TEDx Talks

Hande Enes, a Turkish technology investor, shares her journey of investing in Turkish startups and argues that Turkey is now a net exporter of technology rather than just a reproducer of others' ideas. She discusses what she looks for in entrepreneurs, the importance of data literacy, and how artificial intelligence will reshape professions and realities. She emphasizes the power of terminology, cross-disciplinary thinking, and human adaptability over fear of technological disruption.

Twin sisters Yanith and Yankee share their personal experience of moving from Hong Kong to Hongjo, exploring how differences in food, language, and lifestyle revealed deeper cultural commonalities. They argue that differences are not barriers but enriching qualities that can coexist in harmony.

Nodira Qobiljonova, a BMU Tashkent student, argues that reading functions as a safe community and emotional sanctuary. She shares personal examples of how books helped her navigate life decisions, grief, and demotivation. She also contrasts reading's capacity to build emotional independence with social media's tendency to foster emotional dependence.

Milana Medvedeva argues that human creativity has always served as a bridge for connection, from ancient cave paintings to modern solo creators. She contends that while AI and technology have made content creation easier, human creativity is uniquely powerful because it fosters recognition and genuine emotional connection rather than mere entertainment.

Malika Bobokhujaeva argues that modern access to information has created an illusion of learning, while schools have failed to teach independent study habits. She contends that true intellectual growth requires individuals to take personal responsibility for their own learning, free from external validation and fear of judgment.

Dilsolikh Kosimov argues that the legal industry has been slow to adopt technology despite 60% of lawyers' time being spent on repetitive tasks. He describes his own project building an AI-assisted tool for lawyers that streamlines research, drafting, and contract review while deliberately limiting AI from replacing human judgment. He closes by challenging the audience to question the status quo in their own industries.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Gary Allen shares how he overcame fear and self-doubt to retrain himself and his team in robotic cardiac surgery, achieving results that far exceeded their initial projections. His talk covers three core lessons: embracing innovation, building effective teams, and committing to continuous learning regardless of age or experience level.

Karen Khachikyan, a robotics entrepreneur, shares how building Robin—a robot designed for hospitals and nursing homes—revealed his own shortcomings in practicing kindness. Through observing Robin's genuine listening with patients, he realized kindness is not an innate trait but a skill requiring deliberate practice. His personal journey reframes the question from 'Are you a kind person?' to 'Are you willing to practice kindness?'

Aradhya Bhagavan Das explores the tension between authentic identity (alethia) and the masks we wear (persona) through storytelling, philosophy, and cultural examples. He argues that true survival and fulfillment come from recognizing one's intrinsic value rather than accumulating external titles and coverings. Drawing on the Mahabharata, a tomato metaphor, and Bengali Patitra art, he urges the audience to find and live by their core essence.

Mikkeline Thomsen, a researcher who analyzed 130 million social media posts, contrasts the toxic public debate on politician and media Facebook pages with the thriving, citizen-led digital communities that represent 90% of online engagement in Denmark. She identifies six reasons why these membership-based communities function as a healthy digital civil society. She argues that these grassroots communities deliver the original promise of the internet and should serve as the model for future digital social infrastructure.

Former England footballer Jill Scott reveals that the real secret to winning the Euros wasn't complex tactics, but manager Serena Wiegman's ability to trust her staff completely and make every player feel appreciated. Scott emphasizes that while achieving goals matters, the journey and relationships built along the way are what truly count.

Exercise physiologist Kylie Moffitt argues that exercise should be prescribed as medicine in cancer treatment, presenting evidence that structured exercise can improve survival rates and treatment outcomes. She advocates for automatic referral to exercise oncology professionals from diagnosis, rather than treating exercise as an optional wellness activity.

Former NSW police officer Kylee Dennis reveals how romance scammers use sophisticated coercive control techniques at scale after her mother became a victim. She argues that scammers exploit human courage and vulnerability, and society's shame-based response enables them by silencing victims.

Nuwangi Cooray argues that current sunscreen testing methods are inadequate for Australian UV conditions, proposing a shift from focusing on SPF numbers to understanding cumulative UV dose over time. She presents research on advanced nano UV filters and advocates for dynamic sun protection systems that account for real-world conditions.

Chad Hyams argues that not every disruption requires grit and endurance - some are signals for necessary change. He explains how psychological biases cause us to automatically fight disruptions rather than recognizing when our life 'script' has expired and needs redirection.

Music psychologist Xiaoxiao Hou challenges the view that music is merely "auditory cheesecake," arguing instead that music is essential to human survival and connection. Through her research on dementia patients and personal experiences, she demonstrates that music serves as cognitive scaffolding for human connection and a crucial therapeutic tool, while criticizing the closure of university music departments that train the specialists society desperately needs.

Blessing Annatoria Chitapa, winner of The Voice UK 2020, explores the concept of 'surviving' in the entertainment industry, ultimately arguing that success isn't about surviving external platforms or industry pressures, but about overcoming internal battles with doubt, comparison, and self-belief.

Christopher Barnett, drawing from his background in engineering and architecture, argues that music functions as 'social architecture' - creating emotional and cultural spaces where people gather and belong. He explores how music organizes society through rhythm, creates synchrony and trust, and shapes identity and community bonds.

Dean Westmoreland shares his journey from cobbler to shoemaker, highlighting the artificial barriers between shoe repair and shoemaking trades. He argues that the shoe repair industry represents an untapped pool of talent that could strengthen the broader footwear industry if properly integrated.

Gavin Paul shares his cycling journey from Olympic dreams derailed by a motorbike accident to eventually qualifying for world championships. He discusses how a skiing accident brought him back to sport and the lessons he learned about training, nutrition, and community along the way.