Drawing from her experiences of overcoming childhood trauma, surviving breast cancer, and helping her family navigate challenges like autism and mental health struggles, Shannon illuminates the transformative power of embracing failure and turning setbacks into opportunities for building resilience.She shares her journey of constantly running from failure, only to realize that it wasn’t failure itself she was avoiding, but discomfort. Through heartfelt personal stories and insights gained from years of working with teens, Shannon challenges us to confront discomfort directly, allowing us to grow and unlock our greatest contributions to the world. Shannon is a passionate and sought-after thought leader dedicated to reshaping the future of education. As a health and family wellness coach, nutritionist, motivational speaker, and creator of Toolbox Tuesdays, Shannon inspires others to discover their strengths and realize their gifts.A survivor of childhood abuse, breast cancer, and the challenges of supporting a family through anxiety, autism, anorexia, and trauma, Shannon knows firsthand what it takes to uncover "The Magic Inside", and is committed to making a positive impact in the world by sharing her passion for life.Shannon lives in Courtenay on Vancouver Island, where she enjoys cold plunges, sunsets, paddle boarding, forest walks, dancing, and homeschooling her 16-year-old twins. 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

Leadership is a performance—one shaped by expectations, perceptions, and the masks we wear to meet them. But what happens when a leader becomes trapped by their own image? In this thought-provoking talk, Peyton White challenges our understanding of leadership, revealing how society builds its leaders—and how those leaders, in turn, must navigate the weight of their own personas. Through history, politics, and personal reflection, this talk uncovers the hidden cost of charisma and the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. Are leaders born, or are they made? More importantly—can they ever truly take off the mask? Peyton White is a dynamic student leader with a passion for civic engagement and a deep understanding of leadership. As the 61st Speaker of the United States Senate Youth Program and President of Youth in Government at Travelers Rest High School, Peyton has proven himself a force in shaping the next generation of leaders. His leadership extends beyond school, with roles such as South Carolina Representative to the Conference of National Affairs, where he earned the Distinguished Statesman Award, and as a fellow to the South Carolina Democratic Party, organizing state campaigns. With a track record of leading with authenticity and purpose, Peyton’s insights into leadership are rooted in his experience balancing the responsibilities of public service and personal identity. 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

This talk will explore some of the origins and lived experiences of homelessness, interpreting the theme of “Frisson” through the lens of an intense wave of fear. Drawing connections to the speaker’s work with clients facing complex needs, it will examine how feeling constantly under threat and living in a perpetual state of fear shapes behavior, influences relationships, and triggers emotional responses. Rosie is a Regional Service Manager at Single Homeless Project (SHP) in Westminster, where she leads two male Complex Needs services based at King George’s Hostel. She joined SHP four years ago, initially as a project worker, later becoming a manager in Camden before transitioning to Westminster in February 2024. Rosie’s background includes diverse roles in health and social care, such as working with acquired brain injury, as a healthcare worker, and in inpatient Psychiatric Care. She holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Investigative Psychology and has contributed to Camden’s Homeless Pathway Transformation 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

This talk will highlight how Dr. Moira Wong has experienced a varied career path. Upon first encountering the theme “Frisson,” it immediately called to mind her externship at the University of Pennsylvania, where she worked on the Trauma team and witnessed multiple gunshot victims arriving night after night. Reflecting on how her career evolved through specialization and a focus on facial deformities, it becomes clear that the “frisson” still remains, particularly when she gets to know her patients and ensures their psychological wellbeing, even as she fundamentally alters their faces. Dr. Wong is a consultant-trained orthodontist dedicated to improving the smiles of adults and children. She studied at the Royal London Hospital Medical College and gained extensive experience, including trauma care, at the University of Pennsylvania. After specializing at Guy’s and King’s College Hospitals, she earned her Fellowship in Orthodontics - an accreditation held by fewer than 300 UK practitioners. Dr. Wong practices in both private and NHS settings, with a particular focus on orthognathic treatments for jaw deformities, addressing the facial structure, bite, and airway. 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

This talk will recount how Rauf arrived at COP29 as a volunteer, prepared to help but soon found himself swept up in a powerful wave of activism. One protest - its chants echoing across the conference grounds - sent a shiver through him, highlighting the spark that ignites genuine social change. Whether reflecting on the Russian Revolution or demonstrations outside Westminster, emotion drives every movement more than logic ever could. This talk aims to encourage the audience to consider the protests that occur outside the school each day, placing them in the broader context of how protest has been used to create social change. Rauf volunteered at COP29, where he had the opportunity to engage in global conversations about climate action and sustainability. Originally from Azerbaijan, he speaks four languages fluently - Russian, Turkish, Azerbaijani, and English - and is currently learning German as his fifth. His interactions with diverse communities have shaped his journey. 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

How does generative AI affect human work and productivity? How should students approach using generative AI as part of their learning experience? In this talk, Anil will discuss his research and perspective on generative AI, offering a framework for understanding its applications and value. Anil is an Assistant Professor in the Strategy and Entrepreneurship group at the UCL School of Management. He researches how individuals and organisations respond to new technologies, with a particular focus on generative AI’s impact on creativity, strategic decision-making, and knowledge production. Anil teaches data, analytics, and AI courses to executives, as well as master’s and undergraduate students, and has received numerous awards for both his research and teaching. Prior to entering academia, he spent over a decade working in finance and at start-ups. He holds a doctorate from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. 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