What if technology gave us everything we wanted—yet left us with nothing to live for? This talk explores the hidden cost of AI-driven automation: the quiet erosion of purpose, meaning, and struggle. Blending science, philosophy, and real-world stories, it reveals why comfort without effort may be humanity’s most dangerous trap. Nik Popgeorgiev is a network engineer, college educator, and writer who explores the quiet tension between technological progress and human meaning. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Folsom, California, he teaches future engineers how to build the systems that shape our world—while quietly asking what kind of world we’re building. His fascination with artificial intelligence runs alongside a deeper question: how do we preserve purpose, creativity, and selfhood in a world increasingly run by machines?
With over two decades in the tech industry, Nik brings both technical expertise and reflective insight to his work. In the winter, he works as a ski instructor in the Sierra, where movement, focus, and nature offer a different kind of clarity. He lives with his two children, finding joy in books, sports, long conversations, and the occasional existential crisis. 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
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- 16:16From Assumptions to Answers | Banasri Brandon | TEDxTechnocrats Institute Of TechnologyFrom waving at airplanes in her small West Bengal town to standing on global stages, this deeply personal talk explores what it means to dream boldly—and confront the silent voices that tell us we can’t. Through humor, nostalgia, and raw emotion, a former banker and communication expert revisits her childhood dream of becoming a pilot and the moment it collided with rejection. But this is not a story of defeat. It’s a powerful reflection on self-belief, invisible barriers, and the courage to rewrite the script society hands us. Inspiring and introspective, it invites you to revisit your own “impossible” dreams—and to chase them with conviction. Banasri Brandon is a Dubai-based ex-banker, passionate public speaker, and two-time DTAC International Speech Contest finalist. With 15+ years of experience in the banking sector, she brings sharp insights in communication, leadership, and strategy.Banasri inspires audiences with her journey from a vernacular school in India to global stages. She’s also a strong advocate for families with special needs, drawing from her experience as a mother to champion empathy, inclusion, and resilience. 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
