In her talk, Elisabeth Pollock highlights major challenges public defenders encounter today and addresses common misconceptions about the justice system. She also advocates for approaching others with empathy, urging us to set aside our biases and strive for fairness by seeing the world from others’ perspectives. Elisabeth Pollock is the Chief Public Defender for Champaign, Illinois. Her mission is to provide the highest quality of representation to all clients who enter her office. 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 TEDxAWC talk “Stop Being SMART. Start Being DUMB,” Scott Welle challenges conventional goal-setting wisdom by making the case that SMART goals—while logical—often fail to spark real transformation. Drawing from personal stories and global examples, he introduces the DUMB goal framework: Dream-driven, Unrealistic, Meaningful, and Beneficial to others. With humor, heart, and powerful storytelling, he shows how the world’s greatest breakthroughs came from people bold enough to dream big and act bigger. This talk is a compelling invitation to trade in practical limitations for purposeful possibilities—and to stop playing small with your potential. Outperformers are not born; they’re made. We ALL have the capacity to “raise our game,” and Scott Welle has spent more than 15 years helping people do this, personally and professionally. Scott’s 10 best-selling books, articles, videos, podcasts and online programs inspire hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. He has a master's degree in Sport Psychology and was named the 2021 Midwest Motivational Speaker of the Year. For “fun” (and because he’s a little crazy!), he’s completed 34 marathons, 5 Ironman triathlons, a 100-mile ultra marathon, and serves others by showing them how to tap into the mindset of challenging their self-limiting beliefs and aspiring to Outperform every day. 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

Leading experts estimate a 1 in 6 chance of human extinction this century. We're confronting serious threats—so how should we respond? Manu Edakara is the Director of iVenture Accelerator, the entrepreneurship program for the University of Illinois System. For his pioneering work, Manu has been named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list. 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 inspiring TEDx talk, educator and speaker Mo Willan invites us to rethink the true meaning of personal branding. More than a buzzword or a tool for career advancement, our personal brand—rooted in purpose, values, and impact—can become a powerful force for social good. Drawing on life lessons from his upbringing in The Gambia and his career transition from the corporate world to education, Mo shares heartfelt stories of students whose lives were transformed through empathy, mentorship, and community. Through real-life examples, he demonstrates how teaching, love, inspiration, and gratitude can redefine success—not by titles or paychecks, but by how we uplift others. This talk is a call to action: Who are you, and how will you use your personal brand to inspire change in others? Mo Willan is a Professor of Marketing and Strategy at Hult, where he previously served as Campus Dean for a decade across London, Boston, and San Francisco. A former Group Marketing Director at Lafarge, he also ran his own consultancy, working with Coca-Cola, Barclays, and The British Council. An Oxford and Cranfield graduate, Mo is a Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK). He was named one of Poets & Quants’ Top 50 Global Undergraduate Business Professors in 2020 and earned Hult’s Professor of the Year award for seven consecutive years (2012–2018). His book, Essentials of Contemporary Marketing, is published by Bloomsbury Business. 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 a world obsessed with perfection and performance, this TEDx talk breaks down what personal branding is really about—and why authenticity is the most powerful strategy you have. Dr. Rana Sabra explores how the pressure to “fake it till you make it” disconnects us from our values and voice, and what it takes to build a personal brand that’s real, consistent, and respected—both online and offline. Whether you’re a graduate, a professional, or a business leader, this talk offers five practical steps to help you stand out by showing up as your true self. If you’re ready to stop chasing trends and start building real influence, this is your roadmap. Dr. Rana Sabra is a global business strategist, marketing advisor, and dedicated advocate for small businesses. With a legacy rooted in resilience, from her grandfather's farming days to becoming the first in her family to earn a doctorate internationally, Rana's passion lies in helping others move the needle in their lives. As the founder of Creative Minds and host of the Success Club Podcast, her impact includes Empowering over 2,000 clients and students worldwide, Delivering 3 TEDx talks across global stages (USA, Mexico, UK), Providing tailored marketing solutions in 15+ countries, and Driving 300% growth for multinational brands as a former Marketing Director. With a Doctorate in Marketing and Consumer Behavior from France and a Postgrad Diploma in Digital Business Transformation from the USA, Dr. Rana brings 20+ years of experience to her roles as a business strategist, success coach, and university professor. 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 powerful and deeply personal TEDx talk, Sid- CEO and theater artist shares how a moment of miscommunication transformed his understanding of leadership. Once convinced that leading meant speaking with authority, he learned that true leadership begins with listening—really listening. Through stories from the boardroom, the stage, and even his childhood with a deaf father, he unpacks the often-overlooked discipline of listening with empathy, curiosity, and presence. This talk explores why hearing what isn’t being said is one of the most vital—and rare—skills we can cultivate as leaders, teammates, and human beings. Sid Banerjee is a storyteller, strategist, and mentor who blends data-driven precision with theatrical creativity. As CEO of SG Analytics, he has transformed the firm into a globally trusted insights partner, helping businesses navigate complexity through strategic, human centered narratives. With a background in theater and drama, Sid leads with observation, empathy, and adaptability, tackling challenges like a performer on stage. His achievements include being named Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur India, a feature in From Boardroom to Stage!, and an exclusive appearance on Leaders Talk with NASSCOM. 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