Leadership Beyond Orders: Trust, Adaptability, and the Future of Command | Gaurav Saini | TEDxMRU
NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and experiences in the military. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfImagine being out at sea in the middle of the night—waves crashing, winds howling, and your vessel facing a critical failure. In that moment, leadership isn't just about giving orders; it’s about staying calm, making quick decisions, and earning the trust of your team.
Lt. Commander Gaurav Saini (Retd.), an Indian Navy veteran and cybersecurity expert, takes us on a journey through his experiences, showing how leadership is about more than authority—it’s about trust, responsibility, and adapting to the unknown. He shares gripping real-life stories, including leading a mission in a crocodile-infested area, where trust and teamwork made all the difference.
But leadership isn’t just for the battlefield or the high seas. As we move into a tech-driven world, the rules of leadership are changing. The old "command and control" style is making way for a new approach—one that focuses on inspiring and empowering teams rather than just directing them.
With humor, wisdom, and hard-earned lessons, Gaurav Saini challenges us to rethink leadership for the modern world. Whether you're leading a team in an office or guiding people through uncertain times, this talk will leave you with a fresh perspective on what it truly means to be a leader.An accomplished Indian Navy Veteran and cybersecurity strategist, Lt. Commander Gaurav Saini has over 15 years of expertise in steering complex compliance and technical security projects. As a seasoned information security leader, he has mastered the art of managing robust defense mechanisms and aligning strategic initiatives to counter evolving cyber threats. His visionary approach ensures operational excellence, resilience, and seamless integration of cutting-edge security solutions. Currently driving the information security agenda at American Express, his leadership is a beacon for organizations navigating the intricate world of cybersecurity. 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
- 3:28Ripple Effect of Safety | Uchenna Chibuzor | TEDxStart Rite Schools AbujaSafety is not just something we feel. It is something we create. This talk explores how small actions, like including someone at lunch or standing up for a friend, can start a ripple effect that helps others feel safer and more supported. Through simple and relatable examples, this idea shows how each person, no matter their age, can help build a kinder and more caring environment at school, at home, and online. It is a reminder that creating safety begins with empathy, and even one positive choice can make a big difference. Uchenna Chibuzo is a Year 8 student at Fortville Academy with a keen interest in leadership, public speaking, and community development. As a TEDx participant, he is passionate about promoting safety as a shared responsibility that protects lives and shapes a better society. Uchenna believes that small, mindful actions can prevent major disasters, aligning with the event’s theme, "Ripples." His ability to engage audiences with real-life stories and practical solutions makes him a compelling speaker. With a strong sense of responsibility and a drive for positive change, Uchenna is committed to inspiring others to prioritize safety in everyday life. 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
- 8:08Focus - The Solution To A Mediocre Existence | Saurabh Gandhi | TEDxSatyawatiCollegeFocus is the key to rising above a mediocre life. It brings clarity, purpose, and direction, helping you cut through distractions. With focus, goals become achievable and growth becomes consistent. Saurabh is a leading self-improvement expert with over 2 million subscriber base. He specializes in helping people achieve full control over their mind and hence their destiny. Through an infusion of science with ancient knowledge, Saurabh has created a track record of helping over 20,000 students transform their lives. His content consistently ranks among India’s top 20 podcasts on Spotify, and he is the go-to Psychology source for many in the industry. 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
- 25:12How to Make Millions Listen | Tanmay Mandhan | TEDxIPSA IndoreWhat if the secret to captivating millions isn’t perfect grammar or a polished stage presence—but the guts to be besharam (shameless)? In this bold and brilliant TED Talk, Tanmay Mandhan unpacks how he turned childhood awkwardness, cassette tapes, and cringey memories into storytelling superpowers. From being laughed at by 28 people to commanding rooms full of strangers, he reveals how voice, vulnerability, and a little unapologetic madness can turn anyone into a storyteller worth hearing. Whether you're pitching, performing, or just trying to be heard—this is your playbook to make the world lean in. Tanmay Mandhan, a storyteller, traveler, and creative visionary who transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives.With an eye for detail and a passion for pushing boundaries, his journey is all about blending creativity with authenticity—whether through travel, lifestyle, or artistic expression. 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
