The athlete who plays through pain. The leader who never shows doubt. The student who holds it all together… In my life, and in my research as a neuroscientist, I’ve found that this kind of strength often comes at a cost. In trying to look resilient, we disconnect from what actually builds resilience. This talk is about what happens when we stop performing strength and start practicing it—through the uncomfortable but transformative process of accepting, feeling, and vocalizing what we’re carrying. It’s an invitation and a practical guide for a new era of strength, where we don’t hide what hurts but grow because of it. Nate Roy is a neuroscientist, athlete, and leader in mental health and performance education. As a PhD researcher at McGill University, he investigates the neurobiological foundations of resilience and adaptation. A former NCAA Division 1 football player, he is now an aspiring Winter Olympian in the sport of bobsled. As the founder of Cortex Flex Inc., he combines his athletic and scientific expertise to lead a global educational program that promotes neuropsychological wellness in teens through the lens of sports performance. A dynamic mentor and public speaker, Nate is dedicated to translating neuroscience into actionable strategies, empowering individuals and teams to rewire their minds for peak performance and lasting well-being. 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