Chronic pain isn’t just a physical experience; it’s shaped by uncertainty, control, and the context of our lives. Rachel introduces a new way to map the pain experience, inspired by her mother’s journey with osteoarthritis and late-stage cancer. By embracing the "odd chances" life throws our way, we can better navigate obstacles, both in healthcare and beyond. Rachel Almaw is an MSc student at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Health. Her research focuses on the pain experience of those living with osteoarthritis, with a particular interest in the intersection of race and health. She has conducted research on a national and international scale, giving her a broad perspective on health disparities.Rachel is passionate about advocacy, striving to bring awareness and change to systemic issues in healthcare. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact by advocating for a change in Canada’s approach to data collection and research to create a more equitable healthcare system. Her goal is to bridge the gap in healthcare access and ensure that every individual receives the care they deserve. 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 today’s BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible) world, where noise and distractions dominate, the art of listening is gradually fading. This speech invites the audience to reflect: when was the last time they intentionally paused to truly listen—to themselves, their children, their partner, or their colleagues? By sharing key insights and compelling data, the speech will illuminate the transformative power of listening. Simple, actionable techniques will be provided to help the audience enhance their listening skills immediately, fostering deeper connections and greater understanding in both personal and professional relationships. Rachana, a corporate leader and social impact advocate with 23+ years of experience, specializes in building high-performing teams and fostering client synergy. As a C3 Coach (Clarity, Courage, Connection), motivational speaker, and author, she’s empowered 500+ professionals. A Master Certified Leadership Coach, she inspires individuals and organizations to lead with courage, care, and purpose. 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

Idea : 'Bridging the Gap' The idea is about creating new leaders and enhancing leadership skills of individuals in all streams of academia and across industries. The Idea is worth sharing for as it can transform lives of people by empowering them with knowledge, skills and analysis of the existing gap in their respective domain and solutions on how to bridge the gap to achieve professional and personal life goals as Leaders . Today, World needs Leaders in all spheres be it in Academia, Industries , Government run organizations and more... The idea will have a global impact and can create thousands of success stories and make this world more beautiful. Smedley Distinguished District Director, TI, with 20 years of experience as a Leadership Coach, Business Storyteller, Strategist, and IT Technocrat. Featured in *The Times of India*. Honored at the Hall of Fame Awards for exceptional leadership, leading 100+ clubs and 5200+ individuals in Toastmasters International across diverse professional and academic backgrounds. 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

We’ve been taught that risk is something to fear—something that could lead to failure, loss, or regret. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? In this eye-opening talk, Delaney Wallace challenges the traditional mindset around risk and reveals why the real danger lies in staying comfortable.Through personal stories, real-world examples, and a powerful shift in perspective, Delaney uncovers how taking calculated risks is actually the safest path to success, growth, and fulfillment. Whether in business, relationships, or personal development, this talk will make you rethink what it truly means to take a risk—and why avoiding it might be the biggest risk of all. Delaney Wallace is a world-class powerlifter and certified exit planner who knows what it takes to succeed—both on the platform and in life. Representing the USA, he won back-to-back titles at the 2022 and 2023 IPF World Championships, demonstrating unparalleled discipline, strategy, and resilience. Delaney brings that same relentless pursuit of excellence to his work and speaking, inspiring audiences to push past limits and reach their full potential. 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 kindness could be measured and incentivized? In this powerful TEDxHopkinton talk, Goodhart shares his personal story of how a single act of kindness was able to help heal him during a traumatic childhood accident. Through neuroscience, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking insights, Goodhart challenges the idea that society should center around “doing good” and instead argues for the brilliance of a world centered on both goodness and kindness. As a Junior in high school, Graham has begun his journey in educating the community around him about doing actions that are kind and good rather than anyone alone through the Kindness Project. 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 pressures facing treasured outdoor spaces, like Lake Tahoe, demand new solutions from new sources. This talk explores the intersection of environmental conservation, novel technology, and unconventional problem-solving approaches. What once seemed like science fiction is now where we turn for answers. Traditional approaches are no longer sufficient to keep pace with growing threats to nature, from microplastic pollution to climate change. Join me on a journey into a new era of environmentalism. Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins is Chief Executive Officer of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as Keep Tahoe Blue, the non-profit that has been the Lake’s leading environmental champion since 1957. As CEO, Darcie serves as both chief scientist and lead policy advocate for the League. She guides the organization to pragmatic, science-based solutions and is a catalyst for environmental policy change and funding through close collaboration with local, state, federal, and tribal leaders.Born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, Darcie was the League’s first intern in 1996. She served on the Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Committee, is past board president of the Tahoe-Baikal Institute, an educational exchange program between the US and Russia, and is an avid runner and outdoorswoman. 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