Sandeep Singh’s TEDxUBC talk explores the transformative power of lived experience in public health, particularly in the design of inclusive and effective health interventions for marginalized communities. Drawing on insights from his work with Volentia Translation and addiction outreach through the Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder & Addictions Society of Canada (SOUDA), he illustrates how lived experiences can drive meaningful change. His talk emphasizes how public health initiatives become more impactful when shaped by the voices of those most affected, and highlights the importance of integrating diverse lived experiences to build a truly equitable healthcare system.Sandeep is deeply passionate about this topic, having witnessed firsthand how language and cultural barriers can limit access to healthcare, foster mistrust, and contribute to inequitable outcomes. Through his roles in healthcare translation and addiction outreach, he has seen the significant difference that bridging these gaps can make for individuals and communities. He is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to culturally relevant healthcare that respects their lived experiences. By embracing lived experience as a form of expertise, Sandeep believes public health systems can more effectively serve all communities. Sandeep is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Alberta. He graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science, specializing in Life Sciences, Chemistry and Environmental Science. Having come to Canada at the age of 10, he witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers faced by immigrants and other marginalized communities. His lived experiences have led him to be involved in various initiatives addressing the lack of culturally sensitive healthcare. Sandeep is an Outreach Volunteer at Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder and Addictions Society (SOUDA), a grassroots organization providing resources and training on drug overdose prevention in Punjabi, Hindi and English. Additionally, he is involved with Volentia Translation, an organization providing low-barrier language translation and interpretation services to enhance equitable access to healthcare services and increase diversity in clinical research. As a researcher and aspiring physician, Sandeep is committed to bridging cultural and linguistic gaps to advance health equity for underserved 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

Feeling confused or like you're starting from nothing isn’t actually as bad as it seems. I’ve realised that all great things begin in those silent, messy moments where nothing makes sense yet. Like in quantum superposition, where every possibility exists at once until we choose one. It’s that strange phase where everything feels chaotic, but really, it’s full of potential waiting to be unfolded. Even when we sleep, during REM, our brains create entire worlds out of nothing, proving that we’re built to create meaning out of the unknown. I shared how I spent most of my life wanting to be a pilot. It felt right, it was thrilling, and it gave me a sense of purpose. But deep down, there was always this quiet pull towards medicine, a path that felt scary and unreasonable because no one in my family had ever done it. I thought I was starting too late, coming in with nothing, and that fear almost held me back. But what I learnt is that starting from nothing actually means starting from everything that could be. All those possibilities are real until I choose one. And it’s only when I took that first small step, switching to biology, researching careers, talking to students and doctors, that I realised beginnings don’t need clarity. They just need action. Because clarity never comes first. It always follows. And that one small move is what gives your future direction and your dreams wings. Some of the most unforgettable lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from textbooks. They came in unpredictable moments, watching people make quick decisions, adapt under pressure, and stay grounded in chaos. That’s when I realized I’m drawn to real life learning, the kind that makes you think fast, feel deeply, and grow through experience.I’m Aaron Jacob, a grade 12 PCMB student at Global Indian International School, Dubai, and I’m drawn to the kind of learning that happens when life gets real and the stakes are high. Outside the world of Academics, I spend my time dabbling in the music industry,whether it’s practicing guitar, piano, and drums, or teaching them to others. I also love being on stage as an emcee or host for school events. I enjoy thinking deeply, speaking freely, and finding creative ways to connect ideas that don’t always seem connected at first. I’m passionate about medicine, fascinated by the unknown, and always looking for ways to turn confusion into clarity, whether through science, sound, or simply starting a conversation. 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

From Nothing—that’s what Ex Nihilo means. But do we really start from nothing?In this talk, I unpack the myth of starting from zero. Blending humour, heartbreak, and honesty, I share my journey—from a shy little girl with two left feet to becoming Head Girl, a dance performer, and the founder of a social impact initiative.Along the way, I reflect on what it really means to “earn” success, share the lessons rejection taught me, and explore the idea that we don’t begin with nothing—we start with potential, support, and the courage to try again.That's our head start. Something millions only strive for.This talk is for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, and for every young person learning to rise—and help others rise too. It's to shed light that - everyone's journey matters. Hi, I am Advika Choudhury, a seventeen-year-old girl navigating through the uncertainties of life. Ex-nihilo, from nothing, but do we start from nothing, was my question? I answer this question through my talk. We live in a world of eight billion people, many of whom lack the basic necessities of life, but I have those basic amenities. So, that's my headstart, right? I start from a position of opportunity, strength and passion.Six years of constant rejections, not being that gifted dancer, nor being that confident girl. But hey, now that little girl would be proud to see herself on a global stage, talking and inspiring people around her. From being the two left feet, from listening to the ‘No’s’ and the ‘You're almost there!’. She has paved her way, brick by brick. Earlier this year, I was accepted into Morgan Stanley’s Women in STEM – Step In, Step Up program, where I gained invaluable insight into the world of finance, from research and analysis to understanding the financial needs of global clients. In parallel, I’ve worked on a social impact initiative based in India, sharing my passion for economics, math, and dance with the youth, and serving as a volunteer on social media to share the stories of women who create beautiful handicrafts. And after six years of constant rejection, I am proud to be appointed as the Head Girl of my school, a role that has deepened my passion for leadership and community building. A saying I keep close to me is, ‘ Trust the process and wait for the bigger picture.’ 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

