In his thought-provoking TEDx Talk, Phill Edmundson shines a light on the quiet force that holds our society together: compassion.In a world often defined by competition and individualism, Phill invites us to pause and look deeper. Beneath the surface of everyday life lies an invisible safety net woven from kindness, empathy and human connection. This is the fabric that catches those at risk of falling through the cracks. Drawing on years of experience working with people in vulnerable circumstances, Phill reveals how acts of compassion can have a profound and lasting impact on our world.At the heart of his talk are three compelling stories that bring the power of compassion vividly to life. He shares real moments of connection and transformation, showing how compassion is not just about helping others, it is about seeing others fully. Phill also reflects on the timeless story of the Good Samaritan, asking a question that challenges us all: Who will we choose to be a neighbour to? Will we walk past those in need, or will we cross the road and act?This talk is a powerful reminder that compassion is not a passive feeling, but a courageous choice. Through moving storytelling, quiet conviction and unwavering hope, Phill challenges us to build a world where no one is left behind. Because the most powerful safety net we can create in society is each other.Phill inspires us to see compassion not as a weakness, but as one of the greatest strengths we have. A strength that can heal wounds, build bridges and transform lives, including our own. Phill Edmundson is an Empowerment Worker at Hope into Action, a charity dedicated to helping churches provide housing for the homeless. With over twenty-five years of experience spanning roles as a youth worker, church minister and now at Hope into Action, Phill has dedicated his career to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.The thread that connects all of Phill’s work is empowering individuals to discover their strengths and embrace change. Phill is passionate about bringing those on the edges of society into community with others around them.When he’s not working Phill can be found enjoying the three Rs: Records, Reading & Running.Phill's TEDx talk aims to see that our compassion is the invisible safety net that stops people falling through the gap. 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
- 16:54A Gen Z approach to earning and investing | Sandesh Dholakia | TEDxSVCSandesh shares his remarkable journey from a small village in Odisha to becoming a young leader in the world of entrepreneurship and social impact. He emphasizes four key lessons: the importance of spotting opportunities, leveraging natural skills, executing ideas, and understanding the impact of money on society. Sandesh encourages us to identify our unique strengths and develop niche skills, while also highlighting the significance of taking actionable steps towards our goals. He shares his own experiences, from participating in case competitions to founding a platform that guides others in this space. Moreover, he discusses the potential for creating new income streams in today's decentralized economy, focusing on the influencer economy, e-commerce, and global opportunities. Sandesh's commitment to making a positive societal impact is evident, as he advocates for using our skills and resources to foster inclusivity and address pressing social issues. Let his words motivate you to embark on your own journey, as you pursue your dreams and contribute to meaningful change in the world! A strategist, policymaker, and changemaker—Sandesh Dholakia is redefining the landscape of finance, governance, and global problem-solving. At the World Bank Group, he operates at the forefront of development finance, tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to gender equity. Previously, as a public policy strategist at the Clinton Foundation, he collaborated with India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to drive impactful solutions in the healthcare sector.Beyond policy, Sandesh bridges data with impact, shaping strategies that drive meaningful change. He is also the Founder of CaseAce, the world’s first comprehensive guide to cracking case competitions, empowering aspiring problem-solvers worldwide. His accolades include being among the Top 10 at the World Asian Case Competition, serving as the Elected Minister of Finance & Industries at the State-Level Youth Parliament, and representing India at the 10th Commonwealth Youth Parliament. 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
- 5:27Youth for a Greener Future | Odina Rustamjonova | TEDxNamanganPSIn "Youth for a Greener Future", a new generation rises with a bold mission—to protect the planet they call home. ?✨This powerful talk highlights how young people are leading climate action, from eco-innovation to daily sustainable habits. ?? It’s a call to every teen and child: you don’t need to wait to be older to make a difference. ?♻️ The future is green—and it starts with us. She’s a 10th grade student at Isxakhan Ibrat School with a love for foreign languages and a deep passion for reading. Odina has already made an impact as an organizer of the LinguaTech Camp and served as the ambassador of the Ibrat School Hogwarts, bringing creativity and leadership to every project she takes on. 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
