Gresh's talk challenges the way we see maintenance, proving that fostering, not just fixing, can lead to lasting innovation—whether it’s a car, a toaster, or even a bonsai tree.” Gresh, a designer and self-proclaimed “pretengineer,” explores how simple, DIY modifications can make old vehicles more sustainable. In this TED Talk, he shares how he transformed a a 1994 Toyota Hiace —boosting its fuel efficiency and running it on biofuel —all in a weekend. Drawing from his experience building race cars with Brown University engineers, Gresh applies aerodynamics and ecology to rethink transportation. 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

Using 17th-century caffeine addicts as a case study, the speaker explains how change brings opportunity, and an entrepreneur will look at that opportunity and find a way to create a business venture out of it. Chris MacNeil is a London-based historian, entrepreneur, and expert walking tour guide, blending a deep understanding of the past with a keen eye for the future. Over the last 30 years, Chris has launched and led businesses in e-commerce, technology, and tourism, always focused on value creation and reinvention. As a Freeman of the City of London and a certified City guide, he brings history to life—today, he’s here to explore what caffeine-fuelled innovators of 1600s London can teach us about the future of work. Talking about What 17th-Century Caffeine Addicts Can Teach Us About the Future of Work. 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 speaker talked about how diverse backgrounds and perspectives are important for solving complex challenges innovatively. Why who you are (as well as what you know) matters in the job market. Marie is the founder and CTO of the multi award winning Not-For-Profit Speak Out Revolution, a #TechForGood organisation working to eradicate workplace inequality.Alongside her entrepreneurial pursuits, Marie works as a Principal Consultant at AtkinsRealis, a global engineering consultancy. Marie supports the UK Defence Enterprise designing and delivering programmes to mature organisational approaches to Asset Management with expertise in digital transformation, strategic investment decision making and people centric change. 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

Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs almost had a physical confrontation with a stranger while running a routine errand. Tom found an assertive and respectful approach to de-escalate, while not using the physical aspects of his martial arts skills. In his talk, he shares insights on how reflection, inquiry and empathy can help us positively address adversity and challenge. Mixing humor and insightful stories, Tom combines academic and personal elements to create an engaging and memorable talk on personal resilience. Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs is a high content trainer and speaker with a rich, motivational style. Tom works with organizations to create black belt teams that overcome stress and cultivate cultures of success. His background in martial arts, adult learning and education have shaped his unique style of facilitation. Tom's uses movement, role-play, game theory and participant led activities to create engaging, impactful & applicable takeaways. Dr. Griggs lives by his belief that learning won't always be easy, but it can still be enjoyable. He owns Lead Connect Grow LLC and is a senior instructor at TnT Jujitsu in Houston, TX. You can learn more and connect with Tom at www.ntgriggs.com where he will challenge you to Find Your Inner Black Belt™ 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

As a teenager, Farzana Mursal Alizada navigated two identities. This experience gave her a unique understanding of the freedoms and privileges that come with being a boy, while also deeply feeling the limitations placed on girls. This journey shaped her perspective on gender, freedom, and self-worth. It wasn’t easy—facing challenges —but she discovered that the power to lead her life was always within her. By trusting herself and making decisions, she reclaimed her true identity and found strength in her own choices. Farzana Mursal Alizada is an expert in human rights, gender equality, and community development, with years of experience working across diverse sectors. Her work primarily focuses on supporting marginalized groups, particularly women and refugees, by advocating for their inclusion and empowerment. She has been involved in research and advisory roles, addressing the needs of individuals affected by conflict and disability, and facilitating their integration into society. Throughout her career, she has contributed to projects that bridge cultural and linguistic divides, helping migrants navigate complex systems and access essential resources. She is deeply committed to fostering sustainable development, advocating for gender equality, and promoting the rights of vulnerable populations. Her experience spans international organizations and governmental sectors, where she has played a crucial role in advancing social justice and community engagement. Mursal has been a dedicated advocate for these causes since 2013, working to create more inclusive and equitable environments. 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

Children today spend around 15 hours a week gaming online—plus more time consuming content across the Internet. As a mom of two and a cybersecurity expert, Arthi Vasudevan believes that teaching kids simple habits—like setting strong passphrases, protecting personal info, practicing social media safety, and role-modeling good digital behavior—can empower them to be ethical digital citizens. Through her best selling book series "Cyberama", online game, and interactive workshops, Arthi has educated over 3,500 students, parents, and educators globally on internet safety and social media awareness. https://cyberama.org/Resources/ Arthi Vasudevan is a technology leader and cybersecurity professional with 16 years of experience, mom, author, and speaker. Through her first book, Cyberama, its accompanying online game, and related interactive workshops, she has educated over 3,500 students, parents, and educators on internet safety and social media awareness. https://cyberama.org/Resources/ Arthi holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, and an MBA from Rice University. She is the recipient of multiple awards including Houston Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business”, Empowering Women in Industry, and ALLY Energy’s GRIT awards. In addition to regularly speaking at industry conferences and CxO roundtables on cybersecurity, Arthi is also passionate about promoting STEM in young students and leading Diversity, Equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. 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