“Critical thinking” increasingly stands as the most sought-after skill that has long been too fleeting to define. Employers rate it as a pinnacle skill, but one of which they see too little, and educators claim to teach it, but over half of Millennials recently failed a simple Mindedge critical thinking test. So, what is critical thinking? Analysis? Information literacy? Thinking outside the box? Informal logic? Problem-solving? Evaluating data? Decision science? What if all of our efforts to define critical thinking as above have been the core problem with teaching it?What if, instead of using our brains to devise conceptions of critical thinking, we eliminated the noise and revolutionized a way to teach people how to think better by tracing critical thinking back to its core evolutionary survival mechanisms?With over 35-years of experience in higher education, Steve founded the first academic office in higher education with a specialized focus on critical thinking. Author of America’s Critical Thinking Crisis, he has been featured on NPR, Fox News Radio, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, CBS Atlanta, The Hill, and a plethora of podcasts. Steve founded The Critical Thinking Institute and is a keynote speaker on critical thinking for businesses, universities, conferences, and the U.S. military. With over 40-years of experience, Steve is also a sought-after martial arts instructor for his unique theoretical approach to training. Most of all, he’s a devoted father, an endeavor which stretches his own critical thinking most of all.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

If you’ve ever felt “off” but your labs came back normal—this talk is for you. Millions of women are misdiagnosed, dismissed, or medicated when the real issue might be a hormone imbalance doctors aren’t checking. In this TEDx talk, Maranda Carlile, FNP-BC, reveals how hormone shifts in midlife impact mood, energy, metabolism, and mental health—and why it’s time to start asking better questions. www.astrahealthandwellness.com Instagram: @astrahealthandwellness, Facebook: Astra Health and Wellness, LinkedIn: Maranda Carlile, FNP-BC#HormoneHealth #PerimenopauseSupport #WomensWellness #FunctionalMedicine #MoodSwings #Fatigue #RootCauseHealing #HighAchievingWomen #MentalHealthAwareness #MarandaCarlile #TEDxStGeorge Maranda Carlile, FNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Astra Health and Wellness, where she helps high-achieving women balance hormones, restore gut health, and optimize longevity. She combines deep listening with clinical insight, recognizing that “normal” labs don’t always mean optimal health. Her work blends science and soul to uncover the root cause of fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, low libido, and stubborn weight gain—helping women finally feel like themselves again. She empowers women to reclaim energy, mood, and vitality. As a speaker and educator, she’s on a mission to redefine women’s wellness. Learn more at www.astrahealthandwellness.com or follow @astrahealthandwellness on Instagram and Facebook. 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 do you do when the right decision isn't obvious—and the data doesn't tell the full story? In this insightful and practical talk, the speaker dives into the art of making decisions in uncertain, high-pressure situations where there’s no clear yes or no.Through real-world examples, from financial crises to startup strategies, the talk explores how to balance intuition with incomplete data, how to iterate instead of aiming for perfection, and how to stay clear-headed under pressure. You’ll learn how successful leaders make smart, adaptable choices even in the greyest areas of life—and how you can too.If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, this talk will leave you with the tools, mindset, and confidence to take action when the answers aren't obvious. bdulaziz Pulatjonov, a backend developer, is passionate about problem-solving and decision-making in complex environments. With years of experience in software development and fintech, he has honed his ability to navigate uncertainty and craft structured solutions in ambiguous situations. 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 the words you speak are shaping your reality—without you even realizing it? In this talk, Vicki Parker reveals how small shifts in language can transform self-worth, confidence, and the way others perceive us. Through personal stories and real-world examples, she challenges you to prune disempowering words, plant self-belief, and step fully into your power—because when you change your words, you change your life.https://www.vickiparkerunlimited.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-parker-unlimited https://www.facebook.com/VickiLynnParker/ Instagram: Vlparkergirl#ChangeYourWords #Empowerment #Confidence #TEDxStGeorge #SpeakPower #MindsetMatters #FemaleLeadership #Leadership #DevelopingLeaders,#WordsMatter #Confidence #WhatWouldVickiParkerDo Vicki Parker illuminates the power of words to transform confidence, leadership, and connection. As a Women’s Empowerment Coach and Executive Performance Trainer, she has traveled to all 50 states and 16+ countries, coaching high-level professionals and sparking personal breakthroughs.With a background in corporate training and personal development, Vicki helps women own their voices, lead with certainty, and rewrite limiting narratives. Now an innkeeper in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, she continues to witness firsthand how language shapes identity and opportunity.Vicki's TEDx talk challenges audiences to rethink the words they speak—because the language we use doesn’t just describe our world, it creates it. Connect with Vicki :VickiParkerUnLimited.com| https://www.vickiparkerunlimited.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-parker-unlimited 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

Ever get hit with a WTF moment in life? Dr. Joe Parker shares his story. Consider it a crossroads. Instead of letting fear take the wheel and playing it safe, decided to grab it yourself and create a life that lights you (and others) up. www.thestandingovationpractice.com #TEDxStGeorge #Life #Heart Attack #WTF Dr. Joel Parker, a veterinarian since 1984, became a private practice owner in 1986, grew his practice with solid management principles into a Standing Ovation Practice™, a practice that delivered an above and beyond expected experience. He later founded Veterinary Endoscopy Solutions and Canine Equipment™. After 15 years he sold the businesses and started Veterinary Practice Solutions in 2004, a veterinary management consulting firm, innovated with "Whiteboard Wednesdays" on YouTube, and early online webinars. In 2024, he launched Parker Business Systems (PBS), a boutique style consulting firm focusing on transforming privately owned veterinary practices into Standing Ovations Practices. He above all leads a purposeful life helping others achieve time and financial freedom.He lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada with his family, enjoying sports cars, great coffee and unique small weird dogs. www.thestandingovationpractice.com 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