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One of the biggest events that took place for me in 2024 was TEDxNorthwich. And this time, I was not on the organising side of the TEDx line but speaking.
Whilst on leave after the event, I had chance to watch my fellow TEDx speaker’s talks again, reflect on our experience, and offer some commentary on their talks and how they impacted me. I shared these reflections in a series of posts entitled ‘Positive Brain Food’. These are now collated in this blog.
For those with limited TED / TEDx exposure to date, TEDx talks are about ideas worth spreading. TEDxNorthwich this year was all about shining the light on the achievements of others. One of the cohort referred to the speaker experience as kick-starting a ripple effect. Delivering the talk and having the video published on the TEDx YouTube channel is one thing; but the real reward is receiving feedback and hearing how the words made people act, think and feel.
For me, the TEDx machine is all about contributing to legacy-building; it’s why I became a TEDx Licensee and Organiser (in Warrington). I then went on to speak at TEDxNorthwich and refer in my talk to legacy not just being what we leave behind! Nor being about single characters in history.
Legacy belongs to ordinary people and is all about living and breathing micro-opportunities that present to us all every day. I invited listeners to think differently about the bit-part they might play in legacy-building.
For my part, one day when I set foot somewhere other than earth, I hope to leave behind many contributions. Facilitating legacy-building for others has always been a part of my life-purpose. The TEDxNorthwich experience let me find my own voice to share this message about legacy-building. I’m sure too that it will also make me a better, more empathetic TEDx Organiser. It was the ultimate ‘walk-the-talk’ test.
To follow are a series of reviews that you can dip into covering the 9 speakers that stepped onto the red spot as well as a round up thank you to the organising team for their achievement.
I’d love you to take a read – dip into the summaries or select a talk – or few – to watch.
And if you enjoy a talk, please give it a like, share or comment to let it reach whoever needs to hear the message.
Help the ripple effect do it’s magic!
Photo Credits unless otherwise stated: TEDxNorthwich Karl Brooks Photography
Opening the show was Braydon Bent. You won’t find him everywhere on social media because he’s only 15 but where you do, he has a fair following because he has worked all over the world in TV, radio and media since he was eight years old covering news for young people.
His focus – football.
Now this is a limited-knowledge topic for me but the messages he shares about global unity and the scope for peace and understanding using the power of football are right up my street.
I’ll give you a practical, personal example.
Recently, whilst away in Portugal, I put Braydon’s mantra into practice. We were at a beach bar and my young son saw lots of kids playing football on the beach. I could see he wanted to join them but wasn’t sure how to because of the language barrier. From nowhere, I heard myself quoting Braydon – “Football makes the world go round”…
‘It’s an international language everyone speaks. Just start playing and see what happens’.
10 mins later, I sat back and smiled as he played for the next hour with French, Dutch and Portuguese kids.
If only all cross-cultural differences could be reconciled so quickly. But it’s a start!
Take a watch of his talk.
He is such an enthusiastic, confident and level-headed young man. A breath of fresh air from someone so young. Braydon’s infectious love of football and its power to unite cultures is remarkable.
And wow, what confident delivery too.
At 15!
Hats off to Braydon.
Watch Braydon’s talk here
Second on the red dot was Nicola Marshall. You’ll find her on Instagram and Facebook as the Grief Warrior where she educates us about extreme grief and the potential of healing as a Tribe.
Be prepared for an emotional watch!
Despite hearing Nicola’s talk several times during the months of training and preparation, the words she shared impacted me hugely on every occasion. And as a mother, they cut into my heart each time I listened.
Behind the scenes in our shared TEDx journey, I also learnt about her many careers and her bold move to London as a solo teen to pursue passions that included hairdressing, fashion and marketing. I also benefitted from that hidden hairdressing talent when she helped sort my hair and we stole some moments of distraction to chat outside the intensity of rehearsals.
Her messages of profound grief are a reminder to us all of the fragility of life and the impact of loss on the body and mind. Her story of self-healing and finding strength in a new community, a new tribe, is empowering.
Such a vulnerable and thought-provoking journey through different stages of grief and the way others react to it.
Watch Nicola’s talk here
This photo has no direct link to its meaningful, connected content but it represents a special moment from TEDxNorthwich 2024 with the third highlighted speaker.
3rd on the red dot was Jojo Bailey with her talk ‘Rethink Your Drink: Challenging Alcohol’s Influence in Society’.
Before watching, I’d encourage you to ask yourself about your relationship with alcohol.
