Emmy Award-winning executive Shawn Finnie explores the uncomfortable truth that true success comes from within, sharing his personal journey from living in his car after rejecting a record deal to becoming the first Black EVP at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Shawn Finnie is an award-winning entertainment executive, speaker, and producer with over a decade of experience contributing to the Hollywood landscape. As Executive Vice President at CULTURAL AGENCY, in all areas including: Multicultural, PR, and Awards Strategies, driving impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Previously, Finnie served as EVP at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he managed member relations, global outreach, and Academy Awards processes for over 11,000 filmmakers, artists, and executives. Finnie is also a creative force behind initiatives that spark meaningful dialogue. Recognized by Variety’s New Leaders list and honored with AdColor’s Advocate award, Finnie’s contributions to the entertainment industry go beyond strategy and execution. Driven by a passion for community, culture, and connectivity, Finnie is deeply committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering inclusivity in entertainment. 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

Lowell Cohen aka "Popcorntrepreneur" shares how promoting a gourmet brand at a farmers market can be a strategic and cost effective way to build awareness and customer loyalty. The farmers market allow you to engage with customers face-to-face and receive real time feedback. Compared to retail stores or online ,advertising, the farmers markets require a relatively small investment in booth fees and set up costs.You can introduce new flavors, gauge reactions, before scaling up to retail or online sales. Unlike wholesale or e-commerce the markets provide immediate sales and cash flow, which is crucial for reinvesting in the business.In my case , I believed my popcorn to be THE best, and my customers at the market confirmed it.Five years ago, I set out on a mission—not just to make popcorn, but to make the best gourmet popcorn. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve earned the top spot as Southern California’s #1 gourmet popcorn company, according to leading review sites. Most popcorn on the market is low-quality, packed with artificial flavors. I knew I could do better. I personally sampled over 45 non-GMO farmers to find the finest, most flavorful kernel—with the least amount of shell. Then, I sourced the highest-quality oils and seasonings to perfect our recipe. But we didn’t stop there. We broke the hot popcorn rule with a game-changing, proprietary popping process. Our popcorn tastes even better when cold—straight from the fridge or freezer. "When the temperature drops... the flavor pops!" Join the popcorn revolution. Say YES to the BEST! Connect with Lowell and Goldie Pops: Website: goldiepops.com Instagram: @goldiepopskraftcorn Facebook: GOLDIEPOPS KRAFT CORN#TEDxSanDiego #popcorn #farmersmarket #connection Lowell Cohen aka Popcorntrepreneur, is the Founder and CEO of Goldie Pops Gourmet Kraft Corn, a San Diego-based company specializing in handcrafted, gourmet popcorn made from healthy, quality ingredients. After a successful career in the clothing industry, Lowell retired and pursued his passion for creating the best popcorn on the market, leading to the establishment of Goldie Pops. His commitment to excellence has garnered acclaim, with Goldie Pops being featured on platforms like the "Pivot and Thrive" podcast. Connect with Lowell and Goldie Pops: • Website: goldiepops.com • Instagram: @goldiepopskraftcorn • Facebook: GOLDIEPOPS KRAFT CORN 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

