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Since 2009, TEDxMelbourne has explored ideas and issues important to you and the world- sometimes rapidly, sometimes dramatically. From climate issues to politics, technology, globalisation and freedom of speech, each area has allowed us to shine a light on what's current and relevant to you. We look forward to continuing to deliver on ideas worth spreading, alongside you, our community.
TEDxMelbourne is run by passionate volunteers who are dedicated to sharing ideas with you, our community - the Curious, Creative, Courageous and the Connected.
We strive to change the way people think and feel about the world we live in for the better. TEDxMelbourne is a not-for-profit organisation.
x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.
The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; TED Translators, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established The Audacious Project that takes a collaborative approach to funding ideas with the potential to create change at thrilling scale; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self- organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED.
TEDxMelbourne is run by passionate volunteers who are dedicated to sharing ideas with you, our community - the Curious, Creative, Courageous and the Connected. We strive to change the way people think and feel about the world we live in for the better. TEDxMelbourne is a not-for-profit organisation.
How do you stand out in your industry?
The ability to influence is an art and skill. I help leaders to articulate the complex simply through speaking.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
Nothing. The question is what meaning to we project onto the world and how do we engage with that in a positive way.
Where do you find “community”?
The main TED conference in Vancouver. You will never meet a smarter, more passionate, energised and future focused community. The next best is SPACE conference.
How do you stand out in your field/ industry?
Authenticity and understanding that there is only one me and that is my superpower. All the quirks and challenges I have faced, build me to be the person I am today and in my field.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
"A world free from suicide" is a greater purpose and vision of mine. Having lost some of the people closest in my life to suicide, this is something I am extremely passionate about.
Where do you find “community”?
Staying connected and also putting myself in uncomfortable situations almost always forces me to connect and find common ground with the people around me, no matter what it is that we do as a profession or career. For me, community comes from looking at each other's similarities rather than differences.
How do you stand out in your field or industry?
I've got a lot of time and energy for 3 things. People. Maths. And aesthetically pleasing design. The rare blend of these 3 things allows me to not only understand the numbers but also the person behind them. My self-drive for learning, genuine passion for knowledge-sharing and strong ability to connect with people is a true stand-out in my field. It's what enables me to understand and communicate highly technical concepts in a way that's relatable, engaging, solution-focussed and easy-to-understand.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
For people to retain/grow their feelings of empowerment, security and relevance/usefulness through the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era. What if we had a formula for that....
Where do you find “community”?
My community is my support network. The key people in my life, both in and out of work, some old, some new, some who have come and gone, some who have been there throughout. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am if it wasn't for you.
How do you stand out in your field or industry?
Being able to step back and see the big picture, and the ability to build and nurture long term relationships. Together with strong personal integrity, a natural curiosity and a conviction that the standard you walk past is the standard you accept.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
Break down the barriers that have created the situation today where everything is viewed as either black or white, with the grey in between having almost diminished. Too many people have stopped listening to others with a different point of view, which is both sad and a danger to the wellbeing of society.
Where do you find “community”?
My community comes from so many places. Those I’ve known since school to those I’ve build lasting relationships with throughout my career, to life long friendships as a result of travel, to people (and their dogs) I’ve met at the local dog park, to those I’ve connected with because of shared interests or concerns about what is happening in the world around us. Community can help us cope with difficult times, celebrate successes, and provide an opportunity to continually learn from others knowledge and experiences.
If you could talk to a world-leading expert to gain insight on any topic, what would it be?
I'd love to speak with the fierce women in the world, past and present, such as Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo and Malala Yousafzai. These fearless women stood for what was right and changed the world.
How do you stay inspired?
I look to nature, take slow walks and be present with all that is around me. You can get so many answers from nature if you just take the time to listen.
Where do you find "community"?
I'm a big believer in taking the time to listen to people's stories, and to connect with each other on a deeper, more meaningful level - beyond the superficial. When you understand someone's story, and they understand yours, you'll find that we are all more alike than we are different.
