A transplant surgeon's harrowing story of resilience in the face of personal and profession existential threats in his quest for breakthrough medical innovations to save lives, including his own. Robert A. Montgomery, MD, DPhil, is the H. Leon Pachter, MD Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is also the Chair of the Department of Surgery at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the Director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute. 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

Nisaini Rexach reveals why sending 150 resumes gets you nowhere—and what actually works. As Microsoft's Community Engagement Lead, she shares her radical approach to career advancement through "social wealth": intentional relationship-building that compounds over time. From Chicago's government housing to rooms with Fortune 500 CEOs, Rexach never submitted a resume for any role. She introduces powerful frameworks including the "shareholder" concept, demonstrates how every encounter is an interview, and explains why your network underwrites your next opportunity. Through compelling personal stories and her mentee Paige's transformation, Rexach provides actionable strategies for building connections that create career opportunities traditional networking never could. Nisaini Rexach, known in the professional community as The Empowerment Enabler, is a visionary leader whose career is marked by a series of strategic initiatives that have catalyzed digital transformation, community engagement, connectivity, and strategic foresight. As a Digital Transformation Dynamo, Nisaini has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies into business processes.In Rexach’s current role as a Community Engagement Lead at Microsoft she has fostered robust communication channels and built strong networks, while serving as a Connectivity Conductor who forges meaningful conversations and connections between key stakeholders. 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

How swapping traditional lawns for native plants supports pollinators and boosts biodiversity. Justin Grubb is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, published writer, naturalist, and co-founder of Running Wild Media. Justin earned his B.Sc. in Biology at Bowling Green State University and his Master of Biology at Miami University. With years of international wildlife field research and formal/informal teaching experience, Justin combines these two fields with media to enhance science communication. Justin’s love for nature and passion for the outdoors has brought him to some of the most extreme habitats on earth to study and film critically endangered wildlife.He is a 2017 Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leader, a Nat Geo Wild "Wild to Inspire" award-winning filmmaker, a member of the Explorers Club, and an Emerging League member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. 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 live in a world obsessed with achievement, yet true success begins with alignment. This talk introduces the Me-We-World Compass: a simple but powerful guide to reconnect purpose, people, and planet. When we lead from alignment rather than ambition, impact becomes natural. Because fulfillment isn’t found in doing more — but in being whole. With 30+ years at Google, Disney, Levi’s, Colgate, and P&G, Lance Diaresco blends strategic insight with heart-centered leadership. Having lived across Asia, America, and Europe, he brings a global lens to his work as a coach, speaker, and facilitator. As founder of Diaresco Conscious Leadership and a member of Google Faculty, he helps leaders grow from the inside out to create meaningful, lasting impact. 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 accelerating with AI and automation, we're often told to chase more—more productivity, more connectivity, more efficiency. But what if the most radical act is to consciously choose less?After burning out in a senior NHS role, entrepreneur Celia Gaze transformed a neglected farm into one of the UK's first B Corp certified event venues, creating a space for meaningful connection. With humor and hard-won wisdom, she challenges the commercialized, often unconscious scripts we follow in how we work, celebrate, and live.This talk is an invitation to hit pause. Celia explores what happens when we dare to question the status quo and design our lives and gatherings with true intention. In a culture of overload, she makes a compelling case for a different way forward: a conscious revolution, where the choices we make—from the boardroom to the wedding party—are aligned with what truly matters. Celia Gaze is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and founder of one of the UK’s first B Corp certified event venues. After burning out in a senior NHS role, she transformed a neglected farm into a thriving hub for conscious, meaningful celebrations. Through her work, she challenges the commercialized norms of weddings, parties, and even funerals—offering a fresh approach rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and intention.Celia inspires people to rethink traditions: Are we celebrating from the heart, or just following empty customs? By breaking away from outdated expectations, she believes we can create deeper connections and leave a lasting legacy. She’s also the founder of Conscious Day, a global movement calling for realignment with what truly matters. Is it time for a Conscious Revolution? 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

Can AI make us more human? Harvard research shows that we remember up to 90% of what we create, compared to just 10% of what we passively consume.In this emotional, story driven talk, Tyo Guritno weaves together childhood memories, ancient legacies, and cutting edge technology to show that the real question isn’t “Is this AI generated?” but “Was it made with soul?”What does it mean to create with soul in the age of AI? Tyo Guritno entrepreneur, technologist, and lifelong creator shares the idea of the Masterpiece Mindset: a way of living where every act of creation, from a sketch to a startup, expands who we are. Drawing on stories from his own journey, global examples, and powerful research, he invites us to see that masterpieces are not reserved for museums, but for everyday life. Tyo Guritno is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, including 12 years in Silicon Valley. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading companies such as Electronic Arts and Pandora, where he played a key role in product development and user experience. He has successfully built and exited two tech startups, showcasing his ability to turn innovative ideas into impactful businesses. Currently, he serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Inspigo, a professional learning platform that leverages generative AI to deliver personalized development solutions. In his entrepreneurial work, he is also an innovation mentor for major organizations including Pertamina, FIF AHM, Bank Indonesia, and Indihome, helping them embrace transformation and forward-thinking strategies. He is a certified coach in the Behavior Model, developed by BJ Fogg, emphasizing habit formation and behavior change an approach he integrates into his leadership and mentoring. 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