- 12:03The Journey of Life | Mohammad Musa | TEDxUoNIn his inspiring TEDx Talk, Mohammed Musa explores one of the most enduring questions of human experience — what does it truly mean to be happy? As a third-year product design and manufacturing student at the University of Nottingham, Musa brings more than technical knowledge to the stage. He brings a deep passion for public speaking, personal growth, and the power of reflection.As the Training Officer of the Public Speaking Society, Musa has honed his voice and his vision. With a dream of one day becoming the world champion of public speaking, delivering a TEDx talk marks a powerful milestone in that journey. But this is not just a story of ambition. It is a story of discovery.From a young age, Musa has been someone who thinks deeply about life — its challenges, its rhythms, and its meaning. Through that introspection, he began to explore a universal human pursuit: the search for happiness. What began as a personal journey soon revealed a truth far more surprising than expected.This is not simply a talk about positive thinking or quick fixes. It is a reflection on what lies beneath the surface of our everyday lives. Through storytelling, questions, and lived experience, Musa shares a fresh perspective on happiness. One that challenges what we think we know, and offers something deeper, more lasting, and more real.Musa invites us to look inward with honesty and curiosity. He reminds us that the answers we seek often lie not in the big, dramatic moments, but in the quiet choices we make each day. Through his talk Musa hopes to spark reflection, encourage growth, and inspire us all to redefine what it means to live a truly happy and fulfilled life. Mohammed Musa is a third-year product design and manufacturing student at the University of Nottingham, with an unwavering passion for public speaking. As the current Training Officer of the Public Speaking Society, Mohammed has set his sights on becoming the world champion in public speaking, with delivering a TEDx talk marking a key milestone on his path.Mohammed has always been someone who reflects deeply on life, particularly his own personal journey. This introspection led him to explore the universal pursuit of happiness which is a quest that we all share. Through his own journey, he uncovered a surprising truth about happiness, one that he’s eager to share with us today. 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
- 17:52How Stories Shape & Influence the World Around Us | Akash Majumder | TEDxSatyawatiCollegeStories shape our thoughts, values, and beliefs. They build empathy, preserve culture, and share knowledge. Whether real or fictional, stories influence how we see the world and inspire change. Akash is a dynamic storyteller and content creator who has built a massive following across social media platforms. With over 200,000 people following his journey, he documents his life, travels, and experiences on YouTube and Instagram, captivating audiences with his unique storytelling style. As a creative filmmaker and director, Akash crafts compelling visual narratives for top brands worldwide. His impressive clientele includes Hiration, Blockwee, CoinGeek, and more. With a keen eye for storytelling, Akash helps brands conceptualize and bring their stories to life through engaging video content. Akash is also a passionate educator and public speaker who aims to empower the youth with the art of storytelling and content creation. He has been invited to prestigious stages like BITS PILANI, COEP Pune, and NIT Warangal, where he has impacted thousands of students and aspiring creators. 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
- 17:56The Heroic Comeback | Sumit Arora | TEDxSatyawatiCollegeA heroic comeback is a powerful story of resilience and determination. It highlights how individuals overcome setbacks and rise stronger. These stories inspire hope, courage, and the belief that failure isn't the end. Sumit Arora is a multifaceted artist with a rich experience of 11 years in theatre, boasting an impressive repertoire of performances as a protagonist in plays like Alag Raaste, The Rise of Hitler, and Aadhe Adhoore. A talented writer, he has penned notable stage productions such as Poore Adhoore, Ek Aur Chakrvyuh, and Cinema Ghar.His versatility extends to the realm of advertising, where he has appeared in commercials for prominent brands like Canon, Dunkin's, Billcut, Casio, and FB Nutrition, among others.As a filmmaker, Sumit has crafted compelling short films and served as the Production Head for the acclaimed film Dhaavak, currently streaming on Amazon Prime.With his diverse creative pursuits and accomplishments, Sumit Arora is a name synonymous with talent, dedication, and innovation in the world of theatre, film, and beyond. 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