If you could talk to a world-leading expert to gain insight on any topic what would it be/ what would you ask them?
I'd love to talk to Robert Waldinger and ask him about how his views on how his findings on happiness has influenced his own approach to life and relationships over time.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by remaining open to conversations with others. People usually have at least 1 thing they're passionate about, and their passion not only motivates me but also teaches me something new. I believe there's always something valuable to learn from anyone!
Where do you find “community”?
I believe community is everywhere, shaped by how we engage with our surroundings. Whether it's my local cafe, the bouldering gym, or even the building I live in, I find community by starting with a simple hello and fostering meaningful conversations.
If you were invited to do a TED talk what would be the title?
Understanding mortality
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by taking my dog into an aged care facility weekly, I love learning about other people's life and their stories. I also love seeing how an animal can help bring people closer and creates connections. The visits are a constant remainder to me that life is short and fragile, and it helps me to stay positive in every day life.
Where do you find “community”?
A community to me is a group of people sharing a passion, I found them in TEDxMelbourne, the Victorian flute guild (where I play flute), at the nursing home I volunteer, and at where I work. Community is everywhere.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I would like to see greater empathy and understanding among people.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by immersing myself in the city's vibrant events. I attend local gigs and lectures to discover new ideas and perspectives. I keep a polaroid journal to capture insights shared.
Where do you find “community”?
I find community in my work and local neighbour hood. By night I bartend and often get to hear peoples stories and lives, their highs and their lows. I find it so important to share primary interactions with not just our wider neighbourhood but our immediate one too.
How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out by bridging science and industry to achieve impactful outcomes and commercial success. My love for learning from those around me enhances my knack for building strong relationships to drive meaningful collaborations & a shared purpose. This approach supports my role in partnerships, business enablement, and research commercialisation.
If you were invited to do a TED talk what would be the title?
Leading Beyond Limits: Navigating Bias and Embracing Identity
How do you stay inspired?
I immerse myself in environments where I’m not the most dominant voice, fearlessly seeking advice from those I admire without looking at their titles and following others’ journeys and accomplishments on social media. My toddler's fresh perspective on the world also prompts me to see things in new ways and re-evaluate simple questions I might have previously overlooked.
How do you stand out in your field or industry?
I stand out as a lifelong learner—curious, adaptable, and unafraid to take risks. My experience spans both corporate and independent work across diverse fields, equipping me with an unexpected yet valuable skill set beyond traditional marketing expertise.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I believe everyone should have the same opportunity to thrive, no matter where they’re born, their skin colour, culture, or religion. As a society, we’re missing out—history has shown that brilliance often comes from the most unexpected places. Who knows where the next genius might be?
Where do you find “community”?
I find a sense of community through social interactions, attending events that align with my interests and attract like-minded people. I’m also part of online groups focused on AI, technology, and social sciences, where I can connect with others who share my passions. Volunteering is a very good way to find my community.
How do you stand out in your industry?
I stand out by helping others bring experiences to life. Whether that's through creating a proof of concept with people and code, or going beyond prototypes to full scale implementations.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I'd wish that all organised learning programs are grounded with the intention to create real change and impact in the world.
How do you stay inspired?
If I'm not creating or engaging with my environment, I'm not inspired. I'm always tinkering on multiple projects. I even carry a camera around with me everywhere I go to continuously capture and create.
How do you stand out in your industry?
Through asking a lot of questions to understand the 'why' behind the problem, being open-minded to solutions that come from outside design and finding new ways to connect established ideas together.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
That all children could grow up in safe, secure and loving environments.
How do you stay inspired?
Trying new things, meeting new people and putting myself out of my comfort zone. Being active and working towards an achievable yet challenging goal.
How do you stand out in your industry?
I am passionate about L&D and am a gritty believer of empowerment through education.
