In her talk, Kamila McDonald reflects on the vibrant, medicine-free life of her 100-year-old grandmother to explore a powerful truth: we’ve become disconnected from the ancestral wisdom that once kept us well. Sharing her personal journey from growing up in Jamaica on fresh, Ital foods to battling depression, weight gain, and prediabetes after moving abroad, Kamila reveals how processed foods and emotional disconnection fueled her decline. Her healing came not from a trendy diet, but from a return to real food, breathing exercises, slow, intentional living, and gut health. She reminds us that our ancestors didn’t count calories; they honored food as medicine. Backed by science and cultural truth, Kamila offers a simple but profound message: we are not broken, just disconnected, and healing begins on our plates, one small, conscious step at a time. Kamila McDonald is a Jamaican health and wellness entrepreneur, author, and certified fitness coach committed to making holistic living accessible and culturally relevant. A Stanford and UC Berkeley graduate, she blends academic insight with real-world impact in plant-based nutrition, sustainable business, and community wellness. Her journey from battling weight challenges, an eating disorder, and prediabetes to becoming a wellness leader fuels her mission.In 2017, she published Kamila’s Kitchen, which grew from a bestselling nutrition guide into a thriving plant-based restaurant chain. Beyond food, Kamila leads a community-based wellness programs. WellGood – A sustainable food company producing plant-based alternatives, with an eco-conscious approach. Through her ventures, Kamila empowers individuals to embrace wellness through culture, self-care, and sustainability; proving that transformation is possible, one meal and one movement at a time. 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

This talk explores the critical need for human connection in the workplace, especially in a society overwhelmed by “weapons of mass distraction” like technology and productivity pressure. Through the deeply personal story of losing her 25-year-old daughter to lupus, the speaker highlights the profound emotional toll of presenteeism; being physically at work while mentally and emotionally absent. Despite being a therapist supporting corporate employees, she found herself unsupported in her own grief, exposing how companies often address pain with impersonal policies or pamphlets rather than empathy. She introduces a powerful “3-in-3” strategy for leaders to foster grief-sensitive workplaces: Admit the loss, Omit judgment, and Emit empathy. Citing economic data and examples like Steve Jobs and Dr. King, the talk argues that addressing grief head-on leads to stronger, more connected teams and more resilient organizations. The speaker urges leaders to stop outsourcing emotional care and instead embed empathy into workplace culture, because true leadership emerges not in comfort, but in how we respond to loss and human suffering.Montrella Cowan is the CEO of Affinity Health Affairs, LLC, a licensed therapist, entrepreneur, business coach, and USA Today bestselling author with over 20 years of experience. She provides training, keynote speaking, and coaching in wellness, wealth, and leadership.Host of The Montrella Cowan Show, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies like Marriott and Fannie Mae. A nine-time bestselling author, she co-wrote Game On: Leaders Who Last.Recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Joy Awards Finalist, Montrella’s expertise has been featured in Essence, The Washington Post, Fox, NPR, NBC, and ABC. She holds degrees from Howard University and Catholic University and enjoys dancing and traveling. 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 the speaker talks about how we underestimate ourselves and how we can become extraordinary from ordinary human beings. At times adversity makes us better version of ourselves. There has been several examples where the great leaders were built through growth mindset. Rakesh Kaul, with over 28 years of experience across consumer durables, retail, and telecom, is the MD & CEO of Livpure. He drives innovation, customer-centric solutions, and growth through digital transformation and strategic partnerships. Known for his “Heart Leadership” approach, Rakesh blends empathy with strategic thinking to build high-performance, trust-driven cultures. Previously, he held key leadership roles at Hindware, Karbonn Mobiles, Reliance Retail, Times Group, Onida, and Whirlpool, where he led major transformations and brand expansions. At Livpure, he mentors future leaders through structured programs and champions people development. He recently authored Winning Markets with Heart Leadership, a book that emphasizes the human side of leadership, aiming to inspire leaders to lead with love and purpose. Rakesh’s journey reflects his commitment to impactful leadership and business excellence. 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 engaging and insightful talk, Hrishi K explores the powerful resurgence of audio in the digital age. With a rare blend of industry experience and cultural curiosity, he takes the audience on a journey from the golden days of radio to the dynamic world of podcasts. Drawing from his decades-long career behind the mic, he shares behind-the-scenes stories of iconic broadcasts, personal turning points, and the creative shift from live radio to on-demand audio storytelling.This talk is both a masterclass in reinvention and a tribute to the enduring power of the spoken word. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or curious listener, Hrishi K inspires you to recognise audio as not just a medium, but a movement. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, he invites the next generation to embrace this sonic revolution and find their own voice in it. Mr. Hrishikesh Kannan, widely known as Hrishi K, is a celebrated voice in Indian broadcasting with an influential career spanning radio, podcasts, and branded content. As the National Brand Head of Radio One Network, he helms the network’s content innovation and strategic growth. He is also the much-loved host of Good Morning Mumbai on 94.3 Radio One, one of India’s most popular daily morning shows.A passionate audio storyteller, Hrishi K has successfully transitioned into the podcasting era, creating some of the country's top-streamed shows. His standout series, The HrishiKay Sessions, along with Investocast and Taana Baana, exemplify his versatility across genres. With a voice that connects generations and a presence that bridges tradition and tech, Hrishi K continues to redefine how India listens. He is the recipient of numerous honours, including RAPA, Golden Mike, Promax, and EEMA Awards, and was crowned India’s No. 1 RJ in a nationwide digital vote. 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 thought-provoking talk, Ms. Dvija Mehta unpacks the urgent need for ethical frameworks in artificial intelligence. Drawing on her experiences as a researcher, entrepreneur, and advisor, she demystifies the concept of AI ethics, bringing it down from abstract ideals to real-world impacts. With compelling stories, surprising insights, and a strong moral compass, Ms. Mehta walks the audience through the hidden biases in algorithms, the risks of unchecked automation, and the promise of designing AI that respects human dignity.This is not just a talk about technology, it’s a call to action for developers, business leaders, and young innovators to become ethical architects of our digital future. Ms. Mehta offers a powerful reminder that in the race for smarter machines, we must not lose sight of what it means to be truly human. Ms. Dvija Mehta is a leading voice in the global conversation on ethical artificial intelligence. As an AI ethicist and Founder & CEO of YOU AI, she is dedicated to building technologies that are not only intelligent but also aligned with human values. A graduate of the University of Cambridge and former fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, she works at the intersection of technology, philosophy, and policy. Ms. Mehta's research and insights have been featured on BBC Future and BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze. As a trusted advisor to startups and multinational organisations, she helps shape frameworks for Responsible AI Governance around the world. Through her writing, consulting, and public speaking, Ms. Mehta offers bold visions for a future where technology advances in harmony with societal good. With intellect, integrity, and imagination, she empowers audiences to think critically about the systems they create - and the futures they want to live in. 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 think we know our bodies—but what if there’s something important we’ve missed? In this eye-opening talk, Emily uncovers a little-known part of the human body that’s changing how scientists think. It’s a reminder that curiosity can lead to discoveries in the most unexpected places. Emily is a sixth grade student at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School. As a two-time gold level President's Volunteer Service Award recipient, Emily knows the power of hard work and giving back to her community. She has dedicated countless hours to the building and tending of her school's gardens and she has supported numerous Santiago STEAM Green environmental initiatives. From working before school recycling drives to attending after school guest speaker sessions, Emily's support has been key in her school's success as a Green Ribbon School through both the CA and US Departments of Education. 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