In this uplifting and thought-provoking talk, Sébastien Meuwissen makes a compelling case for optimism—not as blind hope, but as a mindset that unlocks opportunity. With stories ranging from a life-changing dance in a Polish castle to a psychological study on luck, Sébastien explores how our beliefs shape what we see, and how serendipity favors those who expect good things. Equal parts science, story, and soul, this talk invites you to rethink setbacks, embrace the unexpected, and trust that life may be quietly conspiring in your favor. After all, as Sébastien reminds us again and again: you don’t know enough to be a pessimist. Sébastien Meuwissen is a Belgian-Polish political analyst and communications strategist with a strong background in European and Central European affairs. He currently serves as a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Fundamental Rights in Budapest, where he focuses on international conservative cooperation and policy analysis.Meuwissen holds a Master's degree in Journalism and Applied Communication from the Catholic University of Louvain and the Institute of Higher Studies of Social Communications (IHECS) in Brussels. His professional experience includes roles in the European Parliament, the Polish Sejm, and the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland. Notably, he worked for Polish MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski and advised Polish MP Marek Kuchciński during his tenure as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and later as Head of the Chancellery of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. He also served as Communications Director for the Warsaw-based Ordo Iuris Institute for Legal Culture. 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

Challenge the assumptions behind your consumption! Get curious about why you buy what you do, what stories you’re telling yourself, and how perception changes assumptions about your purchase. Let’s rethink consumption and start making more intentional choices about what we bring into our lives. Dr. Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee is a Professor and Associate Dean at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University. An award-winning scholar, educator, and thought leader, he is recognized for his expertise in consumer behavior, marketing, and the impact of technology on retail strategy. His research spans AI in banking, virtual fashion, influencer marketing, and retail innovation. A former Editor-in-Chief of Marketing Education Review, Dr. Lee has shaped thought leadership in marketing education. He is a recipient of the TMU Chancellor’s Award of Distinction, the university’s highest teaching honor, recognizing a life-long commitment to teaching and learning excellence. As a member of the Speakers Bureau of Canada, he shares insights on digital transformation and the future of marketing, inspiring the next generation of business leaders. 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

Full-time artist Stefanie speaks on ways to diversify your creative offerings, leverage yourself as an artist, discover the face of your brand, and explore the artist's role as an entrepreneur, while challenging the outdated stereotype of the artist as a "sellout." Stefanie Bales is an award-winning artist, muralist, and boutique gallery owner. She was a professor of Art & Design for over a decade before launching her creative brand and opening the Stefanie Bales Fine Art Gallery in 2018, which has been voted “Best Gallery” in San Diego for 4 years running. Bales’s portfolio includes works for esteemed clients in both public and private sectors, including Balboa Park, Belmont Park, Estancia La Jolla Hotel, the City of San Diego, Ansun Biopharma, and Longfellow Real Estate. She was named “Best Artist” in San Diego through public vote and serves as a founding board member of the San Diego Chapter of Soho House. Stefanie is a devoted mother to her two young boys, Weston And Rowan, whom she considers her greatest works of art.In her talk, The Things They Don’t Teach You in Art School, Stefanie shares her insights on The Business of Art, exploring the artist’s role as an entrepreneur and challenging the outdated stereotype of the artist “sellout”. 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

Inspired by her experiences as a woman, mother, wife, and professional, Dr. Rachael discusses redefining womanhood and the personal journey that involves reclaiming narratives, challenging societal norms, and embracing diverse expressions of femininity. Dr. Rachael Stewart is a Kenyan born, Cali raised leader, educator, author, and speaker committed to empowering and motivating individuals on their leadership paths. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, leadership, and professional development, she holds a doctorate in educational leadership from SDSU and currently works in the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity. Her research and service concentrate on organizational change, policies, and practices within educational systems, particularly how these frameworks foster student success through engagement, retention, and post-graduate achievements. Dr. Stewart’s extensive personal and professional leadership development expertise enables her to provide coaching that supports leaders at all levels, promoting individual growth and organizational success. She is passionate about leadership development, empowering women, and advocating for equity-driven leadership in educational and corporate settings. 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

Will humans and computers merge? Will machines exceed our intelligence? What does that kind of future look like? How did we get from the discovery of fire to the very real possibility of being surpassed by our own creations? David S. Rose is a serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, and NYT bestselling author who has been described as "New York's Archangel" by Forbes and "patriarch of Silicon Alley" by Red Herring. As Founder & Executive Chairman of Gust and Founder & Chairman Emeritus of New York Angels, he has funded over 120 early-stage companies, with notable exits to industry leaders including Facebook, Google, Intel, and Amazon. His extensive career spans technology, finance, and government, including founding wireless Internet pioneer AirMedia in 1988 and serving as Deputy Director of the New York office of US Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. David holds degrees from Yale and Columbia Business School, bringing decades of experience in identifying and supporting transformative technologies that shape our collective future. 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

The transformative power of literacy is a cornerstone of justice and equity. In this talk, centered on his childhood in Roxbury with his grandmother as his first teacher, Dr. De'Shawn Washington reframes literacy and reimagines reading as powerful tools of liberation that can disrupt systemic inequities in public education. Dr. De'Shawn Washington is the 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year—the first Black male in state history to receive this honor—and the 2025 Massachusetts Representative for the National Education Association’s Teacher Excellence Award. As an elementary school teacher, Dr. Washington focuses on empowering his students to use reading as a vessel to be advocates and agents of change in their communities and beyond. A passionate educator, scholar, and speaker, Dr. Washington champions equity-centered literacy practices that affirm identity, build critical consciousness and inspire social action. His leadership spans local and national platforms, including curriculum development, policy advocacy, and professional learning for educators committed to justice and liberation in education. 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