In a world where every post feels like a performance, this powerful talk dives into the pressures of social media, self-doubt, and the struggle for validation. With personal stories and deep insights, the speaker exposes how online life distorts self-worth and turns authenticity into a competition. But there’s a way out—by embracing imperfection, valuing real connections, and posting for you, not for likes. Get ready to rethink what truly matters, both online and off! Stefan Bradianu is, first and foremost, a curious and enthusiastic learner, that seeks to grow a bit every day. His fascinations include law – which he is studying right now -, economics, politics and just about any social science. He’s always exited to share his passion with the people around him. A dedicated debater, Stefan has spent a good part of his high school years debating at national and international levels, eventually getting second place, alongside his team, at the European Debate Championship and first place at the Romanian Academic Debate Forum. He is now eager to use his oratory skills in a less contradictory, more uplifting environment – ted talks. 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 heartfelt talk, the speaker reflects on the pressures and self-doubt that come with social media, especially for young people. From the fear of posting something "weird" to the constant comparison with others, the speaker shares how social media often distorts self-worth and turns personal expression into a performance. Drawing from personal experiences and philosophical insights, the speaker challenges the audience to stop measuring success by online validation and instead focus on self-expression and the support of real, meaningful connections. Ultimately, the talk encourages everyone to post for themselves, embrace imperfection, and remember that who we are offline is just as important as who we are online. Charlize, at 15 years old, has achieved remarkable artistic performances. She was a finalist at Sanremo Junior, won the silver medal at the World Championships of Performing Arts in the USA, and, more recently, was the only child from outside the U.S. selected for a Broadway training program, where she also earned a solo. Following this experience, she performed a solo at His Majesty’s Theatre in London.In Romania, she has played lead roles in all major children’s musicals, including School of Rock, The Sound of Music, Annie, and Madagascar.Other Notable Events: ? Performed with Tom Odell and Nikos Vertis ? Sang at the Buna Vestire Gala at the National Opera ? First place at the Cezar Ouatu Festival (FICCO) 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 an engaging and thought-provoking talk, the speaker explores how video games can shape not only our personalities but also our lives. Using the story of a friend’s journey through different games—from overcoming fears in Quake to learning life lessons in Sims, Starcraft, and Red Dead Redemption—he illustrates how games can act as a powerful tool for personal growth, confidence, and transformation. By drawing parallels between gaming and real-life experiences, he challenges the audience to rethink the potential of virtual worlds, urging them to use them as a "bootcamp" for life. With a nod to the emerging metaverse, he emphasizes that gaming can be more than just entertainment—it’s an opportunity to shape who we become. Sociologist, Anthropology PhD and an internationally awarded communication strategist and data scientist having designed campaigns for some of the biggest global brands. Founder of Romania’s first Communication Strategy Studio. Also a Master’s teacher of Digital Consumer Behavior, awarded 2024 Associate Professor of the Year at the University of Bucharest. Photographic explorer of some of the farthest places in the world, from Tibet to Amazonian jungles and Patagonia, and also a curious explorer of digital worlds and late-night gamer. Passionately in love with psychology and neuroscience, and soon-to-become Psychologist. Having practiced sports pretty much daily for the past 25 years. 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 a powerful exploration of identity in the digital age, this talk dives deep into the many layers of who we are online, revealing how we navigate virtual worlds with multiple, ever-evolving versions of ourselves. From the first pseudonyms of 50 years ago to today's AI-generated avatars, the speaker reflects on how teens and individuals alike shape their digital identities, often experimenting, learning, and growing in spaces where the boundaries between reality and virtual reality blur. Using the metaphor of a matryoshka doll, the speaker challenges the audience to reconsider how well they truly know the people in their lives, questioning how much is still hidden behind the surface, waiting to be discovered. Sara is a multi-talented performer and academic achiever whose passion for music, drama, and learning has earned her national and international recognition. A gifted actress, she won Best Supporting Actress at the 2024 National Student Drama Competition, showcasing her ability to bring characters to life with depth and emotion. Her musical talents further highlight her artistic versatility, allowing her to captivate audiences both on stage and beyond.In addition to her artistic excellence, Sara is a dedicated scholar, earning the prestigious COBIS Student Achievement Award 2024 in recognition of her outstanding academic performance and contributions to her school community. Her ability to balance creativity and intellect makes her a true inspiration to her peers.As a TEDx speaker, Sara brings her unique perspective, passion, and talent to the stage, aiming to inspire others with her journey of perseverance, creativity, and achievement. 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

