True power isn’t about authority — it’s about growth, resilience, and the journey of becoming your best self. In this inspiring talk, the speaker shares personal experiences and hard-earned lessons that reveal how real power comes from within. It’s a story of learning, self-discovery, and the courage to rise beyond limits.Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, affectionately known as "Dr. Sujay," is a global thought leader, speaker, and bestselling author who has advised U.S. Presidents and inspired audiences on five continents. As a trailblazing advocate for women in leadership, she served as the first African-American woman to be appointed U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, and has been honored by Presidents Clinton and Obama for her service and vision.A graduate of Harvard University and a White House Fellow alum, Dr. Sujay has been recognized by Ebony as one of the top influencers in America and has been featured in The New York Times, Essence, and CNN. She is the founder of the Global Black Women's Chamber of Commerce and the Women on the World Stage platform, empowering women to lead with impact and purpose.Dr. Sujay’s TEDx talk explores what it means to succeed on your own terms—and how to build a life that leaves an echo far beyond titles, applause, or expectations. 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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- 17:33Preventing knife crime starts with listening, not fear | Mel Standbrook | TEDxBrayford PoolIn this thought-provoking talk, Mel reimagines how we approach serious violence. Instead of scare tactics, she shares how working with young people, not against them, can lead to real change. Through immersive, preventative education shaped by children themselves, she shows how understanding, not punishment, is the key to safer futures.Mel Standbrook is passionately dedicated to innovation, inclusivity and continuous improvement in Preventative Education. She advocates on the importance of a child’s voice and challenges the barriers that organisations face to deliver the right information at the right time. Mel has worked in Law Enforcement for 23 years and specialised in Sexual Violence and Youth Prevention designing and more recently leading a school’s curriculum of over 25 preventative workshops for over 10 years. She specialises in writing and delivering local and national products into educational settings around the county and has written national products alongside partners that have been delivered across the UK. More recently designing and launching an immersive, diversionary education centre to prevent young people from carrying a knife and being involved in Serious Violence. This centre concentrates on the journey and not the singular event. 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
- 8:15Is AI Fuelling a New Climate Crisis? | Stuart Clark | TEDxBrayford PoolWe don’t often think of data as polluting, but what if every scroll, stream, and swipe came with a carbon cost? In this powerful talk, we’re asked to confront the hidden environmental toll of our digital lives - from AI’s massive energy demands to the mountains of e-waste we leave behind. As data centres expand and screen time soars, the speaker challenges us to rethink our relationship with technology. Can we build a future where digital progress doesn’t cost the Earth?Stuart Clark, a coder, presenter, and author, advocates for software sustainability at the intersection of education and policy. Speaking at global conferences, he challenges audiences to code conscientiously and innovate intentionally. Stuart’s expertise in programmability and DevOps informs his approach to creating environmentally sustainable software. Beyond the stage, he builds developer communities and creates content, empowering others to thrive in tech while championing sustainable development 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
- 10:54How we built an emergency support system for Ukraine | Jane Davydiuk | TEDxBrayford PoolWhat if you had to build an entire nation’s emergency support system overnight - with no budget, no plan, and no sleep? In this powerful talk, Ukrainian changemaker Jane shares how, in the chaos of Russia’s invasion, she and a team of volunteers created a wartime operating system used by millions. It’s a story of radical resilience, no-code ingenuity, and the power of asking: what if the impossible isn’t?Jane Davydiuk is an operational expert with 9 years of experience in fast-paced startup environments. As a fractional COO, she has partnered with over 30 companies across various industries, guiding them through complex challenges and implementing innovative solutions. Her strategic insights have helped businesses achieve over £20 million in annual recurring revenue. Jane’s approach combines business education from Kyiv, Bremen and Vienna universities with hands-on experience in optimisations and automation, saving more than 5000 human hours for businesses. She has held operations specialist roles at ZAS Ventures and Acrobator Ventures, and mentored startups in accelerator programs such as Techstars and GrowthMentor. Jane focuses on data-driven decisions and managerial insights 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
- 7:32A Bag's Journey | Megan Candice | TEDxWestminster SchoolThis talk will delve into the Re-Wrap journey of the Westminster Under School bag, tracing its origins from the cotton seed and the farmers who grow it, through to the artisans who print, cut, and sew the finished product. Megan will focus on the people involved in each stage of the process, sharing their stories and experiences. Megan manages relationships for several of Re-Wraps’ patrons, including Westminster Under School. After graduating from the University of Brighton, she has spent the last ten years in the textile and fashion industry, working for a range of designers and suppliers. These experiences led her to seek a company committed to doing good for both people and the planet. 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
- 16:16Artistic Expression as an Emotional Outlet | Mariana Madero | TEDxColegio Merici YouthEl arte no solo decora, también sana; cada trazo es un puente entre la emoción y la libertad interior.Expresarse a través del arte es una forma de entenderse, de liberar lo que pesa y transformar el dolor en belleza. Mariana is currently in 7th grade, she practices air dance and violin. She is a big fan of everything that has to do with art and an even bigger fan of things that have to do with Japan. What she is trying to do with this talk is to inspire people to open themselves to the world, especially through art 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
- 8:08Rebuilding: Architecture, resilience, identity | Yaroslava Spodin | TEDxFountainbridgeA consideration of architecture as a tool for resilience and identity - beyond the build environment. Yaroslava enjoys discussing diverse ideas and perspectives, leading her school’s debating club to further develop her skills in articulating and defending complex topics effectively. Originally from Ukraine, she moved to Edinburgh just before the war, an experience that reshaped her understanding of resilience and change. Witnessing the destruction in her home country deepened her interest in how architecture can restore communities, identity, and hope. Her talk will examine how cities can emerge from devastation stronger than before, using innovation and design to foster healing and inspiration. She hopes the audience will leave with a new perspective on rebuilding—not just as a means of recovery, but as an opportunity to create a more connected and resilient future. 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
