Despite all the hindsight reasons a startup may give, there are only two reasons all startups fail. As an investor and business strategist, Misti Cain has worked with and mentored several hundred CEOs and founders from idea to exit stage. In her simple, yet engaging talk, she shares the two key reasons along with specific examples that cause startups to succeed or fail. whyzze.com Misti Cain is currently an investor and Venture Partner for a global investment accelerator. Previously, she was the founder of a strategy agency helping startups going through a merger or acquisition create and implement people and process action plans.In addition, Misti was the host of the business reality show 'Werrrk" where she helped business owners overcome strategic challenges. Her latest project, PleaseStop.co helps founders go from blocked and ghosted to being sought after and funded. Misti's passion is helping entrepreneurs succeed. 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 her thought provoking talk Nysha shares her experiences of being a black, working class woman in academia, discusses the education landscape and asks 'where's the representation?' Nysha Chantel is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Wolverhampton. Her research centres on the role of traditional storytelling in empowering marginalised communities, particularly Black communities, including African Americans. Nysha explores how storytelling foster’s identity, strengthens community bonds, and nurtures empowerment, while remaining relevant in today's society.Rooted in post-colonial theory, her work examines storytelling as a tool for resisting dominant narratives and amplifying the voices of the marginalised. Drawing from cultural studies, she investigates how storytelling preserves cultural identities and fosters a sense of belonging. Nysha's research aims to showcase the transformative power of storytelling in promoting social and cultural empowerment, emphasising its vital role in the resilience and recognition of underserved communities. 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

From confusion to creation, and from otherness to empowerment, join multi-award-winning creative entrepreneur and artist Dr (h.c) Ria Meera Munshi as she takes us on a powerful journey through identity, culture, and belonging. In a world that often pushes us to fit in, Ria found her spark in standing out. Through Indian classical dance, storytelling, and the symbolism of the red bindi, she invites us to embrace our inner 'shakti', the divine energy within, and transform personal adversity into universal magic. This isn’t just a talk. It’s a celebration of strength, creativity, and joy. Dr (h,c) Ria Meera Munshi, FRSA, is an extraordinary multihyphenate talent and cultural entrepreneur, celebrated for her extensive contributions to the arts with numerous awards and a prestigious Bollywood Guinness World Record. As a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, celebrity choreographer, cultural consultant, model, actor, presenter, keynote speaker, writer, director, and businesswoman, she brings a vibrant, multidimensional approach to her craft. In her role as Artistic Director of Ri Ri's Dance Academy, she continues to inspire and celebrate Indian culture, identity, and heritage on both national and international stages. 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

Learn the different ways that success looks like, and how to live more wholely. Guest speaker Lucy Meyer is a self-made entrepreneur in real estate and home remodeling. She is also a life coach, and published author. 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 talk, Mia Song uses a bowl of spaghetti to unravel the fear of being alone---one twirl at a time, challenging the idea that solitude is something to dread. After all, why fear a table for one when it means more pasta for you? Mia is a sophomore at Saint Andrew’s School, where she has been attending since her freshman year. Growing up in Shanghai, she developed a love for discovering new food, exploring bookstores, and occasionally traveling alone. She has a passion for public speaking in all forms, from competitive debate to poetry. TEDx gave her the chance to share an idea she’s grown to appreciate firsthand: that sometimes, the best moments in life—like the perfect bite of spaghetti—are meant to be savored alone. 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

While there’s plenty of advice out there on finding your purpose, there’s very little about translating that into actionable steps to help you achieve it. In this talk, Sally Henderson outlines a simple method that will allow you to get going, keep up your efforts, and assist you in breaking down that massive milestone into smaller, achievable goals. Sally Henderson is a successful entrepreneur and High-Stakes Leadership Mentor with over 25 years of experience working with C-suite leaders at global brands including Coca-Cola, NatWest, Nestlé and Saatchi & Saatchi. Known for her no-nonsense Yorkshire approach, Sally specialises in helping leaders take decisive action when it matters most. She works with senior executives to transform ambition into meaningful results, cutting through overthinking and jargon to provide clarity and direction. 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