How do you turn adversity into innovation? | Sarah de Lagarde | TEDxLondonBusinessSchool
What if your greatest tragedy became the spark for your greatest innovation? After a devastating accident left her with life-changing injuries, Sarah de Lagarde rebuilt her life—one AI-powered movement at a time. This is a story of resilience, cutting-edge technology, and the human spirit's power to rise again. Sarah de Lagarde is not just a speaker—she is a force of resilience, innovation, and inspiration. As Global Head of Corporate Affairs at Janus Henderson, she has mastered the art of turning complex ideas into compelling stories. But her most powerful narrative is her own.
In 2022, Sarah’s life changed forever when she was run over by two tube trains. What could have been the end became the start of an extraordinary new chapter. Defying the odds, she became the first woman in the world to summit Mount Kilimanjaro with two prosthetic limbs. Now fitted with a groundbreaking AI-powered bionic arm, she is a trailblazer in the future of prosthetics and human potential.
From resilience and adaptability to the transformative power of AI, Sarah’s story captivates and inspires audiences worldwide. 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
More from TED
- 15:29The Role of Education in the Globalized World | Rovin James Fabillo Canja | TEDxIUJDegrees are everywhere—but are they enough? Rovin challenges the modern obsession with credentials and urges us to seek kokorozashi, a purpose that turns knowledge into service. Education, he argues, should be more than a paper; it should be a commitment to uplift others. James is a dedicated young public servant focused on empowering youth development and amplifying the roles of learners in shaping education systems. He began his government career at the Department of Education in the Philippines, where he is working to create meaningful impact through policy formulation and project management, ensuring that education models align with the needs and experiences of young people. A strong advocate for lifelong learning, he believes that learners are not just passive recipients of information but active agents of change. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy at the International University of Japan. 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
- 10:50I Failed the Important Exam in My Life, and My Life Became Better | Zhongyan Tang (Rachel) | TEDxIUJWhat if your biggest failure became your greatest turning point? Rachel takes us through her journey from heartbreak after failing China's National College Entrance Examination to rediscovering her passion and designing a better life. Her story reveals that failure isn’t the end—it’s often the start of something more meaningful. Born in a small town in Chongqing, China, when I was young, going abroad seemed like a far-fetched dream to me. But now I have been to 12 countries, and have lived and studied in 4 countries. My journey from Chongqing, China, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Jakarta, Indonesia, to Niigata, Japan, witnessed my growth from a little lost girl, to a proactive department head in student council, to a self-challenging international sales specialist, to a growth-oriented MBA student.My story is about a transformation from a little, shy, insecure town girl who dreamt about going abroad to explore the bigger world to a brave and determined woman who made the little girl’s dream come true. I am grateful that every place that I have been to has nurtured and shaped me into my current self, not perfect but on the way to thrive. 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
- 10:40Sustainable Development of Teachers | Haruka Hatanaka | TEDxIUJCan one sentence save a life? Haruka shares her personal story of overcoming depression and finding purpose in teaching, reminding us that education should help children accept themselves, not just become "useful." Her journey across continents redefines what it means to be a teacher. As a passionate educator and global citizen, Haruka believes that discovering the world is the first step to discovering yourself. With over seven years of experience as a primary and secondary teacher in Japan and more than two years as a JICA volunteer in Paraguay, she has dedicated her life to building bridges between cultures. Formerly a coordinator at the JICA Kyoto office, she now works in the JICA South America department, supporting sustainable development across the region. Her journey—from Japanese classrooms to South American communities—has shaped her vision of personal growth through global connection. 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
- 15:02The Chaos That Creates Clarity | Moray Venkata Sahitya | TEDxCMRIT HyderabadIn a world obsessed with certainty, the mind often thrives in contradiction. "Paradox of Thoughts" explores how conflicting ideas and inner chaos aren't barriers, but bridges to deeper self-awareness and growth. Through personal stories, real-world examples, and reflective insights, this talk uncovers the hidden strength in uncertainty. Rather than fearing duality—logic vs. emotion, fear vs. hope—we learn to embrace it. Because sometimes, the most profound clarity doesn’t come from having all the answers, but from questioning everything. This TEDx talk challenges us to befriend confusion, and to discover that the most complex minds are often the most creative ones. Moray Venkata Sahitya is a 19-year-old aspiring CA, CMA, and US CMA, making remarkable strides in finance and leadership. A National Awardee in Literature (2024) and recipient of the Young Visionary Leader International Award (2025).Sahitya is a distinguished panel speaker and the Chairperson of an NGO, actively driving social change. Featured in IIM magazines, their thought leadership in finance has made a lasting impact.A true Youth Icon and mentor, Sahitya continues to inspire and empower the next generation of professionals. 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
- 10:19Samoświadomość, a odpowiedzialność za zmianę | Igor Demianiuk | TEDxAntoniuk YouthIgor pokazuje, jak samoświadomość i wystawianie się na różne miejsca styku wpływają na naszą tożsamość i odpowiedzialność za zmianę. W tym wystąpieniu Igor odpowiada na pytanie jak dywersyfikacja źródeł tożsamości może pomóc lepiej zrozumieć siebie. Myślę, że najcenniejsze co mamy, to czas i uwagę, dlatego na co dzień poświęcam je ludziom. Lubię ludzi. To dla nich organizuję wydarzenia pracując w Biurze Rektora w Szkole Głównej Handlowej w Warszawie. To ludziom najbardziej lubię robić zdjęcia działając jako fotograf. To ludzi słucham prowadząc program w telewizji. To ludzi uważam za najcenniejszy skarb jaki odkryłem studiując już 3. rok w SGH Kilkukrotnie wchodziłem w rolę mentora, wspierając młodszych ode mnie w drodze do odkrycia siebie. Przez półtora roku pomagałem warszawskim seniorom jako wolontariusz PCK, a także jako asystent osoby niepełnosprawnej. Zbieram w ten sposób doświadczenia, a następnie z przyjemnością dzielę się nimi z innymi! 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
- 14:31Why Your Name Matters | Wenli Xie | TEDxYouth@CardiffSixthFormCollegeThis talk delves into identity, tapping into personal experience and ultimately answering the question "who are you?". Wenli is a Year 10 student from Portugal, who loves to delve into all kinds of topics to understand the hows and whys of everything and anything. Through this, Wenli's thirst for knowledge is ever growing and she wonders where it will take her next. 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