Escaping the Rat Race: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms | Gayan Ellepola | TEDxYouth@Kandy
In a world where success is often measured by how fast we climb the corporate ladder and how much we achieve, many of us find ourselves trapped in the endless cycle of the rat race — working harder, chasing more, but feeling increasingly unfulfilled. Gayan Ellepola is a visionary leader and the Director of Cotton Sky Global, a Design House & Manufacturing Company, crafting the finest garments to discerning customers worldwide. Gayan has made significant strides in promoting environmental responsibility, fair trade, and social empowerment across the textile supply chain.Under Gayan's direction, Cotton Sky Global has expanded its reach internationally, driving change in an industry often criticized for its environmental impact. His commitment to transparency and sustainability has earned him recognition as a thought leader in both the business and environmental sectors. Gayan believes in the power of collaboration and strives to create a future where businesses and communities thrive in harmony with the planet. 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
- 12:34Manta de Retalhos | João Almeida | TEDxLisboaO que pode uma manta de retalhos de vinhas ensinar-nos sobre comunidade, coragem e mudança? João Almeida partilha a história do crescimento do Alvarinho em Melgaço — uma região remota, marcada pela agricultura de subsistência e pela emigração. Tudo começou em 1974 e, meio século depois, mais de 200 famílias cuidam de pequenas parcelas que, juntas, formam um mosaico vivo de viticultura, resiliência e futuro. Uma reflexão sobre mudança, pertença e a força transformadora das decisões quando são cuidadas ao longo do tempo. Nascido e criado em Vila do Conde, com Mestrado em Informação e Jornalismo na Universidade do Minho. Trabalhou como jornalista de televisão e rádio em França e na Alemanha, fez um PHD em documentários na University of Edinburgh, trabalhou numa loja de conservas em Lisboa, viveu e filmou em Barrancos e, mais recentemente, trabalhava como produtor de televisão no Porto quando a vida o levou para o território de Monção e Melgaço. Dois dias depois de se mudar, soube que ia ser pai, comprou uma vinha, dirigiu-se ao Soalheiro para integrar o Clube de viticultores e, depois de uma conversa, daquelas que mudam vidas, juntou-se à inspiradora equipa do Soalheiro: trabalhou na vinha e na adega, hoje, além de pequeno produtor independente é o Responsável pela Comunicação do Soalheiro. 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
- 13:25Why Impact First Deep Tech is our future | Philipp Buddemeier | TEDxESMTBerlinDeep Tech is driving a trillion-dollar industrial transformation — turning waste, resource scarcity, and supply chain vulnerabilities into circular, zero-waste, and zero-emission industries. In an era of ecological crisis and geopolitical uncertainty, Philipp makes a compelling case for Impact-First Deep Tech as the key to a sustainable future. Drawing on two decades of experience across NGOs, government, business and entrepreneurship, he offers a powerful vision for how breakthrough technologies, guided by purpose, can address the planet's most urgent challenges. From the threat of ecosystem collapse to the opportunity for regeneration, this talk is a wake-up call for leaders, innovators, and change-makers to co-create a future where business thrives — within planetary boundaries. Philipp Buddemeier is a seasoned leader in sustainability and impact-driven business transformation, with over two decades of experience at the intersection of business and sustainability. As CEO of Better Earth, he empowers organizations to transition towards future-ready, sustainable business models. At Marvelous, an investment firm driving breakthroughs in deeptech climate solutions, he serves as General Partner and Chief Impact Officer. Philipp's career includes leadership roles at Save the Children, McKinsey, Accenture Strategy, and Bain, reflecting a lifelong commitment to impactful change. 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
