The Japanese martial art of Aikido offers much more than just physical training - it's a powerful philosophy for shaping leadership, building collaboration and navigating conflict. What if we could apply its principles to our personal interactions and business negotiations, in order to foster harmony and innovation? Drawing from her experiences establishing the Travelling Dojo and practising Aikido around the world, Jessica Connor Kennedy shows us how to transform resistance and disharmony into genuine connection, in order to create stronger individuals and healthier organisations. Jessica Connor Kennedy, founder of The Travelling Dojo, began practising the Japanese martial art aikido in 2015. Aikido was developed with a principled purpose; to resolve conflict without physical or emotional violence. Jessica has studied with aikido masters on four continents and helped those with no aikido training safely and constructively handle emotionally charged interactions.With over 20 years of professional experiences as a facilitator, Jessica’s aikido practice has increased her ability to lead individuals and groups through conflict and grief to generative discussion and powerful connection.Her work spans regenerative organisational design, crisis response, stakeholder engagement and spiritual health. She is an advocate for experiential learning and, as a scientist and teacher, recognises that goals deeply important to society such as connection and diversity can’t be taught through words alone, rather that the body needs to be involved in the learning process. 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 a world where digital interactions overshadow real connections, have we forgotten the art of engaging with one another? Dr. Lee explores civility, etiquette, and the mindful rituals of tasting, whether it’s wine, tea, or coffee, as a powerful metaphor for human connection. Discover how small, intentional acts can bridge divides and transform the way we relate to others. Dr. Clinton Lee is a global etiquette and wine expert, a seasoned lecturer, and the author of Master the Art of Manners. His expertise has taken him to prestigious events around the world where he shares insights on cultural intelligence and the power of meaningful human interaction. When he’s not consulting or teaching, he enjoys the simple pleasures of life: good conversation, soulful music, and an intense game of backgammon over a cup of coffee. 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

What does it truly cost to stand up for justice? Zara Northover sheds light on the lack of education around self-advocacy and the challenges individuals face when navigating adversity, particularly within the legal system. Through personal experience and powerful insights, she empowers others to recognize the impact of shared knowledge, the strength of their voice, and the importance of accountability—because knowing your rights and believing in your worth is the first step to having the courage to claim them. Zara Northover is a trailblazing Olympian, industry leader, and CEO of Moving in Faith, a global empowerment brand. Representing Jamaica in the shot put at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she made history as Northeastern University’s first female Olympian and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2014. After transitioning from athletics, Zara excelled in the corporate world, driving $40 million in sales as a Purchase Banker within a year, surpassing occupancy goals as a Property Manager. As a Product Manager of Strategy and Innovation, she created initiatives that advanced employee diversity, growth, and organizational success. Currently, she leads Business Development for a Detroit-based architectural firm known for curating extraordinary spaces across the nation. As a sought-after speaker, advocate, and author preparing to release her book, The Cost of Justice, Zara’s journey inspires others to break barriers, lead with faith, and achieve greatness with resilience and courage. 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

What if a few dollars could change an entire future? Millions of people are trapped in poverty—not because they lack ambition but because they lack access to financial tools. Microfinance is flipping the script, turning small loans into big opportunities. Phương is a junior at Concordia International School Hanoi who’s obsessed with finance and how it can actually make a difference in people’s lives. She has always been curious about the growing gap between those who have access to financial resources and those who don’t—and how this inequality shapes our world. In her TEDx talk, she dive into the challenges that keep underserved communities from getting a fair shot. 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

Picture this: A bowl of pho infused with Italian truffle oil or a bánh mì crafted with a fresh French baguette. These dishes are proof that globalization is reshaping Vietnam’s food scene, blending international flavors with local traditions. But how far has this change gone? And is this a loss of identity or a new way of celebrating our culture? Luna is a Freshman at Concordia International School Hanoi. Whenever she goes out to eat with her family, she loves to try different food, which makes her really passionate about the food industry. During an 8th grade Social Studies class, Luna was learning about the effects of globalization on the world. This led to her wondering “What are the effects of globalization on the food industry in Vietnam?” Through TedxConcordia, Luna wishes to share her views on this topic. 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