Eithne Knappitsch’s Post

From Niche to Global Phenomenon: How TEDx Redefined the Power of Ideas TED’s story is a testament to how perseverance can turn something seemingly unremarkable into a global phenomenon. Founded by Richard Saul Wurman and Harry Marks in 1984, TED started as a unique blend of Technology, Entertainment, and Design—three fields that don’t naturally collide, but in their intersection, magic happens. Wurman, an architect and pioneer in “information architecture,” had a passion for making complex ideas understandable. Marks, with his television production background, added a flair for storytelling, creating a visually engaging and compelling format. Though its early years didn’t immediately capture massive attention, Chris Anderson, an entrepreneur and media mogul, saw its potential. In 2001, through his Sapling Foundation, Anderson acquired TED and transformed it into a nonprofit dedicated to spreading knowledge freely and globally. His vision was simple but powerful: ideas worth sharing should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few in elite circles. The Sapling Foundation, founded by Anderson in 1996, was built on the principle of using technology and knowledge for social good. This aligned perfectly with TED’s mission. Anderson’s leadership allowed TED to grow from a conference into a global platform, with funding primarily driven by sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations. However, the real revolution came with the launch of TEDx in 2009—independently organized, community-driven events that put the power of ideas in the hands of local organizers. Today, TEDx events are held in over 3,000 cities worldwide, proving that a commitment to sharing knowledge can create a ripple effect of impact. TED’s early persistence shows that sometimes, what doesn’t seem to succeed at first has the potential for massive success if nurtured and continued with vision. Through the Sapling Foundation’s guidance, TED remains a nonprofit dedicated to democratizing knowledge on a global scale, making sure the world’s most important ideas are free to access. From a niche idea to a worldwide movement, TED is proof that a commitment to persistence and purpose can lead to extraordinary success. #IdeasWorthSpreading #Innovation #Leadership #TEDx #CommunityImpact #GlobalSuccess #KnowledgeSharing #Inspiration #TechAndDesign #FutureOfLearning

Dear Midlands Businesses, I will be blunt and to the point. Tamworth is staging TEDxTamworth in March 2025. For those who don't know what TEDx Talk events are, they local events that bring the spirit of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) to communities around the globe. Modelled after the TED format, these events consist of a series of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations, and performances on a wide range of subjects. There will be a limited number of tickets available (due to the rules specified by TEDx, however the event will be livestreamed globally). We are hoping to showcase the best and the brightest talent from across the Midlands with this one day event, but we also need sponsors and donors to enable us to put it on. Having just attended the The Midlands Business Network Ltd I’m convinced that we have many great companies across the whole of the Midlands (and beyond) who would be prepared to support the event with even the smallest donation/contribution. We now have a rough estimate of £30,000 to stage TEDxTamworth, so the maths are simple. We either need 300 companies to sponsor us £100 each, or 30 companies to donate £1,000 (or various combinations in between). This is a not-for-profit event - we have a venue, so everything else goes towards hosting the event and showcasing the speakers. If you can help, or would like to know more about please click on the TEDx link or contact me direct via LinkedIn. Thank you! https://lnkd.in/eaXqvwd3 7video Ltd Acorns Children's Hospice Acquisition Masters althaus Auditel Birmingham City University Birmingham Hospice BT Group Business Growth West Midlands UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK SCIENCE PARK BUSINESS INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED ClueGo UK Clover HR Cue Davisons Law Dalycom Denote Print Ltd Elite Hampers Esendex Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Flamingo Marketing Strategies Ltd Franklin James Credit Management Limited Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Greenzone Facilities Management Limited Gaudet Luce Golf & Leisure Complex Halo Corporate Finance Limited Hands On At Work Information Solutions Ltd IMSM Kilworth House Hotel and Theatre KINDRIDGE BID SOLUTIONS Kingsline Solutions Ltd Lopay Marked Improvement E-learning Maximus Health and Wellbeing Millennium Point Birmingham NATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE LIMITED Orega Oxford Innovation Advice Parker Piredda PR & Marketing

