Jazz isn’t just music - it’s a masterclass in improvisation, intuition, and timing. In this inspiring talk, Andreas reveals how the principles of jazz extend far beyond the stage, shaping the way we navigate uncertainty, make decisions, and find harmony in our personal and professional lives. Whether you’re a musician or a complete newcomer, this talk will change the way you listen to jazz, and how you approach the unpredictability of life itself. Andy is a skilled jazz pianist, composer, and musical director. As the managing director of Jazz Campus Mainz, he established a premier international jazz program from the ground up, positioning the institution as a recognized center for jazz education worldwide. In addition to his role at Jazz Campus Mainz, Andy teaches piano at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz piano, as well as a B.Sc. in International Management from ESB Reutlingen and a B.Sc. inInternational Business from Northeastern University in Boston. A certified systemic coach, Andy is passionate about blending his expertise in music, business, and personal development. He embraces windsurfing and kite surfing, frequently leaving his home in Frankfurt on a quest for the best winds. 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

Jazz isn’t just music - it’s a masterclass in improvisation, intuition, and timing. In this inspiring talk, Andreas reveals how the principles of jazz extend far beyond the stage, shaping the way we navigate uncertainty, make decisions, and find harmony in our personal and professional lives. Whether you’re a musician or a complete newcomer, this talk will change the way you listen to jazz, and how you approach the unpredictability of life itself. Sign Language Interpreter: Day Helsinger-Nixon Andy is a skilled jazz pianist, composer, and musical director. As the managing director of Jazz Campus Mainz, he established a premier international jazz program from the ground up, positioning the institution as a recognized center for jazz education worldwide. In addition to his role at Jazz Campus Mainz, Andy teaches piano at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz piano, as well as a B.Sc. in International Management from ESB Reutlingen and a B.Sc. inInternational Business from Northeastern University in Boston. A certified systemic coach, Andy is passionate about blending his expertise in music, business, and personal development. He embraces windsurfing and kite surfing, frequently leaving his home in Frankfurt on a quest for the best winds. 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

Marja guides a brief sound relaxation session, creating a genuine pause amid the high energy of the event. This session enhances focus, supports lasting integration of content and reduces stress, allowing participants’ nervous systems to reset. Marja brings her two greatest passions – nature and the healing power of sound – into her work, designing transformative experiences under her guiding motto: “From mental overload to inner balance”. Sign Language Interpreter: Lizza Zeviar Marja is a resilience expert dedicated to bringing joy and balance to the corporate world. With over 13 years of event management experience, she shifted her focus during the pandemic to helping others find inner stability and strength. Through her company, STEP AHEAD, Marja combines her passions for nature and sound healing to create transformative experiences that guide leaders and teams from mental overload to inner harmony. Her work—ranging from keynotes and workshops to sound healing and nature-based coaching—empowers individuals to thrive in times of change, fostering clarity, resilience, and joy. Marja’s mission is to help others stay one STEP AHEAD, ensuring balance and well-being are at the core of success. 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

Ever wondered how Hip-Hop can transform your life and business? Dive into the world of Hip-Hop, a culture that breaks down walls, sparks innovation, and creates real connections. Discover how the HIPHOP Framework can reignite your teams, your businesses, and maybe even your life. Ready to lead? Let's create a new beat together! Together with a passionate team of educators, musicians, and volunteers, Rico Montero, the founder of Heartbeat Edutainment, runs this non-profit organization in Frankfurt am Main. Heartbeat Edutainment combines education, Hip-Hop, music, and media production to engage young people through innovative projects that promote democratic values and social engagement. Through these projects, Rico has reached over 100,000 young people. As a multicultural rapper, youth motivational speaker, and social entrepreneur, he empowers children and adolescents to shape their own reality and change the world. Despite personal challenges, Rico has become a role model, receiving numerous awards for his contributions to education, human rights, and democracy. His philosophy is, “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” With tireless dedication to equal opportunities and peace, he continuously works to advance these ideals. Rico tirelessly strives to create a better and fairer world. 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 Default Mode Network (DMN) is a group of brain areas that activate when we're not focusing on anything specific, like during daydreaming or mind-wandering. Discovered by accident in 2001, the DMN shows that our brains are busy even at rest, helping us think about ourselves, imagine the future, remember the past, and generate new ideas. This network underscores the importance of rest for creativity, self-understanding, and mental sharpness. Embracing moments of silence can boost our well-being, creativity, and resilience, enhancing both personal and professional life. Promoting mental health policies that value "silence" can improve well-being in our communities and workplaces. Orell has always been passionate about one thing: finding out what is good in our life and making that even better. He is well aware about all the weaknesses we might have and does not advocate to deny them. However, improving what we are good at is so much more benefiting. This is certainly one reason Neurologists working in a pharmaceutical company are involved in activities to promote our well-being so that we avoid illnesses and mental disorders. His mission is to build a community on mental health, where knowledge is shared about how we can use our brain in an optimal way to excel at work and in our private lives. Living in Karlsruhe, Germany, he sees himself as a “world citizen”, where he feels at home wherever there are people that share his values. 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

Is our future shaped by how we use data—or by how data uses us? Stefanie reveals why building a mindful data culture is essential in the age of AI. Learn how balancing human and artificial intelligence can lead to ethical innovation and better lives for all. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, public relations, and digital transformation in various industries, Stefanie is deeply fascinated with the interface between people and technology. Leading teams for the past decade, she has authored two books on social media and has been instrumental in organising and supporting major events such as IAA, Autosalon Geneva and Fashion Week. Stefanie has successfully launched over 50 digital products and managed campaigns for more than 60 renowned brands, including Mercedes, Opel, Wagner Pizza and Kit Kat. At Merck, she spearheaded key transformation projects like the introduction of the digital workplace. Now, as the Global Head of Data Culture, Stefanie is responsible for communication, change management, and upskilling programs in Data and AI, including the Merck Data & Digital Academy. Her passion lies in combining artificial intelligence with human intelligence to drive meaningful insights and data-driven decision-making. 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