Xunyu Chen reveals the cutting-edge potential of AI in lie detection, exploring how subtle cues in voice and facial expressions could lead to more accurate results than human judgment. But, as he warns, AI's power must be balanced with ethical considerations to avoid unintended consequences. Dr. Xunyu Chen is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona. His research focuses on using artificial intelligence to analyze human behaviors such as facial expressions, voice, and body motion to understand deception, dominance, and various other mental states. His work has been published in numerous top-tier conferences and journals. 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

Photos are more than just searching for the extraordinary, true beauty and insta-worthy posts can be found just about everywhere, right before your very eyes. James Tran talks about his experiences with photography and how his enlightening journey has opened up a new world of secrets hidden in plain sight. Photography isn’t about capturing the extraordinary—it’s about noticing the ordinary in a whole new way. A talented contemporary creative, James Tran intertwines the path between surrealism and realism. Through ‘Project 365', he creates beauty in the ordinary, highlighting snapshots otherwise hidden in plain sight. His portfolio ranges from the television documentary series ‘Deadly Intelligence’ to working with Commonwealth Bank and Nickelodeon. His vibrant cinemagraphs that combine motion design with photography can be found on his social media page @jamtuna where his talent has garnered almost 300k followers. 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

Author and executive coach Sally Srok, challenges us to rethink our perspective about unexpected and unwanted events. Instead of fearing or discarding them, she invites us to embrace the opportunities change brings. Sally Srok is an accomplished author, wine industry professional, executive coach and transformative leader known for her impactful memoirs, The New Jew: An Unexpected Conversion and Bonus Round: A Gay Ex-Husband, a Divorce, and a Life Reimagined. Her writing delves into the profound power of change and personal reinvention, with the goal of helping others find themselves in the pages of her stories.With a diverse background, Sally has applied her insights to enhance leadership across a variety of sectors, including wineries, law firms, non-profits, and higher education. 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 female engineer working in a male-dominated field, guiding companies like Meta and Google bringing new products to market, Maria Fernandez Guajardo was often advised to slow down. She shares techniques for embracing speed, breaking boundaries, and succeeding on your terms. Maria Fernandez Guajardo has guided companies of all sizes, from startups to giants like Meta and Google, in bringing cutting-edge products to market at a global scale. Her recent book, Sail to Scale: Steer Your Startup Clear of Mistakes from Launch to Exit (2024), offers vital insights for entrepreneurs.Presently, Maria serves as a Senior Director of Product Management at Google, leading the global product team at Gmail and enhancing user productivity with AI innovations. Maria has been recognized as one of the top 40 leaders in the Bay Area by the Silicon Valley Business Journal and as a top Latino influencer in tech by CNET. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. 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

Nathan Cottam, dancer, choreographer and Artistic Director of Mannakin Theater & Dance, is a champion for inclusion in the premier performing arts. Nathan engages creators and artists from diverse communities, bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront and attracting wider audiences to performances. Nathan Cottam is a dancer and choreographer devoted to welcoming more people into the appreciation and performance of dance and theater arts. Nathan founded Mannakin Theater and Dance in Belgrade in 2013. In 2016, San Francisco became its permanent home. With his company, Nathan has created many new dances, produced three tours of Serbia, and conducted outreach with Syrian and Afghani refugees in Bulgaria and young children in California. Mannakin Theater & Dance operates the iMPACt Center for Art and Dance in San Francisco and the en Avant School in East Palo Alto. 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

Award winning writer/director, Miles Levin, shares a powerful lesson: purpose outweighs validation. His own journey, including the creation of his film, Under The Lights, ignited a worldwide movement for authentic epilepsy representation, transforming his personal struggle into a beacon of hope for others. Miles Levin is an award-winning writer, director, and disability advocate sitting on the board of two epilepsy foundations. His original short and now full-length feature film, Under the Lights, drawn from his own diagnosis and experience, has sparked a worldwide movement surrounding epilepsy portrayal on screen. 1 in 26 people have epilepsy. Under the Lights seeks to break cruel stigmas and build understanding for those dealing with the condition. After a lifetime of living with epilepsy, Miles is very proud to have turned it into something socially beneficial and to be able to use storytelling as a means to create empathy for our shared humanity. 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