Mrinank shares his battle with crippling social anxiety, describing isolation and fear of judgment. Through resilience, small courageous steps, and a leap of faith—facing fears like public speaking—he overcame it. His message: Growth lies beyond comfort zones. Doubt your doubts, believe in yourself, and take the leap. Mrinank is a relentless seeker of knowledge, unafraid to stumble, learn, and rise stronger each time. His passion for physics and materials science drives him to explore the unknown, with a vision of revolutionizing space technology. He thrives on challenges, seeing every obstacle as an opportunity to grow rather than a setback. No matter how many times he faces failure, doubts, or fears, he pushes through—refusing to let them define his journey. Whether it’s debating, competing in national-level swimming, or immersing himself in complex scientific ideas, he embraces the thrill of pushing his limits. Above all, he finds joy in acquiring knowledge, constantly evolving on his journey of discovery 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

Aaryan’s perseverance extends beyond academics—his love for music, spanning from the piano to Carnatic traditions, demonstrates his commitment to understanding the subtleties that different cultures offer. Aaryan is an enthusiastic and determined learner, with a clear vision of becoming a doctor. He holds a deep appreciation for uniqueness and diversity, remaining steadfast in his beliefs while remaining open to new perspectives. This open-mindedness fuels his passion for Biology, where he finds endless fascination in its intricate details. Aaryan’s perseverance extends beyond academics—his love for music, spanning from the piano to Carnatic traditions, demonstrates his commitment to understanding the subtleties that different cultures offer. What truly shapes him, however, are his meaningful interactions with the people around him. These exchanges, both uplifting and challenging, play a crucial role in his personal growth and shape his inspiring journey. Through these connections, Aaryan learns, evolves, and navigates the highs and lows that define his path. 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 Alopecia totalis made Shlok redefine his boundaries Shlok Shirodkar is fueled by an insatiable curiosity that propels him to explore the world through the elegant languages of mathematics and physics. Every equation solved and concept unraveled deepens not only his understanding of the universe but also his self-awareness. His analytical prowess and disciplined approach empower him to navigate complex problems with creativity and determination. Beyond the rigid frameworks of science, Shlok finds beauty in the intricate patterns and paradoxes that emerge from his studies. As he traverses this expansive intellectual landscape, he views his journey as a dynamic puzzle-each new discovery a vital piece in the unfolding mosaic of his identity, a portrait proudly showcased in his TEDx presentation. 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

Zainabou Thiam explores what it truly means to pursue success in a world that tells us to wait. Through the lens of her journey as a young entrepreneur, Zainabou shares how she launched her company, Sunu Body, at just 16 years old — not because she was fully ready but because she was willing to start. Her talk challenges the myth of perfect timing and reveals how waiting often disguises fear. She introduces three mindset shifts that helped her turn an idea into an award-winning business: starting with what you have, embracing failure, and getting out of your way.At its core, Zainabou’s talk is about courage — the kind that doesn’t wait for permission but chooses to begin anyway. Zainabou Thiam explores what it truly means to pursue success in a world that tells us to wait. Through the lens of her journey as a young entrepreneur, Zainabou shares how she launched her company, Sunu Body, at just 16 years old — not because she was fully ready but because she was willing to start. Her talk challenges the myth of perfect timing and reveals how waiting often disguises fear. She introduces three mindset shifts that helped her turn an idea into an award-winning business: starting with what you have, embracing failure, and getting out of your way.At its core, Zainabou’s talk is about courage — the kind that doesn’t wait for permission but chooses to begin anyway. 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

Ed explores how great leaders turn adversity into influence, revealing a pattern among successful executives: embracing challenges as crucibles for growth, developing distinctive leadership styles, and courageously allowing their teams to stumble to strengthen leadership throughout the organization. Through personal metaphors and real leadership stories, Ed offers practical wisdom for executives seeking to build successful careers and enduring leadership legacies. Ed Brzychcy is a consultant, executive coach, and speaker specializing in leadership development, organizational design, and strategic implementations, working with middle-market-sized companies across various industries. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2011as a staff sergeant and infantry squad leader after serving for twelve years, spending three years deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received his MBA from Babson College in2016, where he now serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice in Organizational Behavior. He lives in Waltham, MA, and enjoys traveling and flying UAVs. 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

Every time we scroll mindlessly, we shape algorithms hell-bent on hijacking our attention and ensnaring us in a digital labyrinth. In Navigating the Digital Labyrinth, I expose some of these algorithmic traps and equip you with personal, science-backed strategies to break the doom-scroll, reclaim your focus, and shape the life you truly desire. With a vision to redefine how technology and well-being intersect, Alexander Sica is forging innovative paths at Babson College. As a student lead for The Generator—Babson’s interdisciplinary AI lab—he aids in transformative initiatives, including a Build-a-thon that drew over 150 participants. Professionally, he channels this forward-thinking ethos into Genetic Fit Lab—a biotech venture merging wellness, fitness, genetics, and AI to create personalized, data-driven health solutions. Managing six health and fitness studios further enriches his industry experience, refining the operational and leadership skills essential for turning these innovations into reality. By uniting ethical innovation, entrepreneurial action, and human optimization, he offers a compelling model for how technology can catalyze positive change—transforming industries, improving individual lives, and inspiring us to realize our full potential. 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