Do you have a healthy relationship with drink? An enjoyable one? A love-hate one? Is your physical and mental health or wellbeing being impacted? Are you influenced by people’s attitudes and social settings you find yourself in?
This talk combines raw emotion and personal anecdotes, all delivered in such a measured and purposeful way to make us rethink our relationship with drink. And boy do we need that, especially in the UK, where we seem to have such an alcohol-infused society.
Hearing JoJo’s talk several times during rehearsals certainly got me thinking. In fact, her message had me analysing and even testing drinking behaviour in various social scenarios before and after the event.
I’m rarely a heavy drinker but I abstained from drinking for 6 weeks before the talk – not just to keep my mind clear and focused on my own talk but to see how else it might influence me – my sleep, my weight, my clarity of thought, my confidence, my mood. After the event, I then opted not to drink at both a 50th and 60th party because I didn’t really need to drink and I was curious about the reactions I’d get from people.
Now, I’m not necessarily planning to stop drinking as I do enjoy fine wine, a glass of bubbly, or a cold G&T or beer at times. But there’s no doubt this talk has made me question my decisions more and those occasions when previously I might have said yes to a drink that I didn’t need, just to go with the social flow.
Well done Jojo on a great talk, for making us all Rethink our drink. And thank you too for the moments we stole together in the green room practising, giving each other space but also offering distraction when needed. I think this photo right before we were due on captured some of that raw fear as well as some nervous energy and fun.
Watch Jojo’s talk here
You’d be forgiven for laughing that my roller-set hair matches the astronauts helmet, and wondering about the props on display.
4th on the red dot at TEDxNorthwich 2024 was little old ‘moi’. And yes, the helmet, pin cushion and brick props in my speaker display were relevant!
If you don’t know much about who I am or what I stand for, let me use some of the introduction given by host Catherine Sandland.
As well as joking that if I was cut in half, I’d probably have community written right down my middle like a stick of rock, she also shared that I was crossing the line from TEDx organiser to a TEDx speaker, which isn’t very common.
She also revealed that when I was 20, I was held up in an armed robbery. I was given sleeping tablets and some victim support money. I binned the tablets and bought a ticket to go backpacking round the world. For several years as it turned out.
Travelling was and remains in my blood.
I even wrote to a TV show asking for a ticket to the moon when I was 8 (that request makes an appearance in my talk).
My talk idea was that legacies are not just what we leave behind but rather living and breathing micro opportunities built from collective achievement.
I invited the audience to consider who and what really builds legacy, to recognise the value of the unseen, and to consider what could happen if we harnessed the power of the collective.
With stories from the Apollo moon landing to the London Marathon, and quotes from Aristotle to the parable of the three bricklayers, I question life purpose, perspective, and community.
Asked why I wanted to do a TEDx talk, my reply is simple.
There was no big career agenda; I wanted to see if I could cross the line from TEDx organiser to speaker to walk the talk. And I wanted to find my voice, share my idea and shine the spotlight on those who commit to making things happen in life. The unseen, the unsung, the cogs in the wheel, the ‘I’m JUST a…’ Brigade.
My talk gives a nod to many, including,
* anyone who has ever volunteered or fundraised in their community;
* anyone who works in the charitable / third sector;
* anyone who likes space history;
* anyone whose work spotlights others;
* anyone who has run the London Marathon;
* anyone involved in a school PTA;
* any junior, temporary or contract staff who feel under-appreciated;
* anyone who has ever questioned their purpose and how they fit into the bigger picture of life; and
* anyone who has ever used the adverb JUST when describing themselves or something they did, said or achieved.
If you are one of the above or know someone who is, do take a watch of the talk here
When you look at these sketch drawings, it’s hard not to wonder at the talent behind them.
Sam Warburton 🫖 was the 5th speaker to step out onto the red dot at TEDxNorthwich 2024.
She opened the 2nd half, probably quite strategically. And in part maybe because her talk came with props.
Any organiser will tell you this can invite complexity for prop logistics, timings, filming angles, audience participation and much more – all of which carry risk.
The risk paid off.
Being in the first half, I was no longer held backstage so I was seated at the back of the theatre and able to watch.
I observed the spectators use an assigned section in the programme to scribble notes and artistic doodles as directed by Sam.
I’m not a particularly creative person as art goes (I joke that the art gene skipped me, though creativity manifests for me as idea generation and problem-solving). However, anyone, including me, can scribble and appreciate Sam’s raw talent, such as transforming these photos of the speaker cohort into sketches.
