When Ruth Agbaji was faced with impossible odds, she didn’t wait for the perfect solution — she started with what she had. In this talk, she shares how thinking like a coder helped her go from running for her life in Nigeria to building a tech career, launching a business, and empowering over 10,000 kids to code. Her mindset shift offers a powerful new way to approach problems — and create your own opportunities. Ruth Agbaji is the founder & CEO of Code Wiz, a dynamic children’s coding franchise that has sparked a love for technology in kids across the US. Born & raised in Nigeria, Ruth taught herself to code amidst challenging circumstances, driven by a determination to change her future. Her journey led her to the US, where she worked at Microsoft and discovered her passion for teaching & entrepreneurship. Through Code Wiz, Ruth has built a community where children explore STEM in a fun, engaging way, developing skills in coding, robotics, & problem-solving. Under her leadership, Code Wiz has grown to over 40 locations, making technology accessible to children from all backgrounds and inspiring the next generation of tech leaders. Recognized by publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur, Ruth’s innovative approach has transformed how kids learn to code. Her commitment to making tech education inclusive and exciting continues to drive Code Wiz’s success and impact on communities nationwide. 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

We’re taught that apathy is the absence of feeling but what if it’s actually a signal that we’re overwhelmed, burnt out, or emotionally shut down? This talk offers a powerful reframe of apathy, showing how it might be the first step toward emotional freedom and reclaiming our shared humanity. Lindsay is an award-winning entrepreneur, human behavior expert, transformation strategist for individuals and organizations, and host of the Journey to CEO® Podcast a cultural podcast, geared toward guiding leaders to wholeness and empowering them to become the CEOs of their own lives.Her client portfolio includes strategic consulting for Fortune 100 executives, as well as curating solutions for JP Morgan Chase, Google, Ingram Micro, HubSpot, and AT&T. Lindsay’s accolades include Ingram Micro Cloud’s Breakthrough Partner of the Year 2021 and CRN’s “Women of the Channel” title for three consecutive years.However, Lindsay’s journey wasn’t always smooth. Lindsay had a wakeup call, realizing she could no longer use her achievements to hide behind the mask of high-functioning depression, anxiety, and a deep-rooted sense of unworthiness. This awakening led to dedicating her life’s work to being a guiding light for individuals and organizations to become the change they want to see. 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 the UK, the media often scapegoat immigrants for the lack of jobs, opportunities, and access to healthcare. In Iran, Afghan refugees face similar blame. But this narrative serves a deeper purpose: to divert attention from the real cause of economic hardship—capitalism. Governments don’t want people to realize that the system is designed to funnel wealth into the hands of a few, while leaving the majority poorer, more anxious, and increasingly desperate. So, the immigrants are always blamed. Meanwhile, industries continue to pollute the air, drain rivers, and cause floods—all while producing goods that many can no longer afford. All this causes people to move to where they might be able to feed their families. In this TEDx talk, Nasrin Parvas, who was imprisoned and tortured in Iran for eight years for her advocacy of women’s and civil rights, sheds light on the struggles of refugees and what must be done to build a freer, more just world. In the UK, the media often scapegoat immigrants for the lack of jobs, opportunities, and access to healthcare. In Iran, Afghan refugees face similar blame. But this narrative serves a deeper purpose: to divert attention from the real cause of economic hardship—capitalism. Governments don’t want people to realize that the system is designed to funnel wealth into the hands of a few, while leaving the majority poorer, more anxious, and increasingly desperate. So, the immigrants are always blamed. Meanwhile, industries continue to pollute the air, drain rivers, and cause floods—all while producing goods that many can no longer afford. All this causes people to move to where they might be able to feed their families. In this TEDx talk, Nasrin Parvas, who was imprisoned and tortured in Iran for eight years for her advocacy of women’s and civil rights, sheds light on the struggles of refugees and what must be done to build a freer, more just world. 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

Shiv Chordia explores the fascinating relationship between fear and growth in his inspiring talk. With striking clarity and personal reflection, he challenges the belief that fear is something to avoid. Instead, Shiv encourages us to see fear as a compass—a signal guiding us toward areas of untapped potential. Through real-life examples and powerful insights, he highlights how stepping into discomfort can lead to transformation, resilience, and self-discovery. Shiv’s message is clear: our fears don't limit us—they lead us to the extraordinary, if only we dare to face them. Shiv Chordia discovered his passion for tabla at the age of three and has trained for nine years under Guru Shankar Kuchekarji, earning 2nd place in a state-level tabla competition. Currently in Grade 12 at Symbiosis International School, Shiv seamlessly balances academics, music, sports, and fashion, showcasing his passion, discipline, and commitment to excellence. A state-level tennis player, he also thrives in fashion modeling, having walked the ramps in London, Milan, Paris, and Dubai. His dedication was recognized when he was crowned Mr. International in Pune by Vivz Fashion School. 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 this deeply personal TEDx talk, Tejas Khoday, Founder & CEO of FYERS, shares his extraordinary journey from the heartbreak of losing both parents at a young age to becoming the architect of one of India’s most well-known bootstrapped fintech startups. With raw honesty, Tejas opens up about his early struggles and how adversity became the catalyst for his relentless spirit. This inspiring entrepreneurial journey explores the mindset required to bootstrap a startup, and build with conviction, without a safety net. If you're an aspiring startup entrepreneur, curious about the real truth behind bootstrapping, this talk offers 5 powerful lessons from an authentic voice from India's startup ecosystem. Tejas Khoday, CEO and Co-founder of Fyers: In this informative TEDx talk, Tejas Khoday, CEO and co-founder of Fyers, a leading online brokerage firm, demystifies the world of finance and investing for a wider audience. He shares his insights on the importance of financial literacy, the principles of sound investing, and the strategies for building long-term wealth. Tejas discusses the various investment options available, the risks and rewards associated with each, and the importance of making informed financial decisions. His talk empowers individuals to take control of their financial future and navigate the complexities of the investment world with greater confidence. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. 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 his heartfelt talk, Ansh Shrivastava unravels a powerful truth: our greatest superpower might just be empathy. Through a personal story of misunderstanding and realization, Ansh takes us on a journey of self-discovery, where a moment of being judged helped him reflect on how he had judged others. With honesty and emotion, he shares how one experience shifted his perspective and helped him uncover the hidden power of kindness and connection. Ansh reminds us that empathy doesn’t require special skills—just a willing heart—and when we choose to understand over assume, we unlock not only others’ potential, but our own. Ansh Shrivastava, a Grade 4 student at EuroSchool Kharadi, is passionate about public speaking, music, and drama. With a keen interest in science and technology, he has excelled in various competitions earning multiple accolades. Known for his cheerful and positive outlook, Ansh embodies integrity, respect, and compassion, shaping him into a well-rounded individual. His enthusiasm for learning and sharing ideas inspires those around him. Always eager to take on challenges, he continues to grow as a confident young leader, proving that passion and perseverance can make a lasting impact. 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