“An exploration of how we use our time, and a contemplation of what it’s time for” Blessing has a degree in Creative Enterprise and a Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship, and through her educational background, she channels her passion for Equity and Inclusion. Blessing works in Financial Services where her role focusses on breaking down barriers to enterprise for Ethnic Minority owned businesses across the UK. Outside of work, Blessing sits on the Advisory Panel for Ending Workplace Exploitation, the ITV Cymru Wales DE&I panel, runs her own mentoring programme for young people of Zimbabwean heritage and is a three time pageant queen both nationally and internationally. Individuality, authenticity and breaking the mould drives everything Blessing does, and this will no doubt be reflected in her TEDx Talk 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

Shikha Shah, Founder of SCRAPSHALA took the stage to emphasize that success is not a single defining moment, but rather a continuous journey of effort and self-belief. With determination and grit, Shikha is rising to the top of the business world, inspiring generations to come. With remarkable candor, she shared her personal struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. She also shared her insights of her Shark Tank episode. Shikha also discussed how Vipassana meditation has been a game-changer in her life, helping her find peace, clarity, and focus in her work. Shikha Shah is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Scrapshala, a womenled conscious Indian brand that transforms waste into premium, eco-friendly products. Born and raised in Varanasi, Shah was exposed to the city’s vibrant culture and the Ganges River, which inspired her to create something meaningful. Her journey began when she noticed the abundance of discarded liquor bottles in her household and recognized their potential. She collaborated with a skilled artisan, Prajapati, to transform these bottles into exquisite home décor pieces. This marked the humble beginnings of Scrapshala. 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

Neha Chauhan, Founder and CEO of AVIOTRON AEROSPACE shared her inspiring story of breaking conventions and forging her own path. Despite having a comfortable life in the UK, she made the bold decision to return to India and build Aviotron Aerospace from scratch. Neha's pioneering spirit and determination have enabled her to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry, while also empowering women and promoting education. Neha Chauhan's journey into aerospace and education began with a strong academic foundation. She first delved into aerospace engineering at the Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, where she excelled with a Higher National Diploma. Her passion for the field led her to the University of Liverpool, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering. This was followed by a Master’s degree in Aerospace and Thermal Power from Cranfield University, specializing in propulsion systems. Her education provided a comprehensive understanding of the aerospace domain, laying a solid groundwork for her future endeavors. 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

Trees are vital urban infrastructure essential to human development, health and well-being. They are key to the liveability, sustainability and affordability of the places where we live. How is it that at a time of climate change, the number of urban trees and the canopy cover they provide is diminishing in towns and cities every year. Those responsible for these decreases should be held to account. Those presiding over inappropriate development and utility clearing legislation that threatens trees and their canopy cover are negligent in terms of human development, health and well-being: they must be held to account. Dr Greg Moore, “The Plant Mechanic”, is a Senior Research Associate of Melbourne University and was Head of Resource Management (2002- 2007). He was inaugural president of the ISA, Australian Chapter, a member of the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees (1988) and served the Board of Greening Australia for 20 years. He has written three books, seven book chapters and published over 200 scientific papers and articles. He is a regular guest on the ABC, and was awarded an OAM in 2017 for services to the environment, particularly arboriculture. 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

What if your errors aren't roadblocks but stepping stones to profound wisdom? Through powerful stories of transformation in social work and personal life, discover how audacity, futility, and fear—the emotions behind our mistakes—can become the unlikely foundation for remarkable change and growth. An award-winning poet, translator, and chronicler whose literary brilliance spans haibun, poetry, and translations. Winner of the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize (2021-2022) and the Touchstone Distinguished Books Award (HM), her works like “A Sky Full of Bucket Lists” and the co-translated “I, Salma”. As Associate Editor of Yavanika Press and co-editor of cattails journal, she champions Japanese short forms, while her chronicling spans nine books on Coimbatore, Madurai, and Ooty’s industrial and corporate histories. Founder of Small Differences - an NGO that transforms lives across vulnerable communities, and she mentors leaders at Kumaraguru Institutions. 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

World Heritage is a big idea. It has status and conjures up the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Barrier Reef. It can also send shivers down the spine of those wary of heritage protection, over-tourism and exclusive narratives. National governments and high-level experts have dominated this sphere for decades. Now First Peoples, local communities, and the need for sustainable development are taking centre stage. Susan is co-coordinating the roll out of the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid that is focused on regenerating a region of over 40,000 km2 with over half a million people for 15 local government partners. Susan is a full international member of Australia ICOMOS, member of the ICOMOS Sustainable Development Goals and World Heritage Working Group, member of the Heritage Asia-Pacific Network and former co-convenor of the Australia ICOMOS National Scientific Committee (NSC) on Cultural Landscapes and Cultural Routes. 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