Perfection is often considered an ideal to strive for. However, as former elite gymnast Scarlett Gutierrez attests, working for perfection can be actively harmful. She shares her journey of how striving for perfection in gymnastics eventually led to burnout and some harsh realizations, and how she has grown beyond that to seek constant improvement and a healthier self-image. Scarlett Gutierrez is a distinguished Presidential Scholar at the University of Tulsa, majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law focus. She plans to attend law school and make a lasting impact through legislation and legal advocacy in her community and beyond. Her journey began in the high-stakes world of elite gymnastics, where, as an Olympic hopeful, she confronted the true cost of perfection. These experiences now fuel her passion for inspiring others to embrace setbacks, prioritize mental health, and advocate for child protection. Through her work, she empowers others to live authentically, resiliently, and free from impossible standards. 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

One of the biggest problems with clean energy is its unreliability–the wind isn’t always blowing, the sun isn’t always shining…. Colby DeWeese used his background in the energy sector to found a startup focused on using hydrogen as an alternative clean fuel. The biggest problem with hydrogen today is its inefficient production. With his new, more efficient process, he describes a world where renewable energy sources are used to create hydrogen, a completely clean-burning fuel to replace traditional fuels. Colby DeWeese started his career in oil and gas before shifting to hydrogen combustion technology. Along the way, he realized the biggest challenge in clean energy wasn’t making hydrogen work—it was making it make financial sense. Now, he’s developing new electrolysis technology to make hydrogen production as efficient and scalable as battery storage. With a background in chemical engineering and a master’s in oil, gas, and energy law, he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and industry insight to the future of clean energy. 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

When many people hear the word “abuse” in reference to a relationship or marriage, their minds may instantly go to physical abuse or violence. Unfortunately, this is not the full picture when it comes to abuse, as Dr. Christine Cocchiola goes on to explain. Abusive relationships can drag on painfully for a long time without one partner even fully comprehending the abuse due to something called coercive control, which manifests itself in gaslighting, victim-blaming, and more. Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is an expert on the experiences of adult and child victims of coercive control. A college professor teaching social work, she received her doctorate in clinical social work from New York University working under the tutelage of Dr. Evan Stark. She presents nationally and internationally on coercive control with a focus on educating professionals, advocates, and protective parents, on the experiences of children and best intervention strategies for adult and child victims of coercive control/narcissistic abuse. She is the creator of The Protective Parenting Program, a therapeutic evidence based attachment focused program for parents of children harmed by abusers. 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 "How AI Can Level Up the Way You Teach," Dr. Kris Alexander shares how artificial intelligence transforms how he educates, both in the classroom and at home.Drawing on personal stories as a father, husband and educator, he shows how AI can create more engaging, personalized learning experiences. With energy and clarity, Dr. Alexander makes the case that AI isn’t about replacing teachers; it’s about empowering them to connect, adapt, and inspire like never before. Through his talk, Dr. Alexander invites educators to embrace AI not as a replacement for traditional teaching methods but as a powerful ally in creating more dynamic and inclusive learning environments. His insights underscore the transformative potential of AI when used with intention and empathy in education. Dr. Kris Alexander is an educational technology innovator and professor reimagining how we prepare future educators. With a PhD in Educational Technology from Concordia University and degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University, he bridges traditional teaching with game design, AI, and digital tools. A globally ranked gamer and passionate educator, Dr. Alexander integrates gaming and emerging tech into learning environments—from elementary to post-secondary. He uses platforms like Twitch for accessible office hours and leverages AI to enhance lecture delivery. His work, rooted in research and personal experience as a parent and professor, showcases how technology can make education more inclusive, engaging, and effective. 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

Dr. Rathin Roy, an expert economist and policy advisor, explores how India can transform its economic future through strategic policy and sustainable growth. Drawing from his experience with the Thirteenth Finance Commission, Dr. Roy discusses the intersection of economic reform, governance, and social equity. This talk offers key insights into the policy decisions and growth strategies that will shape India’s path toward a more prosperous and inclusive tomorrow. Dr. Rathin Roy is a renowned economist and policy expert who has been instrumental in shaping fiscal policy and sustainable development strategies. With vast experience as an economic advisor, including his role in the Thirteenth Finance Commission of India, he has contributed significantly to public finance, governance, and economic reform.His work continues to influence critical discussions on India’s economic future. At TEDxGITAM Hyderabad, he joins us to share his insights on economic transformation, policy-making, and the path to sustainable 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

In his inspiring talk Paz shares his journey and career as a cake artist to the stars and sets out his very own recipe for wonder. Paz Heer is a renowned cake artist based in Wolverhampton, known for creating extraordinary edible masterpieces that blend art, flavour, and emotion. From humble beginnings in a small shop, Paz has built a successful career, transforming cakes into unique works of art that celebrate milestones and evoke deep connections.With a passion for storytelling through food, Paz has crafted cakes for high-profile clients, pushing the boundaries of creativity and turning every challenge into an opportunity for innovation. Embracing the chaos of the creative process, [Your Name] has learned to turn setbacks into breakthroughs, finding resilience and growth in imperfection.Through his work, Paz showcases the power of curiosity, chaos, and creation—not only in cake artistry but in any pursuit of meaningful achievement. Their story inspires others to explore their creative potential, embrace challenges, and transform visions into extraordinary realities. 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