Lauren Rugani encourages bold thinking and unwavering commitment to transformative ideas, even when they seem impossible. Drawing from her experience in emerging technologies, she explains that innovation often faces doubt not because it's unworkable, but because it challenges conventional thinking. She outlines three key factors to push past skepticism: rethink the problem, find the missing piece, and commit existentially—treating your idea as if the world depends on it. Her message: transformative change begins when you believe in the impossible and pursue it with purpose. Lauren is an accomplished marketing and communications executive with nearly 20 years of experience shaping the stories of some of the world’s most iconic science and technology organizations. Currently, Lauren serves as VP of Marketing and Communications at REGENT Craft, leading efforts to redefine the future of coastal transportation with innovative all-electric seagliders. A physicist by training and communicator by trade, Lauren has led strategic communications projects spanning the discovery of the Higgs boson, flying autonomous internet drones, and launching quantum computers on the cloud. Prior to REGENT, Lauren has held roles leading Marketing and Communications at Rigetti Computing, guiding the company from Series B funding to a successful IPO; driving Technology Communications at Facebook; and holding positions at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and CERN. Holding a BS in Physics from Syracuse University, an MS in Science Journalism from Boston University, and an Executive Credential in Public Policy and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School, Lauren blends deep scientific understanding with the art of storytelling to make complex ideas accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. 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
More from TED
- 19:19How a Xerox machine saved lives and won me a Nobel Prize | Drew Weissman | TEDxPennDiscussing the serendipity of the making of great scientific discoveries, and how the mRNA technology is not only saving lives one at a time, but also hastening a global healthcare revolution. Drew Weissman, M.D., Ph.D. is a professor of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He received his graduate degrees from Boston University School of Medicine.Dr. Weissman, in collaboration with Dr. Katalin Karikó, discovered the ability of modified nucleosides in RNA to suppress activation of innate immune sensors and increase the translation of mRNA containing certain modified nucleosides. The nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine platform Dr. Weissman’s lab created is used in the first 2 approved COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. They continue to develop other vaccines that induce potent antibody and T cell responses with mRNA–based vaccines. Dr. Weissman’s lab also develops methods to replace genetically deficient proteins, edit the genome, and specifically target cells and organs with mRNA-LNPs, including lung, heart, brain, CD4+ cells, all T cells, and bone marrow stem cells.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
- 16:23Activating Your Optimism | Julie Owens | TEDxProvidenceJulie Owens shares how optimism has shaped her response to life’s challenges, including career transitions, personal struggles, and a cancer diagnosis. Through humor and reflection, she explains how perspective and the conscious choice to seek light—even in difficult moments—can transform one’s experience. She emphasizes that optimism isn't about ignoring hardship, but about activating the power of the mind to find strength, meaning, and resilience in the face of it. Julie is CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse: a catalyst for the social entrepreneurs creating innovative solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. SEG has supported 2,300+ social entrepreneurs over 15+ years, equipping them with the knowledge, capital and community they need to protect our environment, create better access to health care, and forge new pathways to economic prosperity.Prior to joining SEG in 2022, Julie spent 25+ years as a consultant who cultivated strategic thinking and created positive impact at health care organizations across the country. Her work focused on both delivery of care (creating innovative programs that improve the patient experience) and financing of care (decreasing barriers that are often experienced by the underinsured). 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
- 9:39Why It Is Imperative That We Create | Jack Rizzo | TEDxWilliam&MaryCreation isn't just a pastime, it is something which sustains the soul. In his talk, Jack dives into the Trinity of Human Flourishing, exploring how aligning our work, relationships, and passions leads to a more fulfilling life. Meet Jack Rizzo— a senior at William & Mary who thrives at the intersection of leadership, creativity, and community. A Business Analytics major with a History minor, Jack has spent his college years not just learning, but building. From serving as Investment Fund Portfolio Manager and VP of the Econ Club to mentoring peers and becoming a Founding Father of Pi Kappa Alpha's Gamma Chapter, he's always sought to create meaningful impact. But his passion doesn't stop in the classroom. As the founder of T-Swap, a campus thrift store promoting sustainability, and the lead guitarist for his rock band Halcyon Lane. Jack believes in the power of creation-whether through business, music, or community initiatives. A lifelong TED Talk enthusiast, Jack has dreamed of stepping onto this stage since 8th grade. Now, he's making that dream a reality, sharing why creation is essential to the human experience. 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
- 14:59Shaping Tomorrow's Soundscapes | Professor Antonio J. Torija Martinez | TEDxUniversityofSalfordIn a world filled with sound, how do we separate the symphony from the noise? In this compelling and timely TEDx talk, Antonio explores how the sounds that surround us, whether beautiful or bothersome, shape our health, our environments, and our future. From the soothing melodies of nature to the harmful effects of noise pollution, this talk dives deep into the power of 'perception-driven engineering' and why now, amidst the electric and carbon-neutral transition, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to redesign the soundtrack of our cities, communities, and lives. Professor Antonio J Torija Martinez is a world-leading authority in perception-driven engineering who addresses noise issues of e-mobility and decarbonization. He has established collaborations with world-leading research institutions (e.g., NASA, University of Cambridge); and acted as chair of QuietDrones 2024 international conference. He has made key contributions to embedding psychoacoustics into quiet aircraft systems design, and pioneered research assessing the noise and environmental impact of electric aircraft. Since joining Salford in August 2019, he has led several research projects funded by prestigious funders such as UKRI and Horizon Europe. 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
- 17:30如何将流行音乐与传统戏曲多元融合 | 政宽 李 | TEDxXuhui“京剧不应该被束缚在过去，而应该向前发展”。当代京剧复兴的重要推动者李政宽希望将京剧带到未来，但他也深知不是所有东西都适合未来。他认为要实现这一目标，需要具备跨界能力，既懂音乐又懂戏曲，给观众带来足够的情绪价值，或思想启蒙与现实结合,迎合当代审美为人民服务。 李政宽曾获得上海戏剧学院MFA艺术硕士学位，并师从南派京剧名宿孙国良、昆曲名家孙海蛟。是京剧麒派掌门人陈少云先生入室弟子，麒派艺术第四代传人；受教于李军、田恩荣、郭宇、宋捷等戏曲表导演界名家。作为第31、32届上海“白玉兰戏剧表演奖”颁奖晚会音乐总监，他创作了“白玉兰戏剧表演奖”主题曲《白玉兰之歌》。他立足传统，致力于中国戏曲文化的当代化表达以及戏曲艺术与其它领域的跨界探索。 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
- 16:46Todos Educamos: un impacto inadvertido | Mónica Velásquez Herrera | TEDxGI School Youth"Todos somos educadores. Sin embargo, la mayoria de los adultos lo somos sin darnos cuenta. Consciente o inconscientemente impactaremos la vida de los niños a nuestro alrededor. ¿Te atreves a dejar huella?" Educadora, emprendedora y madre, con una profunda pasión por la educación. Con 10 años de experiencia docente en universidades públicas como privadas. Posee una Maestría en Estudios de Desarrollo de Erasmus Rotterdam University, en La Haya, con especialización en Desarrollo Económico, y un pregrado en Economía de Texas A&M University.Está convencida de que la educación es el pilar fundamental para el desarrollo tanto personal como colectivo. Su enfoque se basa en la creencia de que una formación integral no solo debe atender los conocimientos académicos, sino también preparar a los estudiantes para los desafíos reales del mundo.Ha logrado impactar estudiantes a lo largo de su carrera y espera continuar haciendolo dentro y fuera del aula. 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
