In a gripping and emotionally charged account, the speaker takes us on a harrowing journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where a teammate’s life hung in the balance. Through near-death experiences, leadership under pressure, and the power of purpose, he explores how critical thinking, resilience, and team unity can lead us through life’s toughest climbs. From leading Team Sabah through physical extremes to honoring promises and legacies, the talk weaves together adventure, mortality, and personal growth. At its core, it's about choosing life—again and again—through deliberate, courageous decisions. The speaker’s mission? To scale 1,000 summits through his adventure company, challenging others to grow through adversity and elevate their thinking. Chris Hardwick - Adventurepreneur, is an executive business coach, speaker, and global leadership strategist helping CEOs, founders, and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity and courage.With 30+ years of business experience, he has led $3.5B in infrastructure projects and scaled six companies to $50M+.Today, he empowers owners and leaders to build innovative purpose-driven businesses with adventurous cultures to break mental roadblocks, overcome fear and take bold calculated risks.Chris is also the founder of the Adventure Club 1000 that takes adventure seeking entrepreneurs on trips around the world. A former rally car driver and downhill mountain biking champion, soccer coach and lifelong learner and adventurer.Chris brings his “Adventurepreneur” mindset to life through peer groups, immersive corporate retreats, and one-on-one coaching. Whether scaling mountains or businesses, Chris helps leaders think critically, lead boldly, and thrive beyond limits.“Go Get It” 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

The land we call wilderness has a story—one that goes far beyond national parks and scenic trails. In her TEDx talk, Footsteps to the Past, Emma challenges us to rethink the way we view National Parks—not as untouched nature, but as places with layered histories, shaped by the people who lived, worked, and stewarded them for generations. Emma Lankford is a senior at William & Mary studying Biology and Integrative Conservation and her life has been defined by a passion for uncovering the hidden histories of the landscapes we cherish. Emma is a Trip Leader for the Tribe Adventure Program, a Student Sustainability Council member, and an avid rock climber. She's also checked off every Virginia State Park, once opened for a touring production of Hamilton, and—perhaps most impressively—somehow got lost on Disney's Lazy River as a kid. For Emma, TEDx is an opportunity to inspire others to think deeply about the spaces they inhabit. Given William & Mary's own Native history, she believes these conversations aren't just important—they're necessary. 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

What if the key to fixing democracy isn't more elections-but fewer? In his TEDx talk, Michael explores the ancient practice of sortition - a system where randomly selected citizens, rather than elected politicians, serve as legislators. Once the foundation of Athenian democracy, could this radical idea be the key to revitalizing modern governance? As President of the Mason Investment Club and Co-President of the Finance Academy, Michael Foley is no stranger to making strategic decisions. But beyond finance and economics, he's deeply invested in the future of democracy. On campus, Michael also serves on the Institute for Integrative Conservation Student Leadership Council and is a proud member of Delta Chi Fraternity. And when he's not analyzing markets or debating political reform, he's proving his skills at the dartboard, navigating life with 40 first cousins, or still coming to terms with the fact that he isn't actually a British citizen. For Michael, TEDx is more than just a stage - it's a platform for bold ideas. He's here to challenge conventional thinking and ignite a conversation on the future of democracy. 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

Following his groundbreaking research in Frome Medical Practice, Julian Abel returns to the TEDx stage to challenge the evolutionary theory of “Survival of The Fittest”. Showing the power of compassion throughout our politics, our economics, and the diversity that underpins it all, Julian makes a compelling case for the impact that communities can make throughout our lives. Dr Julian Abel spent his clinical life as a palliative care specialist doctor. He has developed a special interest in compassionate communities, initially as part of supporting people undergoing experiences of death, dying, loss and care giving. Since 2016 he has worked with Frome Medical Practice applying the compassionate community approach to healthcare in general, with some startling results. He is Director of Compassionate Communities UK, a charity which aims to share the lessons learnt in both palliative care and primary care more broadly. 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 TEDx talk explores the profound impact of small, seemingly ordinary actions that create lasting ripple effects across history and personal lives. Through powerful stories—from Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin to Rosa Parks’ quiet defiance and Princess Diana’s gesture of empathy—the speaker illustrates how modest choices can lead to monumental change. The talk ultimately challenges each of us to recognize our own potential to spark meaningful transformation through everyday moments of courage, kindness, and intentionality. Originally from Baltimore, Nick Wood moved to Vermont in 2013 to lead school climate improvement and leadership development programming in Vermont. For the next 10 years he worked with schools, non-profits, and small businesses to improve each organization's culture. In 2022, Nick left the Aloha Foundation and the Hulbert Outdoor Center to pursue his MBA at Babson. 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

Can one small act of kindness really make a difference? Ten-year-old Sarah Martin believes it can, and she has seen it ripple through her school in powerful ways. Sarah shares how kindness transformed her life and helped build a stronger, more connected community. Sarah Martin is the daughter of Matthew and Rachael Martin of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sarah is a fourth-grade student at Riverfield Country Day School. In Sarah’s free time, she enjoys crafting, drawing, playing soccer and spending time with friends.For this year’s TEDx event, Sarah is speaking about the power of kindness, exploring ways in which small acts of kindness can turn one’s day around. Sarah is excited to share her ideas and inspire others through her presentation. 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