Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it’s reshaping how we work, what we value, and the roles we play in the workplace. In this forward-looking talk, Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen explores the disruptive power of AI and what it truly means for the future of work. Moving beyond the fear of machines replacing humans, she dives into how AI can be a tool for reinvention, pushing individuals, teams, and entire organizations to redefine their purpose, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen is a leading expert in AI and data strategy, and the co-founder of DAIN Studios, a Finnish-German consultancy guiding companies through AI-driven transformation. With a PhD in Economics and a background in senior analytics roles at Sanoma and Nokia, Ulla brings deep expertise in using data to unlock real business value. Through her work, she helps businesses not just keep up with change, but lead it. 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

How do we build real trust in a world shaped by AI, bias, and power? From robot marathons to digital risk assessments, our lives are increasingly shaped by technology. But trust isn’t just about algorithms; it’s about human connection, vulnerability, and inclusivity. Kamilla shares her timely talk as a Russian-speaking Uzbek navigating identity, privilege, and bias during ongoing conflicts and geopolitical divisions in 2025. She blends well the personal experience, structural forces, and global societal stakes, showing why trust should not remain a victim. Kamilla shows that inclusivity isn’t just about being nice; it’s about national security, economic resilience, and the social capital that holds societies together in the face of technological disruption. Her invitation is clear: if we want to solve big problems, innovate, and thrive, we must commit to building trust in real, in-person engagements - not just online. This is a call to action for anyone who wants to move beyond the obvious, challenge their assumptions, and take part in shaping communities where everyone belongs while living in a high-tech, high-stakes world. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Kamilla Sultanova is an award-winning speaker, event host, and DEI consultant with a gift for turning difference into strength. Fluent in several languages and deeply immersed in Nordic culture, she brings experience from corporate, startup, and civic spaces to every stage she steps on. Whether engaging presidents or local communities, Kamilla uses her voice to break down barriers and build bridges. 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

Burnout is often seen as a result of doing too much, but what if the real cause is a deeper disconnection from ourselves? In this powerful and personal talk, Leonor Carvalho challenges the conventional narratives around burnout. She explores how chronic stress, exhaustion, and misalignment are often symptoms of being out of touch with who we are and what we truly need. Instead of chasing surface-level solutions, Leonor invites us to pause, go inward, and rebuild a connection with ourselves as the foundation for lasting change. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Leonor Carvalho, PhD, is a coach and hypnotherapist who helps founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders recover from burnout and realign their lives through self-awareness and deep emotional reconnection. Having experienced burnout firsthand—twice—she brings both lived experience and a transformative approach that blends coaching with subconscious work. Today, she guides others to step off autopilot and create lives that feel sustainable, aligned, and meaningful. 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

Can a simple switch in your grocery cart make a real difference for our planet? In this insightful talk, Anna Granskog unpacks the ripple effects of everyday choices, like opting for oat milk, in the broader fight against climate change. She challenges us to look beyond individual actions and examine how those decisions fit into larger systems, asking: "Will I save the planet by drinking oat milk?" By exploring the unseen forces behind supply chains, industrial processes, and consumer behavior, Anna reveals how small shifts can signal demand for sustainable innovation and how we can amplify impact by thinking systemically. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Anna Granskog is a Partner at McKinsey & Company with 28 years of consulting experience focused on energy, industrial strategy, and organizational transformation. As a leader within McKinsey Sustainability, she helps clients scale next-generation climate technologies and drive real progress toward net zero. Drawing on her deep expertise, Anna shows us how to align personal choices with global solutions and scale climate action from the grocery aisle to boardroom decisions. 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

How can carrying #yourspoon help end the overconsumption of our planet and secure the survival of your species? When realizing that we have far more spoons than people on earth, wilderness guide Christof Middeke discovered that the simple act of carrying his own spoon felt small and mischievous at first, yet spoons might be the most promising domino to end the suicidal overconsumption of our planet: Easy to understand, extremely practical, widely spread, culturally embedded and very scalable. Worn around his neck, his spoon serves him as a conversation starter, symbol, and daily reminder that sufficiency - embracing what "enough" is - is our best choice for survival. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Christof Middeke is a wilderness guide and sufficiency advocate who builds bridges between the modern human experience and natural realities. 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 the most powerful career moves you make aren’t on your CV, but in your conversations? In this heartfelt and eye-opening talk, Lukumanu Iddrisu explores the hidden power of human connections in shaping both careers and communities. He challenges the traditional view of networking as transactional, revealing instead how authentic relationships, chance encounters, and invisible support systems often play the biggest role in professional growth and integration, especially for newcomers navigating unfamiliar environments. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Lukumanu Iddrisu is a speaker, storyteller, and advocate for meaningful connection, based in Finland. With a background in economics and business administration, he currently work as an HR Business Partner at ABB Oy and a part-time lecturer at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK). Through his work and online presence, Lukumanu helps individuals unlock hidden opportunities by rethinking personal branding, inclusion, and the unspoken dynamics of career development. 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