Irem Çakir, a Financial Planning Analyst shares her personal journey through multiple career explorations before finding her niche, highlighting the importance of embracing uncertainty and taking the time to genuinely explore your interests. Are you ready to give yourself permission to step off society’s timeline and explore? In this relatable TEDx talk, Irem Cakir, a Financial Planning Analyst shares her personal journey through multiple career explorations before finding her niche, highlighting the importance of embracing uncertainty and taking the time to genuinely explore your interests. Are you ready to give yourself permission to step off society’s timeline and explore? 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

Chinenye Ozowalu explores the complex intersection between innovation, cultural history, and the fight for equity in a world shaped by past injustices. The concept of nonlinearity—thinking and creating outside rigid, predefined systems—is proposed by Ms. Ozowalu and is essential for breaking free from oppressive narratives. She reflects on their own journey, acknowledging that true innovation comes from empowering individuals to think beyond societal constraints and collaborate to create inclusive, supportive communities. (CREDITS: ASL Interpreter: Nicole Lupinetti; Organizing Team: Myren Bobryk-Ozaki, Ferdinand Jr Virtudes, William Li, Matthew Oley, Kenzo Colon, Melissa Xie; Editors: Bryan Agnello, Myren Bobryk-Ozaki; Lead Video Production: Bryan Agnello; Camera Operators: Chase Powers, Sophi Oliveira, Chase Roman, Julio Cruz Jr, Stacey Washington; Tech Crew: Cam Harrington, Wally Adam, Ben Jacobson, Bek Dillay, Dylan Aguirre; Crew: Mohammed Adnan, Aarushi Sharma, Igor Polotai, Gaby Blanton, Pravina Bhalerao; Designers: Zo Murray (illustration), Erick Wittmann (motion graphics); Photographer: Jack Connolly) Chinenye Ozowalu is a Nigerian-American artist, researcher, and curator who questions current binaries to generate new realities. Through her academic focus in visual media, black studies, and marketing, she explores the breadth of cultural curating as an intervention to post-colonial capitalist systems. This internal search has led her to curatorial and archival research positions at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Visual Studies Workshop, and her current position as the Curator of The RIT Photography Alumni Gallery. In all her projects, Chinenye blends the presentation of ideas to encourage critical dialogue, whether defined as print media, consumer culture, fashion, fine art, or new media. 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

Drawing from his journey across global research institutions and his transformative work in Uzbekistan’s scientific ecosystem, Dr. Abdullaev guides the audience through the process of formulating research questions that matter—not just for labs and journals, but for shaping personal direction, societal progress, and even national development.Dr. Iskandar Abdullaev is a renowned cell biologist, scientist, and educator at New Uzbekistan UniversityWith a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Japan, over 15 publications in Q1 Scopus journals, and a Hirsch index of 14, Dr. Abdullaev brings a wealth of scientific insight — combined with a rare gift for making complex ideas accessible and inspiring. He has not only contributed to the global scientific community with 1300+ citations, but also played a transformative role in Uzbekistan’s research landscape — leading the creation of a state-of-the-art laboratory with the support of a $600,000 World Bank MUNIS Senior Grant. 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 this powerful and symbolic talk, the speaker invites the audience to attend a metaphorical funeral—not of a person, but of their fear. With two roses, a garden pruner, and a trash bin at the center, the speaker takes us on an emotional journey that blends humor, vulnerability, and deep self-reflection. Through personal stories, relatable metaphors, and striking visual actions, the talk explores how fear of past failures, comparisons, and mistakes holds us back from living fully.By “burying” these fears and embracing our imperfections, the speaker reminds us that we are not defined by our past but shaped by the courage to keep growing despite it. Whether you've made mistakes or been hurt before, this talk will help you reframe your setbacks as seeds for something new and beautiful. Because even a rose with a broken stem still has purpose—and so do you. Umarbek Zaribbaev, the co-founder of City Chain Partners LLC operating import-export services.Currently he works as a General Director at Hudson Sandler LLC Tashkent office on Public Relations and Business affairs and as a Client Executive at Hudson Sandler LLP London office, promoting Uzbekistan's profile and investment potential in international market.Prior joining the consulting affairs he gained experiences in such offices as Insurance Company, British Embassy in Tashkent, International Organisations and NGOs.He also participates in Model United Nations conferences and has over than 50 Chairing and 9 times Delegate backgrounds.Apart from external activities, today, he is an acting Vice-President of the Student Government Association office at Webster University in Tashkent. 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 this visionary talk, the speaker explores how robotics and AI are reshaping urban life through smarter, more coordinated systems. From autonomous vehicles to intelligent infrastructure, discover how technology is driving the cities of tomorrow. Max Khan is a seasoned engineer, educator, and innovation strategist with experience at NASA, Exxon, and global tech startups. Holding advanced degrees in engineering and business, and having studied at Stanford, Berkeley, and UT Austin, he bridges cutting-edge technology with strategic leadership. A former Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, Max is passionate about inspiring students through global insights in AI, automation, and entrepreneurship. Now working closely with New Uzbekistan University, he empowers future leaders to drive innovation and impact in a rapidly changing 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

In this thought-provoking and theatrical talk, the speaker opens with an unexpected twist—introducing an AI companion disguised as a real person, only to reveal its true identity mid-speech. This captivating start sets the stage for a deep dive into the myths, misconceptions, and potential of artificial intelligence.From Hollywood-fueled fears of robot uprisings to concerns about job loss and control, the speaker dismantles common anxieties surrounding AI with clarity, wit, and historical perspective. Rather than promoting fear, this talk repositions AI as a tool—one that can amplify human creativity, solve real-world problems, and redefine the future of work and innovation.With stories, facts, and a call to action, the speaker urges the audience to shift from fear to understanding, and from resistance to responsibility. This is not just a talk about technology—it’s a rallying cry for a more empowered, informed, and hopeful relationship with the future. Oybek Abdukhalimov is a rising AI Specialist, focusing on Computer Vision. Balancing academic life with two concurrent internships, he exemplifies dedication, discipline, and an unwavering drive to grow in the tech field. 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