Whilst drawing is her craft, her talk was about its use as a tool to facilitate mindfulness, escape, reflection and mental wellbeing.
Watch her talk and you’ll see what I mean.
Such a creative way of making us consider our creative side and the wellbeing benefits art can offer. Well done Sam – I hugely admire your talent.
Watch Sam’s talk here
From the first time I heard Jake speak in rehearsals, I remember thinking ‘I like this young chap and what he has to say’.
OK, to be fair, I actually liked all of my fellow TEDxNorthwich speakers. And I usually like most folk I meet, especially once I find out what makes them tick and what connects us.
Jake Richings took to the TEDxNorthwich stage in the second half with his talk: ‘How to Engage Young People in Careers Education’.
The reason I immediately liked Jake was that he talked sense, was casually funny, and his content was right up my street in terms of investing in and involving young people in careers knowledge acquisition and development.
Having done some mentoring, communication training and work experience facilitation with the under 25s, everything Jake shared on and off stage was about being practical and proactive in providing professional opportunities (excluding the amusing sea creature moment perhaps 🐬 😂).
As a mother of 3, careers advice and open events often infuriate me.
As the wife of a teacher, I partially understand why advice is limited, impractical and out of date in educational settings.
I’m fortunate to have knowledge and connections to help my own and other people’s kids. But what happens to those who don’t have a parent or carer in their corner to pursue what Jake discusses here – engagement in careers education. Which is very different from careers advice btw.
Jake also won two extra scout badges in my mind.
One for resilience – when he kept it together after breaking down on the way to the dress rehearsal.
And the second for companionship to a senior – when he coped with walking to the shop with me on live event day looking like Nora Batty in my rollers and hair net (definitely not an under 25’s reference)
Loved your talk Jake. And I know my young person watching did too.
Such a critical thing to involve young people in careers education and your style is so natural and approachable. Well done!
Watch Jake’s talk here
There are some talks in life that grab you by the shoulders and shake you.
Andreia Trigo‘s was one of them. Because as a mother – they touched me deeply.
I thought about Andreia and her talk a lot during my summer break after the event.
Firstly, when I was travelling around Portugal, her homeland and a place where she has just opened an Enhanced Fertility European office (she launched the news by talking on Portuguese TV about her journey of infertility and how she transformed it into something positive
– see more at https://lnkd.in/eykx8GZE
And secondly, because during my summer with my kids, I called on her talk to remind me of how much of a blessing fertility and motherhood is. Deep down I know this of course but in the day-to-day trials of parenting when working motherhood can overwhelm, you can temporarily overlook this. I must never lose sight of the fortune I have been granted.
Health is such a unique experience and therefore healthcare and finding solutions to diagnose individual problems must be too. We’ll all have our tales (personal or via friends) of health stories that needed more bespoke solutions and a deeper understanding of the individual and the causal factors at play. I was fascinated by the potential that AI offers in this respect and particularly in the field of fertility.
Thank you Andreia for educating me on fertility diagnostics. I learnt so much listening to your talk so thank you for bringing this idea forward. The information, insights and emotion you share will evoke hope and comfort for so many around the world.
Watch Andreia’s talk here
This is the penultimate speaker at TEDxNorthwich 2024 – Lucy McLaren – and ‘I can’t believe her job even exists’.
That’s not me talking – but the comment and judgement Lucy has encountered repeatedly in her career and which she addresses in this passionate and energetic talk ‘Unlocking Potential: Employment and Down Syndrome’.
This was one of the talks my 19 y.o daughter enjoyed the most, which for me speaks volumes about the importance of role-modelling, representation and engagement of the under 25’s in any agenda about humanity, equality of opportunity, and discrimination due to disability – or rather ‘perceived ability’.
Pertinent too was the fact that my daughter sat in the audience with my husband and two close friends – both of whom are parents of children with physical “disabilities” who I suspect face ‘perceived ability’ issues most days.
Lucy’s talk was thought-provoking and packed with real-life examples and opinions that stopped me in my tracks.
Such a fun and approachable delivery style from a young lady committed to such an important career and life agenda. My family loved hearing you and the messages resonated for so many people I know.
To my fellow roller-haired speaker, you were amazing Lucy. Flawless delivery on the night, brilliant in blue, and spot on with the right facial expressions (😜).
Watch Lucy’s talk here
Q: Who do you get to close a TEDx show?
A: The ultimate completer finisher.
Leon Lloyd was the fellow TEDxNorthwich speaker who carried the weight of closing the show. A responsibility and nerve-wracking wait for anyone, versed speaker or not.
