Repurposing Our Personal Brands As a Force For Social Good | Mo Willan | TEDxHult Boston
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
More from TED
- 17:58Are we heading towards World War III? | Heni Ozi Cukier | TEDxLisboaThis talk dives into four critical dimensions — social, economic, political, and military — to uncover the patterns that led to World War I and II. By comparing those pivotal moments with today’s global dynamics, it reveals troubling signs of growing instability. Are we on the brink of a Third World War? Through the lens of history, this analysis offers a powerful reflection on the present — and a warning to not repeat the mistakes of the past.Heni Ozi Cukier, widely known as Professor HOC, is an expert in international politics dedicated to making geopolitics more accessible to the general public. He shares his extensive knowledge — and insights into the challenges and dynamics of the contemporary world — through what has become Brazil’s largest geopolitics YouTube channel: PROFESSOR HOC.He is also behind award-winning documentaries, including Cracolândia.In the United States, he worked at the United Nations Security Council, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Woodrow Wilson Center think tank.In Brazil, he gained prominence as the founder and coordinator of the postgraduate program in Geopolitics at PUC Paraná, establishing himself as a leading voice in teaching international relations and analyzing global affairs.He holds a degree in Philosophy and Political Science, and a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and International Peace from the renowned American University in Washington, DC. 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
- 16:59How to succeed without burning out | Cristiana Pinciroli | TEDxAWCCristiana Pinciroli is a pioneering athlete, former corporate executive, award-winning author, and Master in the Science of Happiness who bridges the worlds of high performance and well-being. In this TEDx talk, she explores how the science of happiness can transform traditional views on success. Drawing from her journey as captain of Brazil’s National Women’s Water Polo Team and her leadership in the corporate world, Cristiana reveals how spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional well-being fuel sustainable performance. She challenges the “no pain, no gain” mindset and presents a new paradigm for excellence. Her message is clear: happiness isn’t the result of achievement — it’s the foundation for it. Cristiana Pinciroli is a trailblazer who broke barriers as the captain of the Brazilian National Women’s Water Polo team. Competing professionally in Italy, she earned recognition as one of the world’s top players. Her first major transformation took her from the world of elite sports to the corporate arena. Over 25 years, Cris thrived as an executive at a leading Brazilian bank, guiding multicultural teams and inspiring individuals to reach beyond their Limits. In 2019, Cristiana embraced her second transformation—leaving the corporate world to pursue her life’s passion: unlocking human potential. She became an award-winning author, publishing Sport: A Stage for Life in English and Portuguese, and dedicated herself to integrating the science of happiness with high performance. Today, Cristiana is a recognized expert in sustainable success and well-being. As a certified happiness trainer, she works with organizations, teams, and athletes to help them achieve their fullest potential. 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
- 20:05My journey to the National Civil Rights Museum | Russell Wigginton | TEDxUIUCIn his speech, Dr. Russell Wigginton reflects on his path to the National Civil Rights Museum and how the legacy of his grandparents played a significant role in shaping his career. Dr. Russell Wigginton serves as the President of the National Civil Rights Museum. He brings vast experience in education, fundraising, operations, and community engagement. 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
- 17:23From Passion to Profession: Begin Your Journey | Amine EL FETHI | TEDxENCG CasablancaFrom Passion to Profession is your first step toward building a career around your interests. Start your journey with clarity, purpose, and the tools to make it real. Legal consultant with over six years of experience in corporate law, taxation, and digital transactions. I help businesses navigate legal challenges, structure contracts, and ensure regulatory compliance. 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
- 14:52How to turn your Passion into a career | Fatima Zahra EL IBRAHIMI | TEDxENCG CasablancaHow to turn your Passion into a career and the steps to become what you wanted to be from zero to hero. She is a famous moroccan actress & tv host, she was an actress in a lot of films and series and programs. 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
- 22:08Addressing Misconceptions about Visual impairement | Vinh (James) Nguyen | TEDxBISHCMC YouthIn this heartfelt TEDx talk, James shares how losing his sight revealed the everyday privileges often taken for granted. Reflecting on his near-failure in school, he explores how that struggle became a turning point—shifting his mindset from frustration to appreciation. Through vivid storytelling, he sheds light on the realities of education for visually impaired students and the resilience it demands, offering a powerful reminder that limitations can spark purpose, growth, and deeper human connection. Nguyen Thanh Vinh, known as James, is a passionate advocate for accessibility and personal development, particularly for individuals with visual impairments. His own journey with vision loss has fueled his commitment to creating positive change and empowering others. As the Founder and Director of ScriVi, he leads a programme that provides professional and assistive technology training for blind and visually impaired individuals, helping them build successful careers. He has also played a key role in improving accessibility in academia, leading initiatives at the University of Exeter to enhance policies, staff training, and student resources. 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