If you could talk to a world-leading expert to gain insight on any topic what would it be/ what would you ask them?
I would want to talk to David Attenborough. I want to get his insights on how to empower people to connect to and care for nature.
How do you stay inspired?
I zoom out and connect to the natural environment around me. I walk barefoot on grass, spend some time looking at the sky, take a quiet walk. I find inspiration in nature.
The TEDxMelbourne Leadership Team consists of the heads of each department. Our role is to set the strategy for TEDxMelbourne and lead our teams to create great events, engaging content and thought provoking ideas for our community.
How do you stand out in your industry?
The ability to influence is an art and skill. I help leaders to articulate the complex simply through speaking.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
Nothing. The question is what meaning to we project onto the world and how do we engage with that in a positive way.
Where do you find “community”?
The main TED conference in Vancouver. You will never meet a smarter, more passionate, energised and future focused community. The next best is SPACE conference.
How do you stand out in your field/ industry?
Authenticity and understanding that there is only one me and that is my superpower. All the quirks and challenges I have faced, build me to be the person I am today and in my field.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
"A world free from suicide" is a greater purpose and vision of mine. Having lost some of the people closest in my life to suicide, this is something I am extremely passionate about.
Where do you find “community”?
Staying connected and also putting myself in uncomfortable situations almost always forces me to connect and find common ground with the people around me, no matter what it is that we do as a profession or career. For me, community comes from looking at each other's similarities rather than differences.
If you could talk to a world-leading expert to gain insight on any topic, what would it be?
I'd love to speak with the fierce women in the world, past and present, such as Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo and Malala Yousafzai. These fearless women stood for what was right and changed the world.
How do you stay inspired?
I look to nature, take slow walks and be present with all that is around me. You can get so many answers from nature if you just take the time to listen.
Where do you find "community"?
I'm a big believer in taking the time to listen to people's stories, and to connect with each other on a deeper, more meaningful level - beyond the superficial. When you understand someone's story, and they understand yours, you'll find that we are all more alike than we are different.
How do you stand out in your field or industry?
I stand out as a lifelong learner—curious, adaptable, and unafraid to take risks. My experience spans both corporate and independent work across diverse fields, equipping me with an unexpected yet valuable skill set beyond traditional marketing expertise.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I believe everyone should have the same opportunity to thrive, no matter where they’re born, their skin colour, culture, or religion. As a society, we’re missing out—history has shown that brilliance often comes from the most unexpected places. Who knows where the next genius might be?
Where do you find “community”?
I find a sense of community through social interactions, attending events that align with my interests and attract like-minded people. I’m also part of online groups focused on AI, technology, and social sciences, where I can connect with others who share my passions. Volunteering is a very good way to find my community.
How do you stand out in your industry?
I stand out by helping others bring experiences to life. Whether that's through creating a proof of concept with people and code, or going beyond prototypes to full scale implementations.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I'd wish that all organised learning programs are grounded with the intention to create real change and impact in the world.
How do you stay inspired?
If I'm not creating or engaging with my environment, I'm not inspired. I'm always tinkering on multiple projects. I even carry a camera around with me everywhere I go to continuously capture and create.
Our Operations Team look after TEDxMelbourne's people, culture and operations, with the mission to make our volunteering enjoyable and rewarding. Throughout the year, we work to identify and recruit talented team players and ensure meetings flow smoothly. Leading up to significant events, we're busy recruiting and training our pop-up squads of event volunteers to provide friendly and helpful service on-the-day.
If you were invited to do a TED talk what would be the title?
Understanding mortality
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by taking my dog into an aged care facility weekly, I love learning about other people's life and their stories. I also love seeing how an animal can help bring people closer and creates connections. The visits are a constant remainder to me that life is short and fragile, and it helps me to stay positive in every day life.
Where do you find “community”?
A community to me is a group of people sharing a passion, I found them in TEDxMelbourne, the Victorian flute guild (where I play flute), at the nursing home I volunteer, and at where I work. Community is everywhere.