- 4:28Impact of Humans on Ecosystem | Gulshoda Muydinova | TEDxNamanganPSHumans have a big impact on ecosystems. We cut down forests, pollute air and water, and use too many natural resources. This destroys the homes of animals and plants. Because of this, some species go extinct. Climate change is also caused by human activities, like burning fossil fuels. But we can fix this by recycling, planting trees, saving water, and using clean energy. Let’s protect nature so future generations can live in a healthy world. She’s a university student passionate about education, with a love for painting, cooking, and reading. She organized reading marathons to spark curiosity and spread the joy of learning. Teaching is more than her field — it’s her purpose. 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
- 9:38Adapt or Be Left Behind: Thriving in the AI-Driven Future | Dr. Nishtha Tyagi | TEDxLNCTBhopalAt TEDxLNCT, Dr. Nishtha Tyagi Pachouri, Product Marketing Manager at Jio, shares a refreshing perspective on how we can embrace the future of work by merging human creativity with artificial intelligence. Her mantra, “Turning Innovation into Impact,” invites us to not just adopt AI, but to use it meaningfully. starting small, with one tool at a time. Through personal reflections and practical insights, she encourages individuals to stay curious, blend their core skills with emerging technologies, and reimagine their career paths through innovation.Her powerful analogy of life as a sine wave reminds us that growth often comes from embracing both the highs and lows with resilience. This talk, hosted at LNCT Group of Colleges, Bhopal, inspires a generation of learners to lead with purpose, adapt boldly, and make technology human again. With over 15 years of dedicated marketing experience, She holds the mantle as the Product Marketing Manager at Jio. her portfolio includes product strategy, go-to-market execution, and shaping the product narrative for Jio's 5G | 6G | AI/ML innovations. 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
- 15:48I Lost Everything… Then Built a $100M Business | Joanna Wynes | TEDxParklandI had the title. The job. The track. And I still ended up burned out, broke, and rebuilding.This is the story of me - Joanna Wynes — a lawyer-turned-$100M CEO who lost almost everything… and used the pain as fuel to build an empire.In this talk, you’ll learn:– Why burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means something’s got to change– How rejection = redirection (if you know how to use it)– The psychology of risk and how to make scary moves feel inevitable– Why your lowest moments might be your most profitable– How I grew my business 500% in a pandemic — while raising a child with special needs and navigating massive industry shiftsThis isn’t a story about having it easy.It’s a story about choosing power when you have every reason not to.If you’ve ever hit your limit and thought “I can’t do this anymore”…This talk is your sign.From the courtroom to the boardroom, Joanna speaks the language of lawyers who want more: more freedom, more ROI, more impact. Joanna Wynes is the CEO and President of Joanna Wynes Settlement Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping personal injury victims and their families rebuild their futures after financial recovery from life-altering tragedies. A seasoned legal expert and advocate, she has transformed the settlement industry with her deep commitment to justice, financial security, and client empowerment. From an early age, Joanna envisioned a life of impact. Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, she was a creative child with grand aspirations, yet life’s hardships often forced her into survival mode. She channeled that resilience into a career in law, becoming a medical malpractice attorney by the age of 25. Over the years, she secured seven- and eight-figure settlements against some of the most powerful medical systems and corporations. Determined to create lasting change, Joanna transitioned into settlement consulting, where she helps injury victims navigate financial recovery with security and stability. 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
- 7:25Uncharted Horizons | ADITHI PRAMOD | TEDxGEMS OIS YouthIn her TEDx talk, Adithi Pramod challenges societal norms by highlighting how unconventional minds drive creativity, resilience, and innovation. Adithi Pramod is a Grade 11 student and currently serves as the Deputy Head of Council. She is an avid public speaker, having attended multiple elocution competitions, including K.S. Varkey Elocution Competition, and has taken part in the EEG Competition '23. She has also competed in various MUNs and is a voracious reader. Adithi prides herself in her critical thinking and communication abilities, and strives to become an inspiration for those around her.In her TED Talk, Adithi Pramod challenges the societal perception of neurodivergence as a flaw, urging us to see it instead as a source of innovation and brilliance. Through powerful examples—from the Wright brothers to modern-day thinkers—she highlights how neurodivergent minds, when nurtured and understood, can lead us to extraordinary breakthroughs. 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