Reflecting on my experience #thecharity conference2024# collaboration with @lightbulb_consults, I can confidently say it was truly life-changing. This event launched me into deep self-reflection on what clarity means to me. To me, clarity is about understanding what is hidden within and knowing how to implement it to impact lives while still generating profits. The conference featured wonderful speakers who emphasized the importance of making conscious decisions. GUSI TOBBY and Hon. Justice Mabel T. Segun-Bello delivered insightful talks that exposed me to new perspectives. Gusi Toby highlighted a critical distinction between socializing and networking, underscoring that: • Dominant manifestation is crucial. • Socializing helps you build connections; from these relationships, networking becomes more effortless. • Life introduces you to people who are part of your journey: the starters, the vision executors, and the finishers. Each has a role to play at different stages of your life. • Always choose collaboration over competition to foster healthier relationships. • Prioritize socializing over networking. Hon. Justice Mabel T. Segun-Bello the keynote speaker, offered life-changing insights that will forever resonate with me: 1. The importance of effective prayer, regardless of religion. 2. Conditions, whether imposed by life or individuals, are powerful but can be overcome. 3. Your decisions hold more power than your current conditions. 4. Guided mentorship is essential; you cannot become somebody without learning from others. As a Human Resource Manager, I was particularly moved by the emphasis on storytelling. “Shine: Why You Should Tell Your Stories” made me realize how connecting with others through stories can help one emerge from their shell. The answers from Salem King ELIJAH AFFI (ARPA, FIMC, CMC) , and other speakers highlighted the importance of craftsmanship in whatever you do. I left this conference feeling fulfilled and without regrets. My heartfelt thanks go to Atuzie Favour Tuzzi @Light Bulb Consult, and everyone who brought this vision to life.

𝐀𝐦 𝐈 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞? 🤔 ❓ This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a TEDx event in Valencia. The hard work of everyone involved brought excellent results, and attendees could listen to nine incredible speakers sharing their purpose, their vision, their passion and their achievements on stage. What could be more inspiring than hearing about a project offering children company when they're in the hospital; an initiative to share positive and inspiring stories worldwide; the creativity and innovation to make the most of our food scraps? 🤓 These amazing people and their wonderful drive to add to our world have left me speechless and feeling hopeful. Maybe, if there are such bright minds paired with the determination to better the lives of others among us, not all is lost. I left the event positively uplifted. Yet, on my way home that evening, I could not help but think about myself and wonder whether I'm making a difference in this world. In comparison, what am I doing with my life? How am I serving a greater purpose, or even helping others? 🙄 To be honest, I don't think I'm alone with these thoughts. I bet there's a whole lot of us who feel anything but extraordinary; who question their own importance; who struggle to believe they, in fact, are making a difference. Many modern jobs do not allow us to see the immediate or direct positive effect of our work on the world - if there is one at all. Not every one of us can work at an NGO of their choice, doing what they love and going to bed every night knowing they did something that makes that day better than the one before. 🤷♀️ So, here are a few examples why I'm not sure my actions matter: ❌ I don't currently volunteer (although I have done so in the past); ❌ I'm not working on any secret projects to save the children/forests/turtles; ❌ I am yet to make the Forbes 30 under 30 list (although it is too late for that now, I suppose); ❌ I do not have neither successful nor failed enterprises to solve a humanitarian, societal or any sort of issue. Yet, the more I think, the more I realise that, in some teeny-tiny way, I am making a difference. For instance: ✔ I'm co-organiser for a philosophical discussion group, helping people, despite their differences, come together for in-depth conversations; ✔ I donate to an animal shelter every month - even if it's little, I know it's buying kibble or paying vet bills; ✔ I make a point of telling people on the metro when their backpack is open to avoid them losing things or having them stolen; ✔ I cuddle every dog and cat in sight, if they and their owners let me. I've come to realise that while it might not be much, my actions matter. I may not be saving the world from the next pandemic or eradicating child trafficking, but, I hope, I am making the world a slightly better place. And you? How are you making a difference today? #ted #tedx #tedxvalencia #purpose #makingadifference #positiveimpact #bethechange

They say "If you can't find your ideal 'job', create it!" After years of taking part in challenge events, I knew that I wanted to create opportunities for everyone to have the experiences I'd had. From the people I'd met and the places I'd seen, to the things I'd learned about myself. But 14 years ago there were no courses I could do, and nobody I could ask for help and advice. So, I found my own way. Now with Challenge Event Experts I want to help you find yours... You'll find everything you need to create professional, inspiring and sustainable challenge events, including: 🍏 Courses and workshops for every part on the planning process 🎖 Toolkits and templates to make your planning easier ⛅ Coaching and mentoring to support you along the way 🌼 A community so you never have to do it alone! It's coming soon I promise! (Launch planned for 1 September) You can register for updates and priority access on the website (link in comments). If you have any questions, or need any help with planning an event in the meantime just get in touch. Tracey #challengeevents #fundraisingchallenge #charityevent #challengeeventexperts #CSR #eventmanagement #eventmanager

