Beyond Elections: Can Random Selection Save Democracy | Michael Foley | TEDxWilliam&Mary
What if the key to fixing democracy isn't more elections-but fewer? In his TEDx talk, Michael explores the ancient practice of sortition - a system where randomly selected citizens, rather than elected politicians, serve as legislators. Once the foundation of Athenian democracy, could this radical idea be the key to revitalizing modern governance? As President of the Mason Investment Club and Co-President of the Finance Academy, Michael Foley is no stranger to making strategic decisions. But beyond finance and economics, he's deeply invested in the future of democracy. On campus, Michael also serves on the Institute for Integrative Conservation Student Leadership Council and is a proud member of Delta Chi Fraternity. And when he's not analyzing markets or debating political reform, he's proving his skills at the dartboard, navigating life with 40 first cousins, or still coming to terms with the fact that he isn't actually a British citizen. For Michael, TEDx is more than just a stage - it's a platform for bold ideas. He's here to challenge conventional thinking and ignite a conversation on the future of democracy. 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
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- 7:08How to Make Decisions When There Are No Clear Answers | Abdulaziz Pulatjonov | TEDxNewUUWhat do you do when the right decision isn't obvious—and the data doesn't tell the full story? In this insightful and practical talk, the speaker dives into the art of making decisions in uncertain, high-pressure situations where there’s no clear yes or no.Through real-world examples, from financial crises to startup strategies, the talk explores how to balance intuition with incomplete data, how to iterate instead of aiming for perfection, and how to stay clear-headed under pressure. You’ll learn how successful leaders make smart, adaptable choices even in the greyest areas of life—and how you can too.If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, this talk will leave you with the tools, mindset, and confidence to take action when the answers aren't obvious. bdulaziz Pulatjonov, a backend developer, is passionate about problem-solving and decision-making in complex environments. With years of experience in software development and fintech, he has honed his ability to navigate uncertainty and craft structured solutions in ambiguous situations. 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
- 6:38Unleash your power by changing the words you speak | Vicki Parker | TEDxStGeorgeStudioWhat if the words you speak are shaping your reality—without you even realizing it? In this talk, Vicki Parker reveals how small shifts in language can transform self-worth, confidence, and the way others perceive us. Through personal stories and real-world examples, she challenges you to prune disempowering words, plant self-belief, and step fully into your power—because when you change your words, you change your life.https://www.vickiparkerunlimited.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-parker-unlimited https://www.facebook.com/VickiLynnParker/ Instagram: Vlparkergirl#ChangeYourWords #Empowerment #Confidence #TEDxStGeorge #SpeakPower #MindsetMatters #FemaleLeadership #Leadership #DevelopingLeaders,#WordsMatter #Confidence #WhatWouldVickiParkerDo Vicki Parker illuminates the power of words to transform confidence, leadership, and connection. As a Women’s Empowerment Coach and Executive Performance Trainer, she has traveled to all 50 states and 16+ countries, coaching high-level professionals and sparking personal breakthroughs.With a background in corporate training and personal development, Vicki helps women own their voices, lead with certainty, and rewrite limiting narratives. Now an innkeeper in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, she continues to witness firsthand how language shapes identity and opportunity.Vicki's TEDx talk challenges audiences to rethink the words they speak—because the language we use doesn’t just describe our world, it creates it. Connect with Vicki :VickiParkerUnLimited.com| https://www.vickiparkerunlimited.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-parker-unlimited 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
- 6:06Your Life's WTF Moment | Dr. Joel Parker | TEDxStGeorgeStudioEver get hit with a WTF moment in life? Dr. Joe Parker shares his story. Consider it a crossroads. Instead of letting fear take the wheel and playing it safe, decided to grab it yourself and create a life that lights you (and others) up. www.thestandingovationpractice.com #TEDxStGeorge #Life #Heart Attack #WTF Dr. Joel Parker, a veterinarian since 1984, became a private practice owner in 1986, grew his practice with solid management principles into a Standing Ovation Practice™, a practice that delivered an above and beyond expected experience. He later founded Veterinary Endoscopy Solutions and Canine Equipment™. After 15 years he sold the businesses and started Veterinary Practice Solutions in 2004, a veterinary management consulting firm, innovated with "Whiteboard Wednesdays" on YouTube, and early online webinars. In 2024, he launched Parker Business Systems (PBS), a boutique style consulting firm focusing on transforming privately owned veterinary practices into Standing Ovations Practices. He above all leads a purposeful life helping others achieve time and financial freedom.He lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada with his family, enjoying sports cars, great coffee and unique small weird dogs. www.thestandingovationpractice.com 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