He then had to wait a while to have his talk video approved by TED. Probably in part due to the additional media content included.
In both cases, live show and YouTube release, it was worth the wait.
Combining personal and career stories to illustrate his ‘from me to we’ mantra and the importance of teamwork, Leon introduced humour, audience interaction and learning at all the right moments.
I loved seeing his talk evolve throughout the months of rehearsals and being “alternative pitch-side” to his competitiveness and professionalism.
The way he measured his progress, built up his talk delivery and integrated concepts such as Ubuntu really resonated me. I hope its not a disservice to him to say that it amused me that we had some similarities in our style of rehearsal and post-performance self-appraisal which I’ll always remember and be encouraged by.
One unforgettable moment that he facilitated was at the close of the show which is not caught on video (some parts of TEDx events are reserved for the live audience to experience something extra).
Host Catherine Sandland closed the show by inviting the audience to consider the content heard and how the ideas shared shone a spotlight on new ways of thinking. TEDx ideas are concepts to be curious about and that can spark conversation and potentially change behaviour.
All 2024 speakers joined him on stage to receive thanks and enjoy their own little Glastonbury moment as a theatre full of spectators shone torches on them – torches gifted by Leon which once again underlined the ‘from me into we’ theme.
Thank you Leon for such a fun and punchy set of stories and examples based on lived experience. What a way for you as the ultimate completer-finisher to close the event and leave everyone feeling so united.
Watch Leon’s talk here
❌📢 👀 “Look around you. Things do not just happen”.
As part of my TEDxNorthwich 2024 review – to share the talks and learnings from my experience – this 10th post has to shine the spotlight on those who facilitated the event
The quote above (and others below) come from my talk, 1 of the 9 that hit the red spot 🔴
Intended as a reminder that success, achievement and legacy result from collective achievement
My 12 minutes could easily have been all about TEDx. In fact, earlier revisions included TEDx event stories and carried the title ‘Vehicle for legacy’
Because I view TEDx as one of the ultimate legacy-enabling mechanisms
As a vehicle for spreading new ideas, sparking conversation, and effecting behavioural change
But – whilst frameworks and organisations may be vehicles, it is people that fuel the difference
Look at this picture
Look at the number of volunteers – all cogs in the wheel of change, performing their “bit parts in the play of life”, however large or small
“Collective triumph enabled by the ‘I’m just a’ brigade”
And look where the key person is located – the person who makes Northwich happen. Tucked to the side, headphones on, tuned into every incidental moment of the event preparation and delivery to drive the magic
Samantha Newey – you are exceptional at what you do – both in TEDx and in many other voluntary and community roles
There’s definitely no such thing as just with you or your team
As a TEDx organiser (Warrington) as well as a recent speaker, I’ve seen both sides of the machine now (albeit only a dip into the TEDx ocean given the number of TEDx organisations around the globe, each run differently)
I have an insight into the sweat, tears, anguish, planning, stress, excitement, relief, exhilaration, reward, exhaustion, warmth and TED-ache required from the organising team, and especially the lead organiser, licencee and curator
As an organiser I’ve taken inspiration over the years from the format Northwich offers
As a recent speaker, directly experiencing their format, the support has been amplified. Walking the talk and being the ‘subject’ has been invaluable
Well done Team Northwich – amazing work!
And to the fab core team – Sam, Catherine and Ashley – supported by event partners to fund it, plus team Butler, Kim, Janet and so many more on the front line (yet not necessarily appearing on the pictures as such)
– what an amazing moment you created that night, this year and beyond into our tomorrow’s to enable legacy
“Living legacies are built from collective achievement. And it begins when we all take 1 small step”
The steps this time included yours
Thank you ❤️
Enjoy the full TEDxNorthwich 2024 playlist here. Further TEDx playlists from Warrington event content and further business contacts are also featured on my YouTube channel.
Kirsty James is a networking, relationship-marketing and connections expert with a track record in supporting people to ‘Connect with Purpose’. Kirsty specialises in effective business communication and relationship-marketing using the power of networking to enable personal and business growth and community engagement. Offering networking skills training, workshop facilitation, event hosting and speaking, and marketing project management.
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Kirsty James is a networking, relationship-marketing and connections expert with a track record in supporting people to ‘Connect with Purpose’. Kirsty specialises in effective business communication and relationship-marketing using the power of networking to enable personal and business growth and community engagement. Offering networking skills training, workshop facilitation, event hosting and speaking, and marketing project management.
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