How to find the power of humanity by embracing the mess | Monty Badami | TEDxSydney
Deep work is slow. It means choosing connection over control.” Dr. Monty Badami is the Founder of Habitus, a social enterprise that uses Anthropology and Emotional Intelligence to unlock the superpower of what it means to be human. An Officer in the Australian Army Reserves, he combines his knowledge of army leadership with evolutionary evidence and cross-cultural research to demonstrate how imperfection is essential to our adaptability and success as a species. In this insightful talk, Monty shares some of what he has learned about how our creativity and diversity supports humanity during difficult times.www.habitus.org
www.montybadami.com Dr. Monty Badami is an anthropologist and world-class speaker, facilitator and coach. Apart from holding a PhD in anthropology; he’s a university lecturer, Army Reserves officer, faculty member of The School of Life and co-presents a podcast called The Meaning Of....He combines his knowledge of Army Leadership with evolutionary evidence and cross-cultural research to demonstrate how our creativity, diversity and imperfection is essential to our adaptability and success as a species.Monty recognised that organisations were missing a vital strategic edge by failing to appreciate the untapped potential of a more anthropological approach to education and business. He has spent most of his research living with the Paniya, a marginalised indigenous group in India, who were slaves until quite recently. It is here that he fully developed his social and ethical foundations and nurtured a deep appreciation for the innovation and resilience of humans all over the world.Monty runs a social enterprise 'Habitus' to make the world a better place, and families and communities are at the heart of that. As such, he uses the profits made from corporate clients and private schools to help Habitus deliver cutting edge, research inspired, socially inclusive programs to public schools and marginalised communities in need. 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
- 8:33Lisa Stein | Lisa Stein | TEDxDelrayBeachIn this moving TEDx talk, Air Force veteran Lisa Stein opens up about her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder—and the moment she and her care team forged a “Contract to Live.” From childhood anecdotes with her rescue dog Schroeder to soaring highs and devastating lows during the Gulf War, Lisa’s honest storytelling shows how manic creativity and crushing depression can collide without warning. When her diagnosis cost her the career she loved, she hit rock bottom—until she and her psychiatrist and therapist sat down and crafted a simple but powerful agreement: a roadmap of actions, coping strategies, and support systems designed to keep her safe. Today, Lisa shares how that Contract to Live became the cornerstone of her recovery and offers a blueprint for anyone struggling with mental health challenges. Whether you’re managing your own condition or supporting someone you love, this talk will inspire you to create commitments that transform survival into a life of purpose and connection.Lisa Stein, a retired US Air Force Captain and decorated Combat Veteran, piloted AWACS surveillance aircraft on global National Security and Desert Storm combat missions. A University of Miami graduate with degrees in both Mathematics and International Studies, a true trailblazer. 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
- 17:08Becoming Who You're Truly Meant to Be | Bergsveinn Ólafsson | TEDxClaremontGraduateUniversityWhat if change isn’t something to fear—but an invitation to become the person you were always meant to be? In this talk, Bergsveinn Ólafsson shares his journey from professional athlete to psychologist and well-being advocate, exploring how the courage to reflect, adapt, and act can turn identity crises into breakthroughs. Bergsveinn Ólafsson is completing his PhD in Psychology at Claremont Graduate University, where he focuses on the intersection of well-being, coaching psychology, and AI. A former professional athlete, coach, speaker, and author of multiple books on living a meaningful life, his work blends science with lived experience. Through his social media, Bergsveinn has inspired millions with practical insights on personal growth. He helps people navigate change with responsibility, courage, and clarity. His mission is to help others unlock who they are meant to be—professionally, personally, and socially. 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
- 9:24Trailblazers: Gen Z’s impact on Society | Jennifer E Caldwell | TEDxNormalWhat if everything you’ve heard about Gen Z is wrong? In this engaging and stereotype-busting talk, Jennifer Caldwell challenges outdated assumptions about today’s youngest workers and changemakers. From championing diversity and mental health to redefining career paths and embracing digital fluency, Gen Z is not just following trends—they’re setting them. Drawing on research, personal experience, and a bit of TikTok humor, Caldwell introduces a new way to see and support this rising generation. Whether you're a fellow Gen Zer or a curious observer, this talk invites you to collaborate, learn, and be inspired by the trailblazers of tomorrow. Jennifer Caldwell is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for authenticity and empowerment. As the founder and CEO of UniquelyME Consulting, she is dedicated to helping individuals embrace their true selves and overcome obstacles that hinder their personal and professional growth. In addition, Jennifer serves as a Coordinator in Career Development at Heartland Community College. In this role, she supports students in their career journeys, helping them navigate their professional paths with purpose and resilience. 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
- 17:59How Forgiveness Changes Lives | Dr. Alex Kor | TEDxIndianaUniversityHow do you forgive someone who took everything from you? How do you move past the trauma and anger of being tortured through the twin experiments at Auschwitz? Dr. Alex Kor, the son of two Holocaust survivors, addresses these questions via his mother's unique journey of healing. Learn how his mother's highly personal choice to forgive the Nazis impacted and changed the lives of people along the way—including his own. Challenge yourself to apply forgiveness to your life and ask, “Who do you need to forgive?” From Terre Haute, Indiana, Dr. Alex Kor is the son of two Holocaust survivors (Michael and Eva Mozes Kor), and is a podiatrist for Hendricks Regional Health in Danville , Indiana. Knowing the importance of being the son of two Holocaust survivors who have both passed away in the last 5 1/2 years, Alex feels an obligation to tell their stories, and co-authored “A Blessing, Not a Burden” which tells the stories of his parents. 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
- 17:36Beyond the Postcard: How Tourism Imagery Shapes Identity | Dahlia Nduom | TEDxIndianaUniversityWhat picture does Jamaica evoke in your mind? In this TEDx talk, you'll be urged to rethink as you gain an understanding of how tourism and architectural photography influence how we perceive place, identity, and culture. Through vivid imagery, Dahlia Nduom confronts the preconceptions present in travel media and urges us to reconsider the narrative we make and consume. Dahlia Nduom is a licensed architect and Associate Professor at Howard University. She was born and raised in Antigua, and this has shaped her work investigating architecture across the African Diaspora. Her work has been widely published and exhibited, including the recent Tourism, Tropicalization, and the Architectural Image at the Octagon Museum in Washington, DC. She received the 2022 AIA DC Architect Educator Award and the 2024 Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Emerging Scholar Award. 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
- 17:55The Future of Air Travel: How Should I Know? | Dr. Laurence Audenaerd | TEDxIndianaUniversityA consistent and constant wonder of humanity is flight and how we, as humans, can take to the sky. From the pioneers of aviation, Orville and Wilbur Wright, all the way to developments made by Boeing and Airbus in creating transcontinental, fuel-efficient aircraft, the world of aviation has always been constantly evolving. In this talk with Dr. Laurence Audenard, he gives us a special look into the most prominent example of the future of aviation, which is the flying car! Using his background in engineering and research throughout his career, he gives us an insight into what the future of flying may look like. An exciting endeavor, explore the future of what our skies may look like with Dr. Audenard. With over 30 years of experience across air traffic management, transportation, space launch, and safety, Dr. Audenaerd leads multimodal transportation modeling, simulation, and engineering at MITRE. Their work supports key federal agencies, including the FAA, NASA, and the Department of Defense, focusing on systems engineering, policy, and strategic decision-making. Additionally, Dr. Audenaerd has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Northwestern University, contributing to the next generation of engineers in transportation and economics. 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