We are all running on invisible code — beliefs, habits, fears — written by family, culture, and society, often without our awareness. But what if we could rewrite it?In this powerful talk, Arti Shirish draws from her 15+ years of experience in employee relations and a life-changing moment during the 2023 Israel conflict to explore how self-recognition, reframing, and reclaiming our inner stories can transform us. With engaging stories and metaphors — from bamboo trees to childhood dreams — she shows how decoding our inner code isn’t just self-work, but the key to unlocking resilience, authenticity, and the future we want to create. With over 15 years of experience in Employee Relations, I have dedicated my career to understanding the intricate dynamics of human behavior in the workplace. My professional journey has been a continuous exploration—an opportunity to observe, learn, and engage with the subtle nuances that define how people connect, communicate, and grow. I consider myself a lifelong seeker, driven by curiosity and a deep respect for the human experience. Each interaction, challenge, and resolution has added to my understanding of empathy, resilience, and leadership. I believe that learning is not confined to formal settings—it happens in conversations, in conflict, and in quiet reflection. My work has taught me that people are complex, and that complexity is a source of insight, not confusion. I bring to every space a learner’s mindset, a listener’s heart, and a commitment to growth—for myself and for those I work with. 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 powerful and insightful talk, Dr. Khyati Shetty challenges the belief that saying no is selfish. Drawing on research, lived experience, and cultural patterns, she unpacks how societal conditioning, especially for women, creates pressure to always say yes and prioritize others. Her message is clear: setting boundaries is not shutting people out, but giving yourself permission to live fully, authentically, and with freedom. Dr. Khyati Shetty, currently serving as the Director of the School of Business at the University of the Fraser Valley, is the recipient of the GCC Education Leaders Award- 2019, 2020, and the GCC Women Leaders Award-2017, 2019, and the former Dean of Curtin University, which is ranked among the top 250 universities in the world. She holds an MBA (Marketing) degree, PG Degree in Human Resource Management, and a Doctorate in Brand Personality Congruence. She was also awarded the Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy (UK) for her contribution to Academic Leadership. Khyati comes with 15+ years of experience working in academia and the industry. She started her career in Corporate Strategy, potential market estimation, product development, and branding. 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 timely and insightful talk, Dr. Fiona MacDonald explores how deep emotional divides, not just policy disagreements, are fueling polarization in our society. Using personal stories and research, she shows how fear shapes our perceptions of safety and danger, and why social media often intensifies these divisions. Her message is clear: in polarized times, connection matters more than debate. Dr. Fiona MacDonald (PhD UBC) is an Associate Professor specializing in Gender Politics. 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 talk, Dr. Erland explores how plants adapt to changing climates and stressful environments. By looking at the role of phytohormones and other resilience mechanisms, the talk highlights what makes survival possible for plants in an increasingly unstable world. Dr. Lauren Erland is Canada Research Chair Tier II in Berry Horticulture and Assistant Professor in the Agriculture Department at the University of the Fraser Valley. Her Berry Environmental Resilience Research and Innovation (BERRI) Lab and Research Centre aim to enhance sustainability and resilience of berry horticultural systems in the Fraser Valley & beyond. 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 moving and reflective talk, Dr. Allyson Jule shares three stories of her life, one marked by loss, illness, and hardship, another filled with love, success, and joy, and a third where both truths coexist. She shows how gratitude is not about ignoring pain or exaggerating blessings, but about embracing the full picture of life. Drawing on personal experience and research, Dr. Jule demonstrates how living with both shadow and light creates resilience, optimism, and a profound appreciation for life as it really is. Allyson Jule is the new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development. She was most recently the Dean of Education at TWU. She has been an educator for over 35 years, teaching English in high schools and colleges in Alberta, Ontario and BC before entering academia. She studied and worked in the UK for ten years. She is a Full Professor. 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 talk, Dr. Amber Gazso challenges the idea that family is everything. Drawing on her research with families experiencing poverty and social assistance in Canada, she reveals how survival, dignity, and hope often depend on wider networks of support such as caseworkers, counselors, community organizations, and chosen family. Through powerful personal stories, Dr. Gazso shows that expressive and instrumental support beyond the nuclear family can be just as vital as love at home. Her message is clear: no one thrives alone, and building networks of care is essential for resilience and recovery Amber Gazso is Professor of Sociology in the School of Social, Cultural, and Media Studies.Amber is a feminist sociologist and specializes in the following research and teaching areas: citizenship, sociology of the family and intimate relations, sociology of gender and critical sexualities, poverty, research methods, and social policy. Amber joined the School after spending some time with the Department of Sociology at York University (Toronto, Ontario). 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