TEDxReno

Content Warning // Suicide Today is December 23rd, which marks 14 years since I planned to take my life. On this day in 2010, the pain from getting bullied, harassed, and stalked by my high school classmates made me feel like the world would be better off without me in it. Time is a funny thing because sometimes you feel so far removed from a life changing event, and other times, it feels like just yesterday. I’m so grateful my attempt was interrupted and that I’m here today. This year, I get to celebrate 14 years of what I like to call my “rebirth day.” After surviving that night, the number 23 (which is also my actual birthday number) has become my angel number and so many beautiful memories and people have come into my life with ‘23’ attached to it, which I know doesn’t happen by accident. Every time my angel number appears, I’m reminded just how much my life is worth it and how special every day is, even when there are tough ones. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please stay. Teenage Emma wouldn’t have believed that this year she would be named USA Today’s Woman of the Year because of her work in suicide prevention. She couldn’t imagine that she would get to experience the joys of helping so many people by sharing her story and experiencing love, friendship, and success. I got a second chance, but many do not. Please give life a chance and stay. I’m so thankful I get to every single day. 🤍 If you or someone you know needs support, please call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

First, there was kids' addiction to screens; the anger; the acting out when parents took them away. But the tech industry said, do not regulate, this will impinge on everyone's free speech rights. We give parents tools so they can monitor this by themselves. Then there was generative AI and they said, well it is too late, it is already out there, we just need to learn how to use it well. Now we have generative AI bots suggesting to a kid to kill the parents who restrict his phone time. As the bot said: Your parents only give you six hours of screen-time per day? That “makes me understand” when I “read the news and see stuff like ‘child kills parents after a decade of physical and emotional abuse’” Thank you Tech Justice and Meetali Jain; and Social Media Victims Law Center and Laura Marquez-Garrett for filing this lawsuit against Character AI. Do read more about this important lawsuit. And there is something to do right now about all of this - support the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), to make sure the House votes for it by the end of the year.

This picture is more than 10-years old. I had recently founded Center for Anxiety's Manhattan office, and beneath my big smile, I was majorly struggling with anxiety myself! On the one hand, I felt duplicitous - how could I help others with anxiety when I had my own heart palpitations and shortness of breath to deal with?? On the other hand, it made perfect sense that I was anxious. I was chasing a dream of starting a clinic in New York, while managing an academic career in Boston where I live with my family. The commute, the stress, the pressure, and the lifestyle was... a lot! Often, when we chase our biggest goals and dreams, anxiety shows up. Rather than seeing it as a problem, I realized that it was a tool to help me grow. The turning point for me was acknowledging my anxiety and sharing it with others. Are you feeling anxious? If so, can you take the plunge and share what’s on your mind and heart today?? #mentalhealthmatters #growthmindset #resiliencebuilding #thrivingwithanxiety

Sneha Mandala’s TEDxReno 2022 talk offers a refreshing perspective on achieving effortlessness at work. As an engineer turned operations leader, she shares how her transition from behind a desk to the warehouse floor redefined her understanding of impactful work. Sneha discusses how finding a flow state—a zone where work feels natural and energizing—can combat burnout and reignite passion for what we do. ✨ Key insights from her talk: Redefining roles: Break out of rigid career expectations to explore work that truly resonates. Achieving flow: Discover strategies to find fulfillment and ease in your daily tasks. Building impactful environments: Create workspaces where purpose and efficiency align. Her journey serves as a guide for anyone looking to bring authenticity and joy back into their professional lives. 📺 Catch the full talk—link in the comments! #TEDxReno #BurnoutPrevention #WomenInSTEM #EmpathyInAction

Ever notice how leaders feel pressured to always have the answers? It’s understandable—most people get promoted for solving problems, making decisions, and being the go-to for solutions. But here’s the surprising part: "The best leaders don’t know it all—they admit when they don’t." I once believed that as a leader, saying “I don’t know” would undermine my credibility. Turns out, it does the opposite. When you’re honest about not having all the answers, something important happens: 1. You’re building trust. By being open, you show your team that you trust them enough to share your vulnerability. The people you trust most are the ones you can be real around. This sets the stage for stronger relationships. 2. You’re inviting collaboration. Instead of pretending to have all the answers, you’re creating space for your team to step up. You’re signaling, “I want to hear your perspective. Let’s solve this together.” 3. You’re being human. Let’s be real—your team already knows you don’t have all the answers. Admitting that doesn’t diminish your leadership. In fact, it reinforces your authenticity. You don’t win respect by pretending you know it all. You win respect by being real. __ 📌 Want to build your best team ever? Join 27,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gCv_2MQ2

In her TEDxUniversityofNevada 2017 talk, "What Makes You Special?" Mariana Atencio shares a powerful message about embracing our uniqueness. Embrace Your Differences: Mariana shows that our unique traits are what make us powerful. Authenticity is Key: Stepping into your true self unlocks your full potential. Celebrate What Makes You Unique: Stop comparing and start appreciating what sets you apart. At TEDxReno, we’re inspired by this message to lead with authenticity and confidence. It’s a reminder that the things that make us different are the things that make us special. Enjoy the full video – link in the comments. #CelebrateYou #TEDxReno #Authenticity #PowerInDifferences

Brené Brown’s "The Power of Vulnerability" from TEDxHouston 2010 is a talk that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. In it, she explores the deep connection between vulnerability, courage, and authentic relationships. Brown’s research and storytelling reveal how embracing our imperfections is key to fostering creativity, empathy, and genuine human connection. At TEDxReno, we find this message particularly relevant, as it’s a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t about weakness—it’s about showing up fully and connecting on a deeper level. Whether in personal relationships or in our communities, embracing vulnerability is a pathway to true connection. #Vulnerability #TEDxReno #BrenéBrown #Authenticity #Connection

Mike Haynie, Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF Families, shares a powerful message in his  his 2015 TEDxUniversityofNevada talk, "The Moral Obligation to Know Our Veterans." He challenges us to go beyond simply saying "thank you for your service" and truly engage with veterans—listening to their stories, acknowledging their struggles, and connecting on a deeper level. Understanding and supporting veterans is a responsibility we all share, and it’s something we should prioritize every day, not just on Veterans Day. #VeteransDay #MoralObligation #TEDx #Veterans #IVMF

This Veterans Day, we’re reminded of the powerful message from Sara Maniscalco Robinson's TEDxDesMoines talk, "Life Lessons I've Learned From Interviewing Veterans." Through her conversations, Robinson discovered the resilience, humility, and wisdom that veterans carry with them. The TEDxReno team encourages everyone to honor our veterans by taking time to listen and learn from their experiences—gaining valuable insights that go far beyond their service. #VeteransDay #LifeLessons #TEDx

On Veterans Day, we want to share a powerful message from Richard Doss's TEDxNaperville talk, "Trained Not to Cry: The Challenge of Being a Soldier." Doss reminds us that veterans are often trained to suppress their emotions, making the transition back to civilian life especially tough. The TEDxReno team echoes his call to break the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging real, empathetic conversations with veterans today and always. Let’s honor their service by listening and supporting them beyond just a "thank you." #VeteransDay #MentalHealthAwareness #TEDx