“It’s Not What You Know, But Who You Know.” We’ve all heard the phrase, but what if we’ve misunderstood its meaning? In this talk, Jonathan Fields reexamines our transactional view of relationships and challenges us to shift toward intentional, meaningful connection. Drawing from personal experiences, historical examples, and research, he explores how deep relationships—not surface-level networking—are essential to our emotional, physical, and societal well-being. Learn why your “who’s” matter more than your “what’s,” and how building authentic community can transform your life and the lives around you. I'm not your typical suit-and-tie marketer. What drives me goes far beyond strategies and tactics. It’s telling the story of the individual and the unbreakable spirit of community that I’ve found woven into the Appalachian fabric. I have witnessed firsthand the unique effect of relationships that rises above mere networking. It's the local shop owner who remembers your name, the friend that cares enough to tell you the hard truth because they want the best for you.It’s the power of the relationship.Relationships are a cultural cornerstone, not just a professional advantage. But in a world increasingly focused on individualism, this vital aspect of Appalachian life risks fading.I want to help you reimagine the power of "who you know," is not as a mere contact, but a connection that can build up you and your community. 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 explores how a single act of empathy towards a child can trigger healing far beyond the moment. It examines how emotional support in early life can ripple through families, communities, and generations turning pain into purpose. Dr. Anu Suraj is a trauma-informed psychologist with over a decade of experience. She holds advanced degrees in Clinical Social Work and Psychology, specializing in trauma-informed care. As the co-founder of AatmaSaukhya and Swaraksha, she has empowered over 300,000 individuals through her work in child safety and trauma recovery. 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

NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfEver regret missing that ONE opportunity? The one that lingers in your mind, making you wonder what could have been? In his TED Talk, Paul Hurckman delves into the powerful emotions tied to regret and demonstrates how we can harness these feelings to fuel motivation and drive positive change. Paul is the Executive Director of Venture, a nonprofit organization that brings hope and justice to some of the most difficult places on the planet - focusing on Anti Trafficking, Refugee Care, and Church planting. Paul has experience as a professor, pastor, non-profit and community leader, combining these experiences to encourage others to engage in justice on behalf of others. He and his wife Candace, live in North Minneapolis with their 5 kids. 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

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and understanding of quantum physics, energy, and the brain which lacks legitimate scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfAyşe Tolga, oyunculukla başlayan kariyer yolculuğunu, kişisel gelişim, aromaterapi ve sağlıklı yaşam alanlarına yönelterek çok boyutlu bir başarı hikayesine dönüştürmüştür. Sanatla başlayan bu serüven, içsel dönüşüm ve insanlara şifa olma hayaliyle birleşerek onu bir bütünsel sağlık uzmanına dönüştürmüştür. Girişimci ruhuyla kendi markalarını kurmuş, yazdığı kitaplar ve sunduğu programlarla binlerce insana ilham vermiştir. Ayşe Tolga, bütünsel sağlık ve bilinç dönüşümü alanında uzman bir araştırmacı, yazar ve eğitim lideridir. Kendi geliştirdiği Kuantum Tezahür Metodu ® ve İyilik Sende (Wellbeing) metodolojileri nörobilim, bütünsel şifa yaklaşımları, kuantum bilinci, enerji tıbbı ve kadim öğretileri sentezleyerek bireylerin zihinsel, duygusal ve fiziksel düzeyde dönüşümlerine rehberlik etmektedir. Kurucusu olduğu eğitim kurumunda, ezoterizm, kuantum düşünce sistemleri, sinirbilim temelli tezahür eğitimleri, zihinsel dönüşüm programları ve sertifikalı koçluk programları sunmaktadır. Yayımlanmış 6 kitabı arasında Benim Bütün Hayallerim Gerçek Olur, Titreşimini Yükselt, Hayatın Değişsin ve Neysen Onu Çekersin yer almaktadır. Ayşe Tolga, multidisipliner yaklaşımı ve bilimsel temelli öğreti sistemleriyle bireyleri yalnızca iyileşmeye değil, kendi gerçekliklerini bilinçle inşa etmeye davet eden ilham verici bir dönüşüm lideridir. 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

Cody Hale Siniard is among other things, a gifted storyteller, songwriter and musician. Cody's poignant story about how failure can be your path forward, will pull your heartstrings and bring you right into his childhood living room. Be captivated with his endearing talk, giving you the space to believe in magic. His story is also a reminder to follow your childhood dreams and no matter how many times you fall in life, get back up one more.“Give me a sheet of paper and something to write with, I’ll tell you who I am in 25-30 minutes. You give me a guitar, I’ll do it in three.” - Cody Hale Siniard Cody Hale Siniard is a singer/songwriter from Penrose, North Carolina. He began writing music in 2010 after a career ending injury kept him off the basketball court. He currently travels and performs with his wife, Jonlyn Linville, who plays fiddle and sings. The duo has crafted their own sound through years of performing live music. Cody currently has two full length albums available on all streaming platforms, “100 Miles to Nashville” and “Where Does the Time Go”. 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 his TEDx talk “Building Bridges by Living Daily with Your Eyes and Heart Open,” educator and soccer coach TJ Kostecky blends personal stories, soccer wisdom, and life philosophy to teach the power of perception, empathy, and intentional action. With lessons drawn from Leo Messi, Brooklyn bodegas, and the Bard Prison Initiative, TJ invites us to widen our lens, believe in others (and ourselves), and create ripple effects of kindness and connection. TJ Kostecky is the lead innovator of Vision Training, a leadership development program that empowers individuals to discover their full potential and form meaningful connections through subtle shifts in perspective. His academic career spans three decades and six universities and has seen him in diverse roles, such as a coach, athletic director, professor, and entrepreneur, each contributing to his unique perspective on leadership. TJ published his self-help book Eyes Up! in 2024. Good Housekeeping released their list of the 26 Best Self-Help books that work, and Eyes UP! was #5. He is currently the Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Co-founder of the Bard Leadership program at Bard College. In 2020, he was inducted into the Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame. TJ resides in Tivoli, NY, where he enjoys longboarding through the village streets, hiking the Catskill Mountains, and engaging everyone he meets in conversation. 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