From a trainee working 20-hour days with no pay — only a free lunch — to becoming a global travelpreneur and CEO of HighQ Tourism, Soundar Rajan has lived the true meaning of escaping the ordinary.In this inspiring TEDx Talk, he shares his incredible journey of perseverance, reinvention, and passion — from facing career setbacks to building a thriving global travel business with offices in India and Dubai. Through every challenge, Soundar turned failure into a foundation for success, inspiring thousands to find opportunity in adversity.As the founder of the Travelpreneur Alliance Hub, he has mentored over 500 aspiring travel entrepreneurs and aims to empower 10,000 more to launch profitable, purpose-driven ventures with clarity and confidence.In his talk, Soundar reminds us that success isn’t about where you start — it’s about how courage, learning, and belief can help you escape the ordinary and redefine what’s possible. Soundar Rajan is the CEO of HighQ Tourism and the visionary founder of the Travelpreneur Alliance Hub, a global community for aspiring travel entrepreneurs. With over 22 years of experience in the travel industry, Soundar’s journey began humbly as a trainee in a tourist transport company—working 20-hour days for months with no salary, only free lunch. From those beginnings, he rose to build a successful global travel business with offices in India and Dubai, mentoring over 500 individuals and creating numerous success stories. His mission is clear: to help 10,000 aspiring travelpreneurs launch profitable businesses with clarity, confidence, and minimal investment. Recognized for his leadership, innovation, and sustainable business practices 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
- 7:47Women In Sports | Flower Ssewakiryanga | TEDxAga Khan HS Kampala YouthThis inspiring and eye-opening speech confronts the deep-rooted inequalities between men’s and women’s sports. With wit and conviction, she challenges her audience to question why male athletes dominate the headlines while equally talented women remain overlooked. Tracing the journey from women’s exclusion in the early Olympics to modern-day trailblazers like Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Uganda’s own Flavia Oketcho and Dorcus Inzikuru, she celebrates the strength, resilience, and brilliance of female athletes who defy stereotypes. A student from 7 Hills International School Kampala 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
- 9:11Gaining Aura By Looking at it | Philippe Okwe | TEDxAga Khan HS Kampala YouthThis witty and insightful talk turns the idea of “aura” the sense of confidence and coolness we project completely on its head. Through humor, storytelling, and a hilariously awkward cafeteria moment, the speaker reveals that constantly “losing aura” might actually be the key to finding true self-assurance. Drawing from psychology, personal reflection, and everyday experiences, Gaining Aura by Losing It challenges the belief that confidence comes from perfection or popularity. Instead, it celebrates authenticity, vulnerability, and the freedom that comes from not caring how others perceive you. A refreshing reminder that real confidence begins the moment you stop trying to look confident. A student from Rainbow International School 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
