Why change feels so hard, and how to embrace it | Antonio Batinovic | TEDxESMTBerlin
We often say we want change—but when it actually happens, it can feel terrifying, destabilizing, even like failure. Why?In this thought-provoking TEDx Talk, Antonio Batinovic takes us on a journey that spans roles and identities—from waiting tables, to his path becoming a psychologist, to helping build a startup as CMO, and ultimately walking away from it all to become self-employed. On the surface, it’s a story of career evolution. But underneath, it’s a deeper exploration of what makes change so emotionally and psychologically challenging.Drawing from Cognitive Dissonance Theory by Leon Festinger, this talk explains why we struggle to let go of roles, relationships, or professional identities that no longer align with who we are becoming. When our actions and our beliefs no longer match—when we outgrow a job, a title, or a version of ourselves—we experience internal tension. That tension, or dissonance, is uncomfortable. And because we’re wired to resolve it, we often try to convince ourselves to stay where it’s safe, rather than step into the unknown.But what if that discomfort isn’t a sign that we’re failing—but growing? Through honest reflections, psychological insight, and moments of emotional clarity, Antonio Batinovic reframes change not as a breakdown, but as a breakthrough. This talk is for anyone standing at a crossroads, feeling stuck between what was and what could be. It’s a roadmap for navigating inner conflict, letting go of outdated narratives, and rewriting your personal and professional story—on your own terms. - 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
- 14:43AI will never be intelligent - and that's okay! | Andreas Møgelmose | TEDxAalborgFor decades, we’ve been on the brink of creating truly intelligent computers, but each time, the dream seems to slip further away. Promises of increased productivity and improved lives have often gone unfulfilled, leaving us still searching for something more. In this talk, AI researcher Andreas Møgelmose explores why this happens and suggests a new way to think about artificial intelligence. Perhaps, he argues, the goal shouldn’t be to replicate the vague and complex idea of human intelligence after all. Dr. Andreas Møgelmose has been a computer enthusiast since he first learned to type. As AI technology grew, he was drawn into the world of computer vision, and today, he teaches and conducts research in the field of 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
- 17:28தடுமாற்றம் to மாற்றம் (A Hitch to Switch ): From Flicker to Flame | Dr. Karthikeyan R | TEDxGCTIn this powerful TEDx talk, Dr. R. Karthikeyan, founder of the Aatrupadai Foundation, shares his inspiring journey of transforming educational access for underprivileged students. What began as a vision to offer free NEET coaching for dreamers with limited resources has now become a movement of hope and empowerment.Through stories of perseverance, impact, and unwavering commitment, Dr. Karthikeyan reveals how personal setbacks can lead to collective breakthroughs. This talk challenges us to look beyond individual success and focus on how we can uplift others, one step at a time. If you believe in making education a right—not a privilege—this talk will resonate deeply. Founder and Managing Trustee of Aatrupadai Foundation, an initiative striving to make medical education accessible. Through free NEET coaching, his foundation has supported aspiring doctors in their journey, giving them the guidance they need to pursue their dreams. 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
- 15:00Prescribing Smiles: Turning Pain into Purpose | Tony Phan | TEDxTAMUAfter years of medical school rejections, Tony Phan shares a powerful story of resilience and reinvention. Rather than giving in to discouragement, he channeled his setbacks into meaningful work—pursuing roles rooted in service and compassion. Through his decade-long journey toward medicine, Tony realized that healing doesn’t only happen in exam rooms. When we turn pain into purpose, we don’t just heal ourselves—we create space to heal others.To learn more about TEDxTAMU and explore our speakers and events, visit www.tedxtamu.org. Tony Phan, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is a medical student at UT Tyler School of Medicine whose decade-long journey to medicine exemplifies resilience and perseverance. A former higher education professional and AAMC AHPAC member, he leads initiatives to expand access, advocate for inclusivity, and improve veterans' healthcare. Guided by a mission to heal through humor and spread joy, he champions the power of positivity and creativity in overcoming adversity. 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