- 7:44How to keep moving forward | Genesis Ashley Gomez | TEDxStGeorgeStudioIn this talk, Genesis Gomez shares the three steps that helped her stop running, face hard truths, and begin rebuilding her life with intention. Through personal experience and a growing mission, she offers a grounded perspective on resilience—and reminds us that rebuilding isn’t a finish line. It’s a choice we make, one step at a time. Connect & Learn More: www.genesisgomez.com www.reigningresilientqueens.com Instagram: @genesisashleygomez | @reigningresilientqueens Facebook: Genesis Facebook | RRQ Facebook #rebuildforward #resilience #TEDxStGeorge #TEDx #healingjourney #empoweredwomen #traumatotriumph #reigningresilientqueens #letsgoletsgrow #healinginthepages Genesis Gomez is a 5x bestselling author, award-winning supermodel, & empowerment speaker dedicated to helping others rebuild their lives with confidence, clarity, & purpose. She was featured in Forbes & recognized in a Fortune Magazine 40 Under 40 spotlight through her Five Star Professional Award. As the founder of Reigning Resilient Queens, Genesis leads a movement transforming pain into purpose & helping women rise through real-life storytelling, personal growth, and community impact. She has spoken in cities across the U.S., including Washington D.C., Denver, and Salt Lake City, & her modeling career includes walking in shows in New York, LA, Miami, and Denver. Her image has appeared on billboards nationwide, including Times Square. A devoted mother of two and passionate advocate for emotional and mental well-being, Genesis blends lived experience with leadership to help others rise—one choice, one story, and one step at a time. Reigningresilientqueens.com & genesisashleygomez.com 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
- 7:11How hypoxia undermined my health | Teresa Reile | TEDxStGeorgeStudioCould something be quietly affecting your health without you even realizing it? In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, Teresa Reile explores the possibility that a hidden factor, often overlooked or misunderstood, may be undermining our well-being.Through personal reflection, she raises powerful questions: Are we paying attention to the warning signs? Could this be happening to you or someone you love? And what can we do before it’s too late? This talk is meant to encourage awareness, not alarm, inviting you to listen more closely to your body and always consult a professional and take steps toward greater resilience and health. Teresa Reile Oxygen Evangelist, also known as the "O₂ Oracle," is an entrepreneur & wellness disruptor. As the CEO and founder of Water es Vida Technologies, she leads the manufacturing & distribution of Patriox Liquid Oxygen water, a groundbreaking product developed in Hungary and powered by Kaqun. This innovative formula combats aging and fatigue at the cellular level thereby boosting the immune system to stellar heights, earning the title “anti-aging in a bottle.” With a storied career spanning over 30 businesse, from biomass to real estate, Teresa has always been ahead of the curve. She’s addressing one of humanity’s biggest health crises: hypoxia - lack of oxygen in the tissue. She is on a mission to reveal its role as the hidden cause of countless health issues.As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, Teresa is committed to empowering people with the knowledge and tools to harness oxygen’s transformative power for a longer, healthier, more energetic life. www.Patriox.us 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
- 8:43Mạnh mẽ hơn từ những vết nứt | LE BAO KHANH HO | TEDxDragon Bridge YouthBài chia sẻ "Mạnh mẽ hơn từ những vết nứt" của Bảo Khánh là một hành trình đầy cảm xúc về sự trưởng thành từ những nỗi đau và vết nứt trong cuộc sống. Khánh chia sẻ về những ngày tháng đau đớn khi gia đình tan vỡ, khi mà thế giới cô từng tin tưởng đột ngột sụp đổ. Những cảm giác cô đơn, tủi thân khi phải sống trong một vỏ bọc "ổn" chỉ là để che giấu nỗi buồn sâu thẳm trong lòng. Nhưng chính trong những khoảnh khắc yếu đuối ấy, cô đã tìm thấy sức mạnh để thay đổi. Bảo Khánh đã học được rằng trong những lúc đau khổ, sự kết nối với người khác là liều thuốc kỳ diệu, là bàn tay nắm lấy khi ta tưởng chừng như sắp gục ngã. Và quan trọng hơn, cô học được cách tin vào bản thân, chấp nhận những "vết nứt" của mình, vì đó chính là những chứng minh cho sức mạnh đã vượt qua thử thách. Cuối cùng, Bảo Khánh khích lệ mọi người hãy tin vào bản thân và sống cuộc đời của chính mình, vì mỗi bước tiến dù nhỏ cũng đưa ta gần hơn đến thành công. Ho Le Bao Khanh, a Grade 11S student at Sky-Line Hill School, takes the TEDxDragon Bridge Youth 2025 stage with both joy and purpose. As a long-time TED enthusiast, standing under the TEDx spotlight has always been one of Bao Khanh’s biggest dreams—and now it’s a dream come true. But more than just a milestone, this moment is also a personal journey. Bao Khanh joins TEDx not only to speak, but to open up—to share about the “cracks” in life and how they’ve been faced and overcome. With honesty and courage, Bao Khanh believes that telling personal stories is a way to connect, heal, and grow. TEDxDragon Bridge Youth is the perfect place for this connection to begin—where brave voices meet open hearts. Through this platform, Bao Khanh hopes to inspire others to embrace vulnerability, stay resilient, and find light even in the broken places. 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
