monalisa speaks about navigating life’s toughest turns with empathy and resilience. Her mantra—“assume competence”—has redefined possibilities not only for her son, who now runs marathons and co-authored an award-winning book, but for countless neurodiverse children. Through her lived experience, Monalisa also sheds light on the silent crisis of women dropping out of the workforce and her mission to build workplaces where empathy meets ambition. A talk that blends vulnerability, humor, and insight—this is a celebration of turning setbacks into wows. Monalisa Saxena is the Chief Operating Officer at Merren and CEO at Pixights Consulting, bringing a rare blend of research depth, entrepreneurial drive, and storytelling finesse to the world of consumer insights. A MICA alumnus and passionate semiotician, she combines data with cultural meaning to decode what truly drives people. With years of experience in decoding consumer behavior, Monalisa is a research buff and mindful entrepreneur who believes in leading with empathy and insight. Whether it’s building scalable research tech or crafting brand narratives, her work bridges logic and emotion—making her a compelling voice at the intersection of business, culture, and 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
