In a world full of quick fixes for managing stress and avoiding burnout, few address the real issue. Julia Arndt challenges the notion that organization’s are solely to blame for burnout. With her candid storytelling, Julia shares powerful insights from her own journey, challenging the traditional views of productivity and teaches busy professionals that true success starts by prioritizing themselves and developing better habits. She encourages a radical shift in how we approach work and life, offering a new perspective on achieving sustainable success. Most evenings, you’ll find corporate well-being expert Julia Arndt on the many trails and crystal clear water that Lake Tahoe has to offer with her incredible husband and blue heeler mix; instead of working in front of her computer. But it was not always this way.Born in Germany, Julia led a High Achiever’s life: living in 5 countries over 15 years, speaking 3 languages, carving her path at Google in Silicon Valley for almost a decade. While most employees are taken out by burnout, Julia became inspired through her experience. She quit her 9 to 5 to spearhead her own coaching business, helping over 10,000 high achievers at Fortune 500 companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Uber and Amazon conquer stress, move beyond burnout and build a mindful lifestyle. She challenges the status quo of how busy professionals sustain their performance at work, championing a radical rethink of how companies cultivate mindful productivity and a healthy, systematic work-life balance through her state-of-the art Peak Performance Method.Julia’s expertise as an international speaker, stress management trainer, host of the 'STRESSD' podcast, and YouTuber has led to over 500,000 views worldwide. Co-author of 'Winning Mindset: Elite Strategies for Peak Performance,' her philosophy is clear: 'If your brain is your most valuable resource, let’s make sure to take care of it. Career success and satisfaction depend on your ability to develop the next workplace superpower. 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 "Choose Adventure over Change” Michelle Huntington reflects on the tension between safety instincts and the pursuit of adventure. After obtaining a private pilot license, she accepted a challenge to fly a small aircraft from Arizona to Australia, despite her limited experience. The journey involved overcoming fears, adapting to unexpected changes, and using innovative solutions for fuel management. She emphasises that the brain’s amygdala often misinterprets new experiences as threats, but by re-framing these situations as adventures, we can embrace change and unlock our potential. Ultimately, curiosity can transform fear into thrilling opportunities As a young girl in Wagga Wagga, Michelle was introduced to the aviation world when her father joined the RAAF. She commenced her schooling there, then later returned to study Art, and then Archaeology at Charles Sturt University. Michelle also undertook high-stakes leadership training which fostered her skills in ingenuity and inventive problem-solving.Michelle's aviation career took flight when she began flying doctors to remote towns and delivering freight. Through her first airline job at Regional Express, based in Wagga Wagga, Michelle's passion for aviation grew. She went on to fly for Virgin Australia, retiring as an airline captain in 2021.An award-winning speaker, Michelle shares her captivating stories and humour from the air, celebrating leadership and adventure. 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

Sarah Blyth asks listeners to consider what the implications are for communities who do not have access to wifi and how donating wifi could help save lives in vulnerable communities. Sarah Blyth was born in Sault St Marie and raised in Vancouver. She is an activist, community organizer and former politician known for her work in harm reduction and public health, particularly in the context of the opioid crisis. Blyth founded the Vancouver Overdose Prevention Society (OPS), a grassroots organization dedicated to providing overdose prevention services, advocating for drug policy reform, setting up overdose prevention sites and distributing naloxone kits. Blyth served as a parks commissioner in Vancouver, focusing on community engagement, environmental sustainability and improving access to public spaces, especially for vulnerable communities. Blyth's dedication and success has been widely recognized, receiving numerous awards for her advocacy efforts. She continues to be an influential voice in the ongoing dialogue surrounding drug policy and public health in Canada. 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 "Bringing a Language to Life," Elijah Ingram emphasizes the significance of speaking traditional languages and the need for language reclamation. He questions the definition of language, considering words, actions, and their meanings. Ingram reflects on the challenges of revitalizing dying languages, noting that few undertake this task because it requires community and commitment. He believes modern technology provides tools to document and promote languages, urging his generation to go beyond mere preservation. By fostering a community that values language, they can breathe life into it, ensuring its survival and relevance for future generations A dynamic film practitioner and digital artist, Elijah merges technology and creativity to produce transformative art experiences.With a strong background in community engagement from his tenure at Western Riverina Arts, he has established a successful production company that highlights diverse narratives.His work spans national and international collaborations, reflecting a commitment to social justice. In 2023, Elijah was invited to attend the Initiatives of Change, Caux Forum in Switzerland, as part of Global Indigenous Dialogue.As a digital artist with a commission at Griffith Base Hospital, Elijah's art enhances healing environments, showcasing the impact of integrating technology and creativity. 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

Michael Bezabeh shares how being isolated as an immigrant can be devastating, and how the strength and consistency of communities can get the most vulnerable members through the toughest of times. Michael Bezabeh's journey is one of resilience and redemption. Born in Harar, Ethiopia, Michael faced cultural displacement early in life, moving to Addis Ababa and later migrating across continents in search of stability. Settling in Vancouver, his life took an unexpected turn when he fell into addiction, leading to years of struggle and hardship in the Downtown East side. Despite countless setbacks, Michael found strength in family and faith, supported by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church during his darkest times. After years of perseverance and the unwavering support of his loved ones, Michael emerged from his addiction. Today, he works as a security guard, contributing to his community and finding strength in his faith and community. His journey from addiction to recovery underscores the power of resilience, family, and community support. 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

Featured songs: Lay Me Low; Revery; Head On A Plate Abe Houck is singer/songwriter and musician based in Chattanooga Tennessee. Over the years playing in bands and solo projects his music has spanned styles and genre’s from folk, garage rock, post punk and country. Abe’s upbringing was a peripatetic one, born in Iowa, grew up in the Midwest, South Africa and Texas, he came to Chattanooga in 2009. He is currently working on a debut solo album to be released in 2025. 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