How your words change your environment | Greg Mazzeo | TEDxWilliam James College
We each have the power to change our environment for better experiences at work, school, and elsewhere. Using leadership and organizational psychology and backed by neuroscience, discover how powerful and influential language and visual cues are to each other and our children.
So, do words really matter? Every person uses language, and it shows up in every environment. We cause reactions in other people's brains and bodies by our behaviors, like the language we use and the flags we fly. Our brains and bodies, and those of our children, are impacted by what we say and do. That is power. We each hold the power to create a thriving and engaged environment through our language and visual cues. This mindset-shifting story is about creating environments where people are engaged, perform at their best, feel safe, and belong. Discover the power you hold and how to change your environment for better results and well-being! Each person should learn their power abilities, changing each environment you find yourself in, so we all reach our best potential! Greg Mazzeo is a culinary and restaurant leader turned organizational and leadership psychologist. He received his associate's degree in culinary arts and bachelor’s degree in food service management. While working as a General Manager, he received his master’s in human resources development and completed his leadership psychology doctorate in June 2025 while working in human resources. His unique practitioner and academic experience inform his service-oriented organizational and leadership development skills by understanding the intersection of people, data, and the environment. He refers to this intersection as organizational and leadership nourishment. He develops individuals, teams, and organizations by shifting mindsets in how people understand their power, influence, and environments. His passion for engagement, performance, and belonging is led by understanding people, data, and the environment. 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
More from TED
- 9:50Be More Creative by Doing Less | Zach Cavuniewicz | TEDxNazarethUniversityWant to tap into your creative side and don't know where to start? How a simple technique can lessen stress, improve your mood and help retain better focus. Zach Cavuniewicz is a creative leader and educator, spending the last 18 years empowering data-driven growth for startups, nonprofits, and educational institutions with transformative brand strategies. He has worked with over 200 clients worldwide and has been able to partner with brands such as Apple, Lenovo, and Verizon to support client missions. He holds his BFA in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology and MS in Integrated Marketing Communications from Nazareth University. Today, Zach is the Assistant Director of Creative & Brand Strategy for NAF, a national education nonprofit, and an adjunct professor at Nazareth University for graduate and undergraduate classes in the School of Business and Leadership and the Visual Communications Design program. 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
- 8:03Bagpipes: How the Heck Do These Things Work? | Jake Kwiatkowski | TEDxNazarethUniversityFrom mournful melodies to stirring the souls of fellow soldiers. Learn how these bags of air evoke deep responses in their listeners. Jake Kwiatkowski is a professional bagpiper and experienced leader in sales and marketing. With a background spanning corporate, startup, and small business environments, he excels in building consensus and fostering communication both internally and with clients. Passionate about trust and communication, Jake brings a personable approach to his work. He is also an avid gardener and cooking enthusiast.Jake holds a Master of Science in Global Business and Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in History, Philosophy, and German from Nazareth University. He was awarded the "Excellence in Global Business and Leadership Award" and served as a graduate student representative on the Visioning and Strategic Planning Board. Additionally, he worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Marketing and Communication Department, the School of Business and Leadership, and Legal Studies. Jake is also a member of Phi Alpha Theta.Born and raised in Rochester, Jake is a dedicated fan of the Buffalo Bills. 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
- 11:26How to save local music venues | Peter Stones | TEDxTamworthIn the UK we have some of the best live music venues in the world. We have some of the best musicians. We have some of the best communities that have grown with these spaces and beats. But what is happening to these in our modern world of streams and swipes? What does it mean for the future of our communities?Live music venues have fallen on hard times, but it can be argued that they do more to tackle the loneliness and mental health epidemics we have in Britain. Unfortunately, many are going out of business every week. The talk guides you through some of the challenges and potential solutions for how live music can be at the heart of a brighter tomorrow. Peter, a native of South Derbyshire, has a wide experience of working in many roles within the Music industry. As a performer he has worked in some of the most impressive venues in the UK, performing jazz and classical music. He regularly writes music for other musicians and bands, having several compositions published. Peter is also a music teacher and is studying for his doctorate, focusing on musical instrument learning and composing. He has spoken at music conferences across Europe in the past 12 months.The challenges grassroots music venues face has been acutely felt by Peter and he campaigns passionately to support live music to create the best experiences for both performers and audiences. 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
- 18:58Sotto Sopra, storie di architettura sotterranea | Maria Chiara Virgili | TEDxFiumicinoMaria Chiara racconta il giorno in cui una lama di luce, tra le pietre del Mausoleo delle Fosse Ardeatine, ha illuminato il suo destino. Un viaggio tra memoria, architettura e sottosuolo, dove lo spazio ipogeo smette di essere solo buio e paura, e diventa narrazione, emozione, e possibilità di rinascita. Un racconto intenso che intreccia storia personale e visione progettuale, portandoci a riscoprire il potere trasformativo dell’architettura. Maria Chiara è una architetta di formazione, che ha collaborato con importanti studi internazionali, fra cui David Chipperfield Architects e Studio Fuksas. Voce e penna di Dannati Architetti, il podcast dedicato alle grandi figure dell’architettura, dal 2020 lavora nel settore come editorialista e autrice full-time. 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
- 16:27Unladylike | Ishita Jain | TEDxSVA Women“Unladylike” is a talk about visualizing the freedoms and constraints of experiencing the world around us through the lens of gender. “Unladylike” is a talk about visualizing the freedoms and constraints of experiencing the world around us through the lens of gender. 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
- 19:16Beyond Borders: Art, Gender, and the Immigrant Experience | Katya Grokhovsky | TEDxSVA WomenBeyond Borders: Art, Gender and the Immigrant Experience” examines the intersections of migration, art practice, and gender. This talk explores how displacement shapes creativity while highlighting the transformative power of art making. “Beyond Borders: Art, Gender and the Immigrant Experience” examines the intersections of migration, art practice, and gender. This talk explores how displacement shapes creativity while highlighting the transformative power of art-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
