From poverty to public service, Lesley Meenaghan has lived a life defined not by circumstance but by courage. She invites us to rethink what it means to come from “the wrong side of the tracks” and to celebrate the power of resilience. Lesley Meenaghan shares her journey of growing up in poverty and rejecting the low expectations that came with it. Her talk challenges the stigma and shame often attached to disadvantaged communities and calls for a shift in how society sees children and adults from these backgrounds. Rather than being defined by limitation, they should be recognised for their resilience and strength. This talk invites us to encourage visibility, embrace different paths, and support those who have “turned left” in life.Lesley spent ten years proudly serving her country in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force before returning home to continue her public service as a Hampshire police officer. After 23 years in policing, the last 15 as the Town Sergeant, Lesley retired from uniformed service but not from serving her community. Today, she continues her commitment to public service as a councillor, championing safer, stronger, and more connected communities. 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