Yesterday June the 12th 2010 I had an opportunity to attend a TEDx conference here in Houston. TED is a global platform devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. TEDx is a locally organized event that focuses on individuals and innovation in various cities. For the first time in 2010, TEDxHouston introduced Houston’s most fascinating thinkers and doers to a world stage.
The conference started off with a talk from Dr Brene Brown on a concept called "Wholeheartedness" - a concept on how to develop the courage, connection and compassion to accept ourselves with the imperfections we have in our lives. Dan Phillips taking about the Phoenix Commotion, his construction company that builds affordable houses from reclaimed and recycled materials. Gracie Cavnar - President & CEO Recipe for Success Foundation that specializes in bringing under control the widespread epidemic of childhood obesity in the United States by obesity prevention through nutrition education to school kids. Rick Pal of Air Generate an Indian taking on the concept of "Jugad" meaning to excel with frugality - which is most likely the case with emerging markets in most developing countries. Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum and Dr. Maria Oden speaking on how they inspire bio-med students at Rice University to come up with low cost, maintenance medical equipments that are used to treat millions in African and Caribbean countries. Dr. David Eagleman spoke about "possibilism" and known and unknown uncertainties in our life. Dr Stephen Klineberg spoke about how Houston is one of the top racially diverse cities in the United States and the propective advantages of having no one single majority race between the White, Blacks, Hispanics and Asians. Dr. Klineberg's talk reminded of Russel Peters stand up comedy on the world is mixing. For the complete list of speakers please click here. The archives of yesterdays presentations will soon be published on TEDxHouston.
Over all it was a great lineup of speaker, with each one of them sharing their experiences on how they contribute to the changes in the community around us. The message was very evident and simple - contributing to the community around us always starts small, with each one of us trying to make the place around us a better place to live. The pattern was pretty evident - each accomplished speaker had started out small and over time have progressed to make huge impact to not just the community around us but to communities across various countries of the world.
Kudos to Culture Pilot that organized this event - It was one of the most professionally organized events I have ever attended. The event was extremely well organized by them. Not only will I be applying to attend TEDxHouston 2011, but will also love to volunteer and be part of the team that organizes the next TEDx event.
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