West explores the invisible forces that derail communication—even among the smartest, most well-intentioned teams. With humor and deep insight, she reveals how tiny assumptions, unsaid “obvious” facts, and quickly formed insider language can quietly sabotage collaboration. Drawing on two decades of research, West unpacks why teams miss critical information even when it’s in the room, and how our brains are wired to overlook what others don’t know. Her stories will make you laugh, cringe, and rethink your next team meeting. This talk is a powerful call to slow down, check your shared assumptions, and finally say the thing that “goes without saying.” Tessa West is a Professor of Psychology at New York University and a renowned authority on interpersonal communication. Her research tackles complex issues such as the challenges of giving honest feedback, the impact of class, race, and cultural differences on workplace communication, and strategies for improving professional interactions.A prolific scholar, Tessa earned her PhD from the University of Connecticut and has published over 80 articles in leading academic journals, including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Psychological Science, and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Her contributions have earned her multiple honors, including the Early Career Award and the Theoretical Innovation Prize from the Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology, as well as significant funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.Tessa’s insights have garnered extensive media coverage in outlets such as The New York Times, Scientific American, TIME, and Forbes, and her expertise has been showcased on Good Morning America, CNN, and ABC World News. She is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal and the author of two acclaimed books, Jerks at Work: Toxic coworkers and what to do about them and Job Therapy: Finding work that works for you. Her TED Talk, "The problem with being too nice at work," was among the top 10 most-watched talks of 2024. 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 are in a crisis. Climate change, mass extinction, and soaring inequality are not separate problems—they are symptoms of a single, dangerous idea that has been poisoning western society for more than 400 years: the idea that humans are separate from, and superior to, nature. In this talk, we trace this flawed mindset from the philosopher René Descartes to the economic theories of Adam Smith and Milton Friedman. You will see how this single assumption gave us permission to build a society that relentlessly pursues profit at the expense of our planet, leading to the unjust and unsustainable world we see today. But what if there's another way? What if we could initiate a "Reformation 2.0"? This isn't about small fixes like taxes or regulations; it's about a revolutionary shift in our most fundamental beliefs. This is a call to challenge our deepest assumptions and build a future that works for everyone, not just a fortunate few. It's time for Reformation 2.0. Kevin is Professor Emeritus of Chemical Meteorology at Stockholm University. He is known for his research on global sustainability, and on the role of aerosols and clouds in climate and air quality. He was Director of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme and he is Chief Scientific Advisor at the International Sustainable Finance Centre and Re-Define. Kevin engages widely in science outreach, working with NGOs, businesses, faith groups, and policymakers. 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've been told a terrifying story about climate change. We stand before two doors: behind one is environmental collapse, and behind the other is economic ruin from the drastic policies meant to stop it. It’s a classic "wicked problem" where every choice leads to disaster. But what if that story is wrong? What if there's a third door? In this talk, you'll discover why the choice between our planet and our prosperity is a false dilemma. The key isn't drastic, short-term sacrifice; it's the incredible, often-overlooked flexibility of our economy over the long run. Learn how a planned, 30-year transition to a climate-neutral world isn't a painful cost, but a cheap insurance policy for humanity. It's time to replace fear with a practical, optimistic, and achievable plan. Welcome to through the third door. John is Professor of Economics at the Institute for International Economic Studies at Stockholm University. He is known for his research is on public finance, social mobility, growth and climate change. He has worked as advisor to the Swedish Ministry of Finance and the European Economic Advisory Group. 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 captivating TED-style talk, a seasoned electronics and communication engineer traces the evolution of industry from mechanical beginnings to today’s cutting-edge Industry 4.0. Sharing personal stories of early laptops with floppy drives and limited RAM, he highlights how technology has rapidly progressed to cloud computing, IoT, AI, robotics, and big data. The speaker explains how machines are now able to communicate, collaborate, and even create other machines, reshaping manufacturing and everyday life. A powerful message for students and young professionals, this talk underscores the importance of continuous learning and staying aligned with emerging technologies to thrive in the next wave of digital transformation. Kapil Khurana is the driving force behind Technoviz Automation, where he helps companies embrace Industry 4.0, IIoT, and AI-powered solutions to revolutionize operations, cut costs, and enhance efficiency. With expertise in smart manufacturing, automation, and renewable energy, Kapil combines innovation with sustainability to create lasting impact. Known for his collaborative leadership and vision for the future of industrial innovation, he continues to be a trusted advisor, guiding organizations toward growth and meaningful change. 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 deeply personal and inspiring TEDx talk, Dr. Cheryl Cooper, global cybersecurity leader, bestselling author, and U.S. Navy veteran, shares how one intentional decision transformed her life from the streets of St. Louis to the C-suite. With powerful insights from her journey through adversity, military discipline, and breaking barriers in tech, Dr. Cooper challenges us to stop waiting for permission and start owning our future. Whether you're rebuilding, redefining, or just beginning, this talk will stir you to act, lead, and rise, one choice at a time. Because the future isn’t fate. It’s chosen. Dr. Cheryl Cooper is a trailblazing United States Navy Veteran and Doctorate of Computer Science, globally renowned for her transformative leadership in cybersecurity. With nearly three decades of experience, she most recently served as an Information Security Officer for T-Mobile and is the International President for Women in CyberSecurity (WiCYS). She is empowering organizations to cultivate diverse cyber talent and foster a culture of innovation. As the host of the podcast "Ctrl+Alt+Em-Power," Dr. Cooper unlocks the critical intersections of cyber resilience, technology, and inclusion. An accomplished author, Dr. Cooper's most recent book "Breaking the Code: Winning Strategies for Women in Cybersecurity & Tech," launched in 2025. Cooper's mission is clear: "We must see the Black and Brown girl in a world in which she is usually unseen." 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