Success often comes with suits, degrees, and boardrooms. But for A.K.M. Lutfur Rahman, one of the most powerful lessons in leadership came not from a CEO- but a street food vendor. In this deeply personal and uplifting TEDx talk, he shares how humility, grit, and heart-to-heart wisdom from the streets shaped his journey in the hospitality industry. This is more than a business story- it’s a tribute to the unsung teachers all around us. A.K.M Lutfur Rahman — a visionary business tycoon whose journey from humble beginnings to dominating the country’s hotel and hospitality industry is a true testament to grit, growth, and greatness. He didn’t just build hotels—he redefined them. By blending food, culture, and comfort, he introduced a business model where every meal tells a story and every stay leaves a mark. From a modest start to commanding the country's most dynamic hotel empire, his entrepreneurial path proves that vision backed by values can revolutionize an entire market. 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 eye-opening talk, economist Richard Werner reveals the hidden mechanics of our financial system, exposing why mainstream economics consistently fails to predict crises and inflation. He dismantles the myth that banks merely lend existing money, showing instead how they create money with every loan—shaping economies and driving inequality. Drawing on his groundbreaking research and the explosive success of East Asia’s decentralized banking model, Werner makes a bold case for local banking as the key to sustainable prosperity, warning against central bank digital currencies and the dangers of centralized financial control. If you think money comes from the government or the central bank, this talk will change everything you thought you knew. Richard A. Werner is a German economist renowned for his contributions to banking, monetary policy, and economic development. In 1995, he introduced the term "quantitative easing" to describe a policy aimed at expanding credit creation to stimulate economic recovery.Werner earned a B.Sc. in Economics with First Class Honours from the London School of Economics and a D.Phil. in Economics from the University of Oxford. His academic career includes positions at Sophia University in Tokyo, Goethe University Frankfurt, the University of Southampton, and Fudan University in Shanghai.He has advised central banks, governments, and international organizations, including the Bank of Japan and the Asian Development Bank.His book Princes of the Yen became a bestseller in Japan, offering insights into the role of central banks in economic cycles. 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

"True transformation begins within." This simple sentence links the whole speech together, and embodies the philosophy imparted by Qianhui Sun. Utilising the stories of Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and Malala, how inner strength can reshape the external world is perfectly demonstrated by her. In her speech, she described how Michael Jordan turned relentless self-reflection and perseverance into a legendary basketball career; Oprah Winfrey harnessed emotional intelligence and empathy to transform countless lives; and Malala converted trauma into a global force for education and peace, even in the face of violence. Their journeys show that external success is never accidental—it springs from self-awareness and unshakable conviction. Qianhui suggested in her speech that, too often, we chase outward achievements, yet lasting fulfillment comes from nurturing our inner growth and staying true to our values. By cultivating self-awareness and emotional wisdom, we don’t just change ourselves—we ripple outward, touching lives and, ultimately, reshaping the world. Six months ago, I added "TEDx Talk" to my bucket list – and that dream has been brought to fruition. As I crafted my speech, one phrase perfectly encapsulated the "Inside Out" concept to me: "True transformation begins within." The stories of Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and Malala all demonstrate how inner strength reshapes the external world.Michael Jordan turned relentless self-reflection and perseverance into a legendary basketball career. Oprah Winfrey harnessed empathy to transform countless lives. Malala converted trauma into a global force for education and peace even in the face of violence. Their journeys taught me that external success is never accidental—it springs from self-awareness and unshakable conviction. Too often, we chase outward achievements, yet lasting fulfillment comes from nurturing our inner growth and staying true to our values. By cultivating wisdom, we don’t just change ourselves—we ripple outward, touch lives and ultimately reshape the world. 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