“2 Seconds!” does it take to form your first impression about someone. In his TEDx talk Jordy raises the importance of acting hospitable in every encounter. You want to prepare yourself to find open doors and endless possibilities, which you don’t find by focusing solely on customer interaction. Customer interaction stops at the moment when a sales transaction has been made. Customer focus is no longer enough! Jordy believes that genuine hospitality can make a difference for every organization in every industry, and for every person in every situation.He is on a mission to turn every customer into a guest and challenges organizations to critically examine their current experiences. Today, Jordy invites us to explore how this shift in approach can lead to changes in the way organizations operate and interact with their customers.Mastering hospitality is an essential skill to make every interaction welcoming. Jordy believes that genuine hospitality can make a difference for every organization in every industry, and for every person in every situation. As a speaker, trainer, and author, he helps teams grow towards a 9+ guest experience! Together with his business partner, Jordy has authored two influential books on mastering hospitality as an essential skill to make every interaction welcoming. With his first book, OBER! OBER!, he captured the hearts of organizations both within and outside the hotel and restaurant industry. After hundreds of workshops and thousands of participants, he presents a new vision in their new book GASTVRIJ!: Customer focus is no longer enough! As the cofounder of Studio Gastvrij, he is on a mission to turn every customer into a guest and challenges organizations to critically examine their current experiences. Today, Jordy invites us to explore how this shift in approach can lead to changes in the way organizations operate and interact with their customers. 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

Starting a new job isn't just about learning the ropes and setting up an email address – it's about entering a whole new social world. Yet while companies invest in structured onboarding programs, the social integration of new employees is often left to chance. In this insightful and engaging talk, Emy shares her personal experiences of navigating seven different jobs in seven years and highlights the challenges of being the new kid on the block in an established team. Drawing from her professional expertise in human resources, recruitment, and team development, Emy uses this talk to explore the critical role of trust and connection in team performance. Emy presents a practical five-step ‘trust-building cycle’ designed to accelerate integration in the workplace. This talk demonstrates how gamification elements foster real connections, improve collaboration, and strengthen workplace culture. With a compelling call to action, it urges leaders to consciously create environments where new employees not only survive their first few days but thrive from day one. Because before people can work together, they must feel safe together. Emy is an experienced facilitator, passionate about unlocking people’s potential and building high-performing teams. Her journey began in her student years as an active volunteer, where she honed her skills in team dynamics and group psychology. Over the past 8+ years, she has built a career in Recruitment, HR, and Learning & Development across startups, scale-ups, and international organizations. She specializes in creating impactful and gamified learning programs, onboarding processes, and performance management systems while providing actionable and data-driven insights to managers and teams. 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 personal challenges spark innovation? This talk explores the power of curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving in the face of adversity. From engineering solutions for medical waste reduction to redefining the way we approach personal struggles, discover how embracing challenges can lead to impactful change. Learn how small, meaningful actions today can contribute to a larger, lasting difference. Cristiano is a Nanoengineering student at the University of Waterloo passionate about tackling global challenges through technology and education. Combining his passion for environmentalism and engineering, he designed a reusable glucose monitor applicator to improve the affordability and sustainability of diabetes treatment, earning a gold medal from the Toronto Science Fair. Cristiano was one of only three Canadians chosen for the prestigious Rise Global Scholarship from the Rhodes Trust, allowing him to present his research and advocacy at a summit at the University of Oxford. He has modeled neurotransmitters for a research program at the University of Toronto, and worked as both a swimming and painting instructor for students with cognitive disabilities. Cristiano is a rising leader, exemplifying the importance of innovative thinking and a commitment to social 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

Water is essential to life, but in the face of climate change, our traditional approaches to water security are no longer enough. This talk explores how technology, environmental stewardship, and social engagement must work together to ensure clean drinking water for all. Discover why protecting our water sources is just as important as the treatment technology itself—and why social science is key to implementing real change. Monica Emelko is a Professor and the Canada Research Chair in Water Science, Technology & Policy at the University of Waterloo in Canada. She is a Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Dr. Emelko holds chemical and environmental engineering degrees from MIT, UCLA, and the University of Waterloo and has served as a technical advisor to the U.S. National Academies of Engineering, Science, and Medicine, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as several other federal and provincial/state agencies in Canada, the United States, and globally regarding regulatory development related to water treatment, source water protection, public health policy, risk analysis, and integrated resource management. She has worked on wildfire and its implications to drinking water treatment since 2004. Her team was the first globally to describe wildfire effects on drinking water treatability. They are regularly cited by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for identifying these linkages and received the Canadian Council of the Federation Award of Excellence in Water Stewardship in 2014. In 2016, Dr. Emelko assisted as first responder helping with water treatment response and re-entry risk management during and after the wildfire in Fort McMurray and received a citation from the Premier for service to the province. Professor Emelko is the Scientific Director of “forWater” a Canada-wide and internationally partnered research network focused on maximizing benefit from concurrent forest management-based approaches for drinking water source protection and enhanced resilience in water treatment, operations, and risk management. 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 day, we make thousands of decisions—most of them without thinking. But what if even the smallest choices could shape the trajectory of our lives? This talk explores the impact of intentional living, showing how thoughtful decision-making, curiosity, and mindfulness can transform the way we navigate both small moments and major life choices. Discover how to take control of your future by aligning decisions with your values and vision. Dr. Reda Fayek is an established leader in technology and biotechnology, boasting over 25 years of experience across global markets. With a PhD in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo and an Executive MBA from Ivey Business School, Reda has revitalized multiple companies, especially within life sciences and robotics. He currently serves as President of Kimitek Inc. and a mentor at Boundless Accelerator. His career is marked by strategic business transformations and significant product commercializations, emphasizing his adeptness at enhancing shareholder value and fostering innovation. 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 laziness wasn’t a weakness but a hidden strength? This talk challenges the perception of laziness, revealing how it has driven some of the world’s greatest innovations. From scientific discoveries to everyday hacks, efficiency and creative problem-solving often stem from the desire to do less. Explore how embracing strategic laziness can lead to smarter solutions, greater efficiency, and even world-changing ideas. Anna is a high school student with a passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new interests. She believes in constantly challenging the status quo and embracing every opportunity for growth. Whether engaging in an intense laser tag match or experimenting with a new hobby, she sees each experience as a chance to learn and evolve. Driven by curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact, Anna is dedicated to transforming ideas into action. With a focus on innovation and personal development, she embraces opportunities that foster continuous growth. 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