How Believing in Yourself Shatters Every Ceiling | Chisom Agoawuike | TEDxMaitama Women
In this moving and electrifying TEDx talk, Chisom Agoawuike explores the extraordinary power of self-belief and how it can break through the toughest barriers life places before us. Drawing from her personal journey as a young Nigerian woman navigating the competitive world of entertainment, Chisom shares how choosing to believe in herself—despite self-doubt, societal pressure, and countless rejections—transformed her dreams into reality.From humble beginnings in Owerri, Imo State, to gracing our screens in award-winning roles, Chisom’s path has been anything but ordinary. Best known for her powerful performances in M-Net’s Halita and the AMVCA-winning drama The Rishantes, she has captivated audiences with her versatility and authenticity. But behind the applause lies a deeper story of resilience—of a woman who, time and time again, chose to bet on herself even when the odds were against her.With heartfelt honesty and radiant confidence, Chisom challenges the limiting beliefs that often hold people back—especially women—and invites us to reimagine what’s possible when we dare to silence the inner critic and act with bold conviction. Her message is clear: ceilings—whether societal, professional, or internal—are meant to be shattered.Beyond the screen, Chisom is a passionate public health advocate, merging her academic background with her platform to champion health and wellness causes. Now embracing a new chapter in her career, she’s stepping into the role of a producer, determined to tell impactful stories and shape narratives from behind the scenes.Today, Chisom Agoawuike stands as a symbol of possibility—a fearless creative, role model, and emerging voice in Africa’s film industry. Her talk is a testament to the magic that unfolds when you believe in yourself, take the leap, and rise above every ceiling.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
Chisom Agoawuike is a versatile Nigerian actor, model, and former beauty queen born in Owerri, Imo state. She has gained widespread recognition for her captivating performances on stage and screen.Her breakout role in the hit M-Net series "Halita" and "The Rishantes" - which won Best Original Drama Series at the 2022 AMVCA's - showcased her impressive range and talent. Currently, she stars in several prominent projects on YouTube and Showmax.Chisom's unique ability to embody characters from diverse backgrounds and ages has made her a sought-after talent among directors.As a graduate of public health from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, she is a passionate advocate for promoting public health initiatives.With a growing foundation in the film industry, Chisom is eager to expand her portfolio as a producer in the years to come. 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
- 15:17Is venting a good way to deal with anger? | Jennifer Parlamis | TEDxGVAGradWe’ve all been there—something frustrates us, and we vent to a friend, hoping to feel better. But does venting actually work? In this thought-provoking talk, Jennifer Parlamis, an expert in social and organizational psychology, unpacks the science behind anger and the myths surrounding venting. Through personal anecdotes, cognitive appraisal theory, and groundbreaking research, she reveals why venting often reinforces anger rather than alleviating it (and why next time when you feel anger rising, you should just do some yoga).Jennifer Parlamis is a Professor of Organization Development at the University of San Francisco, holding a Ph.D. in Social and Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. Her scholarly work examines technology and emotions in negotiations, leadership discourse, and global governance. Her research has been published in leading journals such as International Journal of Conflict Management and Negotiation Journal, and she serves as Associate Editor at Group Decision and Negotiation.Jennifer teaches courses on negotiation, workplace diplomacy, and leadership. In addition to her academic role, she is an experienced organization development consultant, leadership coach, and certified mediator, advising organizations across diverse industries and sectors. She is currently an Executive-in-Residence Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy focusing on United Nations Security Council reform.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
- 14:22Will the dollar remain central to the global financial system? | Carla Norrlöf | TEDxMidAtlanticThe United States dollar has been central to the global financial system for decades. But what if that changes? We explore the history of dollar dominance from post-World War I to present-day challenges, and how the Bretton Woods system, the Nixon shock, and geopolitical forces shaped the global currency landscape. We review the benefits and costs of dollar hegemony for the U.S. and the rest of the world, as well as the internal and external threats facing the dollar system. Will the dollar maintain its supremacy, or will we see a new multipolar currency order? The answers are unfolding now. A Swedish national, born in Addis Abeba, Carla Norrlöf has lived in Stockholm, Gaborone, New York, Paris, Geneva and Toronto. Majoring in economics (B.A.) and political science (M.A.), she graduated from Lund University (Sweden). At the Graduate Institute of International Studies (Switzerland), she specialized in political economy and received a Diplôme d’Etudes Supérieures and a Ph.D degree in International Relations. Her research was supported by the Royal Swedish Academy and Handelsbankens Forskningstiftelser (Jan Wallanders and Tom Hedelius stiftelse).Carla Norrlöf has published on hegemony, the international political economy of trade, monetary relations, international currencies, and security, as well as in the area of trade and the environment. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on the international political economy of trade, the international political economy of finance, international cooperation and institutions, international relations and rational choice. 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
- 16:12Press Freedom: The Root of Every Right | Kunāl Majumder | TEDxUofMFrom fighting media censorship to exploring AI’s impact on journalism, unpack the evolving media landscape and why free speech is more relevant than ever. Kunāl Majumder is a journalist, media academic, and press freedom advocate. Currently a Knight-Wallace Fellow at U-M, Kunāl led the India operations of the international press freedom group, the Committee to Protect Journalists and founded news brands like Catch News and InUth. 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
- 14:53Unlocking ADHD as a Superpower in the Workplace | Jennifer Adelhardt | TEDxUNCCharlottePeople with ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, are a growing population. As science and diagnoses are improving to better understand neurodivergent individuals, including people with ADHD, it's imperative we consider how work environments are structured. When work environments are designed to support people with ADHD, it can help them turn ADHD into a superpower and tap into strengths that come along with the disorder. Jennifer Adelhardt is a wife, mother, and business leader who also happens to have ADHD. She navigates life with her incredibly supportive neurotypical husband and equally neurodivergent teen. For nearly 20 years, Jen worked in the financial services industry, focusing on customer experience and innovative problem-solving through technology. She is passionate about leading diverse teams and fostering psychologically safe environments to promote innovation. Jen is pursuing her Doctorate in Business Administration at UNC Charlotte while also continuing to work, including teaching as an adjunct professor at the UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business. Jen's passion lies in educating and empowering business leaders and entrepreneurs to create inclusive, innovative workplaces where all employees can innovate and 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
- 11:44Más allá de las etiquetas | Jorge Antonio Segura | TEDxThe Oxfordian SchoolPor medio de viviencias personales, Jorge habla de cómo en la sociedad actual la mercadotecnia nos limita o nos hace pensar en que debemos seguir ciertos estereotipos, sobre cómo percibimos o vemos a las personas. Mas allá de las etiquetas cuenta la experiencia de cómo un joven se enfrenta a estos estereotipos por ser diferente al común de los demás. Jorge Segura es estudiante de 11.º grado de la preparatoria The Oxfordian School, en Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Esta charla se presentó un evento TEDx con el formato de conferencia TED, pero organizado de forma independiente por una comunidad local. 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
- 12:41Mi primer adiós: el duelo de una niña | Eleny Arredondo | TEDxThe Oxfordian SchoolEleny, explica como la muerte de su abuelito le cambió la manera de ver la vida, cuando ella solo tenía 7 años. Ahora ve la muerte como una oportunidad de amar y valorar cada momento con sus seres queridos, ya que la muerte puede llegar en cualquier momento. Eleny Arredondo es estudiante de 11.º grado de la preparatoria de The Oxfordian School, en Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Esta charla se presentó en un evento TEDx con el formato de conferencia TED, pero organizado de forma independiente por una comunidad local. 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