- 15:01The Power of Self-Improvement | Priyanka Mohan Naik | TEDxTAMUIn this talk, Priyanka Mohan Naik shares some insightful strategies to help create a better life. She shares some practical techniques like her 'ITS ME' ritual. When we Introspect, Think and improve our own Selves, it supports our Mental and Emotional well-being.To learn more about TEDxTAMU and explore our speakers and events, visit www.tedxtamu.org. Priyanka Mohan Naik is the Manager of Medical Writing at Edwards Lifesciences. She holds an MS in Kinesiology degree from Texas A&M University, USA and an MBBS (Medical Doctor / Physician degree) from Goa Medical College, India. With experience across the medical device and pharmaceutical industries and an interest in personal and professional development, her work focuses on positive psychology, neuroscience, high performance strategies, leadership, and practical tools for overall well-being rooted in a growth mindset 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
- 8:57The Key to Meaningful Conversations | Angel Gambino | TEDxSan Diego SalonIn a fast and polarized world filled with endless noise, many of us have forgotten how to truly connect—sometimes even with those closest to us. Angel Gambino shares the power of somatic speaking, where your body becomes your most powerful communication tool. By mastering somatic speaking, you can create spaces of trust and connection that will transform your relationships and your conversations.Learn how to be the vessel for authentic communication and build deep, meaningful connections through presence, emotional intelligence, and genuine expression. This talk will inspire you to master the art of communication and connect with the people who matter most in your life.Websites: www.AngelGambino.com & www.BeTheVessel.com #TEDx #TEDxSpeaker #TEDxSanDiego #Communication #Connection #Somatic #Trust #Autism Angel Gambino is a visionary TEDx speaker, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and senior investment banking advisor who transforms communication through embodied presence and energetic alignment.Drawing from her career as a senior tech and media executive at the BBC, Paramount, and Amazon as well as an attorney and professional athlete working with the US Women's National Soccer Team, Angel offers rare insight into authentic connection and human potential.Her pioneering somatic speaking approach empowers leaders to build extraordinary trust by aligning thoughts, feelings, and intuition. Raising her son Bronco, who is on the autism spectrum, shaped her methodology and deepened her understanding of nonverbal connection.Book Angel to speak at your next event at www.angelgambino.com or learn more about somatic speaking at www.bethevessel.com 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
- 6:28AI Judges? Robot Lawyers? The Truth About AI and Justice | Kassi Burns | TEDxSan Diego SalonWhat if AI isn't replacing attorneys but rescuing them from drowning in data? In this eye-opening talk, an eDiscovery attorney reveals how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal profession by handling the overwhelming burden of document review, allowing lawyers to focus on what truly matters: advocacy, strategy, and human connection. Discover how AI is rebalancing the scales of justice without replacing the human elements that make legal representation invaluable. www.kassi.io#AIandLaw #LegalTech #FutureOfLaw #AIinLegal #TEDxSanDiego #TedXTalk #eDiscovery #LegalInnovation #LegalAI #AttorneyLife #JusticeSystem #LegalProfession #DataOverload #LegalStrategy #TechAndLaw #LegalTransformation #ModernLaw #LegalTechnology #LawOps #LegalDataManagement #ArtificialIntelligence #AIEthics #LegalEthics #GenAI Kassi Burns is an attorney with over 15 years of experience pioneering the use of AI in litigation. Kassi holds an AI Certificate from Oxford University and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. She serves on multiple tech-focused advisory boards, the Sedona Conference AI & Law committee, and the State Bar of Texas Emerging Technologies subcommittee. A frequent speaker at major legal tech conferences, Kassi is also published in the MIT Computational Law Report, ACC Docket, and Law360. She self-produces and hosts "Kassi &", a podcast exploring AI's impact across professions. A Tulane Law graduate and former Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, she is barred in Texas and Arkansas. Always curious, Kassi is passionate about how AI can free attorneys to focus on advocacy rather than drowning in data.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kassiburns Bluesky: @kassiburns.bksy.social Website: www.kassi.io Podcast: "Kassi &" - available on all major podcast platforms (https://rss.com/podcasts/kassiand/) 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