In 1851, the state of California paid $93 a head to exterminate Native Americans—turning murder into government policy. But despite genocide, betrayal, and erasure, Native leaders didn’t disappear. They led. They adapted, endured, and protected their people through one of the darkest chapters in American history. In this TEDx Talk, leadership advisor Dr. Rod Wilson draws from decades of work with tribal nations to uncover the most powerful leadership lessons you were never taught—lessons forged in an era of extermination, passed down through generations, and more relevant today than ever. In a world facing disruption—from AI to misinformation—these timeless lessons are exactly what leaders need now. Walk away with a new understanding of what leadership really means—and how to lead when it matters most. Rod Wilson has over 30 years of experience advising tribal nations on leadership, sovereignty, and strategic growth. He holds a Ph.D. and serves on the Advisory Board for the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. He is also the author of The Native American Dream—a groundbreaking case study that documents the past three decades of tribal government transformation and the legalization of Indian gaming. 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 personal talk, Rita Piçarra shares how the early loss of her parents led her to radically rethink success and stop postponing what truly matters. After a 22-year international career culminating as CFO of Microsoft Portugal, she chose to retire at 44 and build a more intentional life. Rita invites us all to stop waiting and start creating the future through ambition, collaboration, and purpose. Rita Piçarra is a former CFO of Microsoft Portugal who reached financial independence and chose to retire at 44, after a 22-year career across five countries and multiple leadership roles. Her journey is a living example of how ambition, planning, and purpose can radically transform a life. Recognised as one of the top financial leaders in Microsoft Latin America, she left the corporate world not to slow down, but to create space for what truly matters. Rita now dedicates her time to inspiring others through speaking, writing, and volunteering — helping people design lives of intention and meaning. Her story is proof that the future doesn’t have to be postponed — it can be created, starting today. 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

Levi shares why the creator economy is at a turning point. Audiences are fatigued. Social platforms are maturing. Now, creators are taking ownership. This will fundamentally change e-commerce, and those who recognize it early will shape the future. Levi Lomey is a founder, connector, and community builder. With over a decade in the creator economy, he’s focused on helping creators own their audience and answer the “What’s next?” question. He runs a private community designed to foster organic connections between top talent through brand-led experiences. 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

This talk presents powerful lessons from elite tactical units about incorporating constructive disagreement into your leadership approach. Discover a three-step methodology for better decision-making: surround yourself with strong personalities who challenge your thinking, implement "rank off" planning to harvest your team's collective wisdom, and rigorously test your ideas through "red teaming." Through compelling stories and practical insights, learn how embracing disagreement rather than avoiding it leads to superior outcomes and why effective leaders prioritize results over protecting their egos. Jon Becker is the founder and CEO of Aardvark Tactical and PROJECT7 Armor, leading providers of specialized equipment for military and law enforcement units worldwide. With over four decades of experience in the tactical industry, Becker has worked closely with elite operational teams. His professional journey began at seventeen when he founded his company, which evolved from climbing gear into tactical equipment as he recognized the specialized needs of law enforcement and military personnel. Jon is an attorney admitted to practice in the State of California and also hosts The Debrief with Jon Becker podcast, where he examines critical incidents and leadership principles and their application to broader organizational contexts. Jon has written for numerous publications ranging from business publications to legal journals and is a sought-after keynote speaker. 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

Kevin tackles how to transform our energy future with nuclear, and why it is the solution to converging energy crises from AI, electrification, and global growth. Kevin is building a team of mission-driven builders and nuclear experts at Everstar. Everstar's mission is to accelerate nuclear energy deployment with advanced AI. 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

There will be a brief exploration of the most critical and effective methods to combat everyday issues with productivity and procrastination, mostly focusing on the psychological and physical aspects related to being a young adult. In specifics, reaching topics are heavily focused on a fast-paced lifestyle stemming from a predominant academic pressure in the modern age. There will be engaging pointers and suggestions towards the chosen methods, giving effective examples to be used in everyday life, as well as finding motivation within ourselves to progress as hard workers, also maintaining the habit and consistency of our work ethic within the confines of the mind. In brief succession, the themes that will be included are the Pomodoro technique, the Feynman method, and a general interaction with the applications and experiences within an average student's life. From a very early point in my life, I had always found public speaking fascinating, as well as seeing it as a method to inspire others and share information or life experiences. The times I would most get this urge to become a public speaker would be in school when we would be shown Ted talks; of which were all informative and spectacularly easy to implement in daily life.Ever since those moments I've crossed into public speaking little by little, giving lectures in class and even going so far as to participate in public speaking events. I personally find myself with confidence in what I have to say and can proudly affirm that it brings a certain joy to my heart seeing others inspired from my words and ideas. 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