The Marketing Team look after the promotion of TEDxMelbourne, encouraging the community to attend our events (both physical and virtual) and engage with each other. We ensure the TED brand comes to life via interesting content, publicity, social media and brand partnerships.
How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out by bridging science and industry to achieve impactful outcomes and commercial success. My love for learning from those around me enhances my knack for building strong relationships to drive meaningful collaborations & a shared purpose. This approach supports my role in partnerships, business enablement, and research commercialisation.
If you were invited to do a TED talk what would be the title?
Leading Beyond Limits: Navigating Bias and Embracing Identity
How do you stay inspired?
I immerse myself in environments where I’m not the most dominant voice, fearlessly seeking advice from those I admire without looking at their titles and following others’ journeys and accomplishments on social media. My toddler's fresh perspective on the world also prompts me to see things in new ways and re-evaluate simple questions I might have previously overlooked.
How do you stand out in your industry?
Through asking a lot of questions to understand the 'why' behind the problem, being open-minded to solutions that come from outside design and finding new ways to connect established ideas together.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
That all children could grow up in safe, secure and loving environments.
How do you stay inspired?
Trying new things, meeting new people and putting myself out of my comfort zone. Being active and working towards an achievable yet challenging goal.
If you could talk to a world-leading expert to gain insight on any topic what would it be/ what would you ask them?
I'd love to talk to Robert Waldinger and ask him about how his views on how his findings on happiness has influenced his own approach to life and relationships over time.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by remaining open to conversations with others. People usually have at least 1 thing they're passionate about, and their passion not only motivates me but also teaches me something new. I believe there's always something valuable to learn from anyone!
Where do you find “community”?
I believe community is everywhere, shaped by how we engage with our surroundings. Whether it's my local cafe, the bouldering gym, or even the building I live in, I find community by starting with a simple hello and fostering meaningful conversations.
How do you stand out in your industry?
I stand out by helping others bring experiences to life. Whether that's through creating a proof of concept with people and code, or going beyond prototypes to full scale implementations.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I'd wish that all organised learning programs are grounded with the intention to create real change and impact in the world.
How do you stay inspired?
If I'm not creating or engaging with my environment, I'm not inspired. I'm always tinkering on multiple projects. I even carry a camera around with me everywhere I go to continuously capture and create.
How do you stand out in your field or industry?
I stand out as a lifelong learner—curious, adaptable, and unafraid to take risks. My experience spans both corporate and independent work across diverse fields, equipping me with an unexpected yet valuable skill set beyond traditional marketing expertise.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I believe everyone should have the same opportunity to thrive, no matter where they’re born, their skin colour, culture, or religion. As a society, we’re missing out—history has shown that brilliance often comes from the most unexpected places. Who knows where the next genius might be?
Where do you find “community”?
I find a sense of community through social interactions, attending events that align with my interests and attract like-minded people. I’m also part of online groups focused on AI, technology, and social sciences, where I can connect with others who share my passions. Volunteering is a very good way to find my community.
Curation is part crucible, part exploration of people and ideas that are relevant locally and globally. We guide and explore with our community concepts that are future-focused, challenging and provocative that stimulate deep consideration and conversation. We find, prepare and develop the ideas and talks to a level our community, and the world expect. They need to be clear, compelling and challenge our assumptions and complacency.
If you could talk to a world-leading expert to gain insight on any topic, what would it be?
I'd love to speak with the fierce women in the world, past and present, such as Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo and Malala Yousafzai. These fearless women stood for what was right and changed the world.
How do you stay inspired?
I look to nature, take slow walks and be present with all that is around me. You can get so many answers from nature if you just take the time to listen.
Where do you find "community"?
I'm a big believer in taking the time to listen to people's stories, and to connect with each other on a deeper, more meaningful level - beyond the superficial. When you understand someone's story, and they understand yours, you'll find that we are all more alike than we are different.