We each have the power to change our environment for better experiences at work, school, and elsewhere. Using leadership and organizational psychology and backed by neuroscience, discover how powerful and influential language and visual cues are to each other and our children. So, do words really matter? Every person uses language, and it shows up in every environment. We cause reactions in other people's brains and bodies by our behaviors, like the language we use and the flags we fly. Our brains and bodies, and those of our children, are impacted by what we say and do. That is power. We each hold the power to create a thriving and engaged environment through our language and visual cues. This mindset-shifting story is about creating environments where people are engaged, perform at their best, feel safe, and belong. Discover the power you hold and how to change your environment for better results and well-being! Each person should learn their power abilities, changing each environment you find yourself in, so we all reach our best potential! Greg Mazzeo is a culinary and restaurant leader turned organizational and leadership psychologist. He received his associate's degree in culinary arts and bachelor’s degree in food service management. While working as a General Manager, he received his master’s in human resources development and completed his leadership psychology doctorate in June 2025 while working in human resources. His unique practitioner and academic experience inform his service-oriented organizational and leadership development skills by understanding the intersection of people, data, and the environment. He refers to this intersection as organizational and leadership nourishment. He develops individuals, teams, and organizations by shifting mindsets in how people understand their power, influence, and environments. His passion for engagement, performance, and belonging is led by understanding people, data, and the environment. 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 her talk, Nyamebofour Otoo shares her powerful journey as a person living with schizophrenia, highlighting how she has found freedom and self-liberation despite societal perceptions and stigma. She opens up about how the condition has impacted her life, particularly her ability to communicate, and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding.Nyamebofour also calls on the world to support mental health research and create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for people living with mental disorders. Nyamebofour Otoo is a young, aspiring polymath interested in the intersections of politics, economics and technology. She has a youtube channel called The Graye Space that is dedicated to telling the stories of people who deal with mental illnesses.She is also a poet and has self published a poetry book through amazon called "Goddess Unsung" She is a strong believer in embracing diversity and extending grace to people who defy social norms 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

OCD is an illness deeply misunderstood, mocked, and trivialised. In this modern age, with the wealth of information at our fingertips, there has never been a better time to deepen society’s understanding of what OCD truly is.In this talk, the brutal reality of living with a misunderstood illness from the relentless intrusive thoughts to the stigma that compounds the struggle. Through a story close to Shaun's heart personal stories, telling us the truest story of OCD. Raw, Brutal, Real and not like the polished versions in the media.Shaun will challenge misconceptions, foster empathy, and empower audiences to become allies in the fight against stigma. Shaun Flores is a speaker, author, and consultant delivering thought-provoking talks on modern masculinity, mental health, neurodiversity, and identity. A four-time TEDx speaker, Shaun blends personal experience with a mission to challenge societal norms and inspire change.His work spans corporate settings, educational institutions, and media platforms, collaborating with organisations like the NHS, Panasonic, and Vodafone. Shaun’s impactful workshops focus on emotional resilience, inclusivity, and redefining masculinity, drawing from his lived experiences and deep engagement with research. Featured in BBC News, Men’s Health UK, and Metro, Shaun’s work highlights societal pressures, personal growth, and empowerment.Shaun’s mission is to inspire transformation through authenticity, vulnerability, and actionable insights, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities. 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

Nel suo talk, Barbara Schiavulli condivide la sua esperienza di giornalista sul campo, raccontando storie di ingiustizia, resistenza e speranza. Il giornalismo, per lei, è uno strumento per mostrare non solo il peggio del mondo, ma anche per costruire un mondo migliore attraverso il racconto delle voci degli invisibili, degli ultimi e degli eroi e delle eroine silenziose. Scrive per chi non ha voce. Scrive per chi vuole leggere davvero. Scrive per essere la differenza. Valigia rosa, stilografica e giubbotto antiproiettile con la scritta "press". Barbara Schiavulli ha sempre avuto il sacro fuoco del giornalismo! A tredici anni quando le sue compagne di scuola volevano fare le maestre o le dottoresse, lei voleva fare l'inviata di guerra. Ha raccontato tutti i conflitti degli ultimi vent’anni lasciandosi avvolgere dalle storie e dal caldo torrido dell’Iraq, dalle montagne dell’Afghanistan, dalle rovine della Palestina. Barbara Schiavulli ha scritto sempre. Senza mai smettere, anche quando i giornali la guardavano dall’alto al basso. È co-fondatrice e direttrice di Radio Bullets, un progetto giornalistico indipendente fatto di rabbia e amore che celebra il lavoro dei giornalisti indipendenti. Il suo ultimo libro "Burqa Queen" pubblicato nel 2023, riflette la sua scrittura sincera, diretta e senza filtri, capace di essere delicata e al contempo incisiva. 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