Entrepreneurs and "entrepreneurial thinkers" have the power to transform lives, communities, and the world. Yet, many people with great ideas never take the next step to bring them to fruition. In this talk, Chris Egelston shares critical steps that individuals and communities can follow to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, drawing from his own journey as a teenage entrepreneur. Chris Egelston became interested in magic at the age of six. In 1982, at the age of 15, he booked his first paid, professional show. Starting purely an entertainer at various events he moved to becoming a magician with a message for young audiences on topics such as reading and good character. He also became a corporate entertainer and eventually a keynote speaker on topics such as goal-getting, customer experience and sales. His performances and speaking gigs paid his way through college, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and MBA from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. A southern Illinois native, Chris has spent most of his life in Carterville, Illinois where he still resides with his wife Robin. 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

Dean Cantu speaks on the role that death plays in all human lives, discovering what is at the end of all of our journeys. He looks at how death is portrayed and personified in art across history, through literature, television, film, and popular culture. Through this Dean explores how to come to a healthy understanding of death, and how to better value our life. Dean Cantu is Dean of the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Dr. Cantu received his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Ed.S. in community college education, M.A. in history, and B.S. in social science education from Arkansas State University; and A.S. in social science from Highland Community College in Freeport, Illinois. Dr. Cantu has over 30 years of experience in professional education from high school through the university level. He has also served as Dean of Education at Indiana University Kokomo; a History Professor of History and Director of Social Studies Education at Ball State University; and Social Studies Department Chair and Teacher at Ste. Genevieve (Missouri) High School. Prior to beginning his teaching career, Dr. Cantu also served as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army. 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 singer-songwriter and educator Anne Heaton reveals how teaching teens to write songs cultivates empathy, connection, and authenticity, equipping them with lifelong leadership skills. With a blend of artistry and science, she shares how creative expression helps young people navigate challenges while strengthening their emotional intelligence. Anne is an educator, performer, and teaching artist (Berklee College of Music, GRAMMY Camp) who merges music with human connection. A veteran touring artist featured by NPR and The New York Times, she’s shared stages with icons like Jewel and Sarah McLachlan. Her mission? Using songwriting to unlock self-awareness and collaboration in the next generation. Anne Heaton is a singer-songwriter and teaching artist who has captured audience imaginations with her songs that are, by turns, “tender, barbed and spiritual” (Washington Post). She’s been featured by the New York Times Music Podcast, NPR, the Sundance Film Festival and Lilith Fair (2010). Anne has shared the stage with artists such as Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, and jazz drummer Max Roach. She has taught songwriting at Berklee College of Music and GRAMMY Camp and recently researched social emotional learning outcomes of songwriting with teenagers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Anne lives in Milwaukee, loves coffee, Lake Michigan and being a mom to two freethinking daughters. 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

Humans have invented millions of chemicals that do many useful jobs. However, the intended beneficial properties can come at a cost to human and planetary health. Learn how implementing a nature-inspired chemical invention called TAML has the potential to save 85 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions and 26 billion gallons of water by changing the way we conduct an everyday task – laundry. TAML catalysts mimic nature’s processes to transform how we use chemicals, dramatically reduce carbon emissions, save precious water resources, and reduce the overall volume of chemicals in use today. Deploying TAML chemistry across multiple industry could save more than 1% of global carbon emissions and can have a radical impact on our planet. At the same time, the resource efficiency and potential cost savings for industry can align incentives to help the solution scale. Roger Berry is the CEO of Sudoc, LLC, a company with a patented, nature-inspired chemistry that makes chemical reactions exponentially more powerful. With more than two decades of experience with investing in and leading companies with a focus on sustainability has prepared Roger for his current role in building a transformative sustainable chemistry company in Sudoc. 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 TEDx talk, Maria sheds light on the vital role the ocean plays in combating climate change, particularly through the power of phytoplankton. These microscopic organisms absorb carbon and produce oxygen, providing at least 50% of the air we breathe and sequestering billions of metric tons of CO₂. Yet, our actions such as pollution, overfishing, and plastic waste threaten this delicate ecosystem. The talk explores the importance of protecting our oceans and provides five actionable steps we can all take to reduce our impact, from minimizing plastic use to supporting sustainable food sources. By embracing these changes, we can help restore the ocean and secure a sustainable future for all.#OceanConservation #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Phytoplankton #CarbonSequestration #ProtectTheOcean Meet Maria Fernandez Mas! Our very own Sustainability representative in the Global College’s School Council, will be using her passion, knowledge and conscious to deliver the speech: “Blue Future: Empowering action to restore and protect ocean life” in aim to increase environmental awareness. Maria is driven by challenge such as competitive sports and public speaking, she looks to transform abstract ideas into practical and functional solutions, making her a selfless, young environmental advocate, who strives for the greater good at all times. 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

Anxiety is something many of us face, yet it often feels isolating. In this TEDx talk, Matej explores the impact of anxiety on our lives and how understanding it can make a profound difference in managing it. Drawing from personal experience and scientific insight, this talk highlights the importance of recognizing that we are not alone in our struggles. Whether you’ve experienced anxiety firsthand or know someone who has, this talk will inspire empathy, connection, and offer practical strategies for managing anxiety, because at the end of the day you’re not alone#MentalHealth #Anxiety #TEDx #Support #Understanding #SelfCare #WellBeing Meet Matej Guštafík! In two simple words, Matej is ambitious and motivated. His goal is to become a F1 Aerodynamics Designer which he is already on track to do thanks to his love for go-karting and his enrolment in the F1 competition (F1 in schools), that the school offers to capture opportunities for the future in this field. Matej is a rational and emotionally intelligent person who will be presenting the speech “Understanding and managing anxiety: you are not alone”, one that will evoke resonance to many of those listening. 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