How do you stand out in your industry?
The ability to influence is an art and skill. I help leaders to articulate the complex simply through speaking.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
Nothing. The question is what meaning to we project onto the world and how do we engage with that in a positive way.
Where do you find “community”?
The main TED conference in Vancouver. You will never meet a smarter, more passionate, energised and future focused community. The next best is SPACE conference.
How do you stand out in your industry?
I am passionate about L&D and am a gritty believer of empowerment through education.
If you could talk to a world-leading expert to gain insight on any topic what would it be/ what would you ask them?
I would want to talk to David Attenborough. I want to get his insights on how to empower people to connect to and care for nature.
How do you stay inspired?
I zoom out and connect to the natural environment around me. I walk barefoot on grass, spend some time looking at the sky, take a quiet walk. I find inspiration in nature.
Our Production team 'make it happen' by bringing our vision and ideas to life on stage. We work closely with all TEDxMelbourne teams to ensure our creative direction is articulated at the highest production standard for our speakers and audiences. Our Production team are a diverse group of left and right-brainers who share a passion for events, and love connecting the finer details with the big picture (no matter how big!).
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
I would like to see greater empathy and understanding among people.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by immersing myself in the city's vibrant events. I attend local gigs and lectures to discover new ideas and perspectives. I keep a polaroid journal to capture insights shared.
Where do you find “community”?
I find community in my work and local neighbour hood. By night I bartend and often get to hear peoples stories and lives, their highs and their lows. I find it so important to share primary interactions with not just our wider neighbourhood but our immediate one too.
How do you stand out in your field/ industry?
Authenticity and understanding that there is only one me and that is my superpower. All the quirks and challenges I have faced, build me to be the person I am today and in my field.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
"A world free from suicide" is a greater purpose and vision of mine. Having lost some of the people closest in my life to suicide, this is something I am extremely passionate about.
Where do you find “community”?
Staying connected and also putting myself in uncomfortable situations almost always forces me to connect and find common ground with the people around me, no matter what it is that we do as a profession or career. For me, community comes from looking at each other's similarities rather than differences.
As a not-for-profit, it's important for us to have a sound financial setup through a dedicated team to provide due diligence in all areas of finance, financial modelling, cashflow and funding. We ensure other teams have support with their budgets and accounting, to keep our events as cost-effective as possible and to ensure we comply with not-for-profit legislation and requirements. These are undertaken in close collaboration with our legal team.
How do you stand out in your field or industry?
I've got a lot of time and energy for 3 things. People. Maths. And aesthetically pleasing design. The rare blend of these 3 things allows me to not only understand the numbers but also the person behind them. My self-drive for learning, genuine passion for knowledge-sharing and strong ability to connect with people is a true stand-out in my field. It's what enables me to understand and communicate highly technical concepts in a way that's relatable, engaging, solution-focussed and easy-to-understand.
What do you wish you could change in the world right now?
For people to retain/grow their feelings of empowerment, security and relevance/usefulness through the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era. What if we had a formula for that....
Where do you find “community”?
My community is my support network. The key people in my life, both in and out of work, some old, some new, some who have come and gone, some who have been there throughout. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am if it wasn't for you.
If you were invited to do a TED talk what would be the title?
Understanding mortality
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by taking my dog into an aged care facility weekly, I love learning about other people's life and their stories. I also love seeing how an animal can help bring people closer and creates connections. The visits are a constant remainder to me that life is short and fragile, and it helps me to stay positive in every day life.
Where do you find “community”?
A community to me is a group of people sharing a passion, I found them in TEDxMelbourne, the Victorian flute guild (where I play flute), at the nursing home I volunteer, and at where I work. Community is everywhere.
Our Legal Team helps address legal and commercial issues across the organisation, including governance, contracts and compliance. We help problem-solve and troubleshoot in innovative ways and provide appropriate solutions to legal and/or commercial issues that arise throughout the year.