Activating our Power, Today and Tomorrow ⚡ We’re still riding the wave of energy from Catalyst's 2024 annual conference, Activating Power! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, engaged, and contributed—you are the reason the day was so powerful. From inspiring performances to thought-provoking sessions, we explored new ways to activate our power and saw firsthand how, when we come together, change is possible. Throughout the day we were reminded that each of us holds the power to drive change, whether through bold action, creative expression, or building relationships across sectors. As we work to create inclusive and genuine spaces of connection across San Diego and Imperial counties, the conference reminded us of the power of both our words and actions. Our different experiences offer important opportunities for connection, learning, and reflection: this day was just one step in a deeper, ongoing journey. Though our 2024 annual conference has come to a close, the momentum is just beginning: we’re gearing up for an exciting year ahead, filled with opportunities to explore how you can transform theory into action to make real, lasting change. Whether or not you were able to join us last week, the time to act is now, and Catalyst is here to help you on that journey. Stay tuned for a full recap of our 2024 annual conference, including photos and videos capturing all the best moments. And, if you struck a pose at the photo booth, view your photos here: https://lnkd.in/gjTUxykZ #sandiegoevents #philanthropy #sandiego #imperialcounty #sandiegononprofit #socialimpact #socialsector

Hands up if you know your neighbours 🙋🏻♀️ Have you ever considered joining forces with them to improve your neighbourhood? If that sounds intriguing, check out this TEDx talk on how to get involved in local activism 👇🏻

#EcosystemDevelopment | Have conferences and events really increased? And if we are spending so much time convening and being convened, should we critically examine events and their purpose as closely as we look at programmes? In-person gatherings offer space for solidarity, ideation, collaboration, and celebration. But are we making the most of them? In this article, Natasha Joshi, Associate Director at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, highlights the organisation's collective insights related to harnessing the real potential of in-person gatherings. She covers four key principles that serve as a good starting point to build better, dynamic spaces for human interaction. Read this article to learn more. https://lnkd.in/dUMaAHvC

Building Community, One Step at a Time One of my key accomplishments was completing the TEDx Black Mountain website. It’s ready to launch, and I’m thrilled to see it go live on Wednesday during Seáns chat at Martin and Michelle's Christmas coffee gathering. Later that day, it will officially debut here on LinkedIn! Seeing this project come to life feels like a milestone, we are now under the starter's orders, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts when it’s live. Beyond this, I’ve been busy with my usual work in education while also drafting the blueprint for an exciting new service I’ll be offering in 2025. It’s still under wraps, but I’m putting the final touches on it, stay tuned! One of the highlights of my week was volunteering to capture some moments at Creighton’s of Finaghy’s annual Santa Arriving Event. I had the privilege of capturing moments as Santa arrived (on the back of a recovery truck, no less!) and spent the evening spreading cheer. It was a magical experience that reminded me of the joy of community-focused initiatives. Another exciting moment was joining Peter Lockhart and friends on the Ulster Rugby Red Hand Podcast to discuss my favourite sport! It was such a fun experience sharing insights, stories, and enthusiasm for something I love. Connecting over shared passions is always a highlight. I did, however, get the 7-point swing the wrong way around but was close enough with my Ireland prediction. Reflecting on this week, I’m reminded of the deeper why behind my TEDx aspirations: creating amazing experiences for the community I grow with. Whether it’s through education, volunteering, or storytelling, it’s all about building connections that inspire and uplift. #CommunityBuilding #TEDx #EducationForAll #EdTech #Volunteering #Leadership

Do you want to speak at a TEDx event? I get DMs asking me about this all the time. Here are a few handy tips: 1/ What is your idea? TEDx talks are about sharing an idea worth spreading, rather than a typical lecture or keynote presentation that you may see at a conference. How are you pitching your 'topic' as an 'idea'? 2/ Is it related to the theme of the event? TEDx events are themed - does your idea actually relate to the theme? 3/ What's your connection with the city? TEDx events are licensed and hosted in a particular city. Do you have a connection to that city? Why is your idea relevant to these people? 4/ Is the event looking for speakers? Many TEDx events will do a call out for speakers as well as their own curation process where organisers will search for particular ideas in their community. Is the event you're interested in searching or are you wishing for the best? TEDx is a particular platform and if you haven't landed one yet, it's often not a reflection on you or your skills. If it's something you want to do, keep looking out for opportunities to apply and consider what I've raised here. __ Found this useful? Follow me Theo Kapodistrias and you'll get to see more tips on presentation, public speaking and communication skills for professionals 🎉