A Recap of TEDxBurleigh Heads 2024: Humans for Humans

On Saturday, 17th of February, 2024, the vibrant community of Burleigh Heads in the Gold Coast witnessed an extraordinary gathering of minds and spirits at the TEDx event I had the honour of co-hosting alongside energetic entrepreneur Mandy Coates at Marymount College.

Many have asked me why we decided to host the TEDxBurleigh Heads event. The answer is simple: Serving the community with our experience and expertise is a duty. It is essential to provide an opportunity for those who are experts in their field or are making a significant impact on the world. These individuals might not be celebrities, but they are undeniably heroes in their own right. By bringing their stories to light, we honour their contributions and inspire others to embark on their journeys of discovery and service.

The success of the event was made possible by the incredible teamwork and dedication of Andrew Coates , Sacha Damiano , and Irena Jusufovic . Their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence were the backbone of this event. It was a true family effort.

Additionally, the passion and enthusiasm of the 30-something volunteers who showed up for rehearsals and the event itself were nothing short of inspiring. You were all amazing!

As I reflect on the day's events, I am reminded of the power of ideas to change the world. Through platforms like TEDx , we can amplify the voices of those who dare to dream, innovate, and act for the greater good.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. Your dedication, creativity, and passion make events like these possible. To the attendees, thank you for coming and supporting a local event. Your participation means a great deal to us.

To our speakers, thank you for your courage in sharing your ideas and commitment to improving the world.

Stay tuned for the speaker videos coming out next month! ?? ????

For those who missed the event or wish to relive the inspiring moments, follow the TEDxBurleigh Heads page to stay up-to-date on the release of the official 2024 speaker videos, which will be available online on the TEDx YouTube Channel!

Below is a brief recount of the ten magnificent talks that left us all inspired and enriched:

1) In "When Food Speaks Louder Than Words," Danny McCubbin shared his profound journey from cherishing early memories centred around food to impacting communities through culinary initiatives. McCubbin's experiences, including a transformative stint with Jamie Oliver and volunteering for food-based charities, culminated in the opening of The Good Kitchen in Mussomeli, Sicily. This venture aims to tackle food waste and hunger by repurposing surplus supermarket food to feed families and foster community connections.

2) In "Ageism, the Last Taboo," Samantha Z. Dzabic tackled the pervasive issue of ageism, particularly within the tech industry and broader employment sectors. Through the parable of Benjamin, a skilled tech professional in Silicon Valley who finds himself sidelined and eventually replaced due to his age, Samantha highlighted the systemic undervaluation of experience in favour of youth. Samantha called for action against ageist practices, urging individuals and leaders alike to challenge their assumptions and foster an inclusive environment where every age is valued.

3) In "Biohacking Your Creative Self," Relmi Damiano drew on her personal journey from a dyslexic child inspired by the colours and beauty of her native Argentinian Patagonia to a successful photographer, designer, and PhD student in innovation. She shared how embracing her creative strengths led her to explore various forms of artistic expression, including dance, and how these pursuits have been crucial to her overall well-being and professional success. She emphasised that everyone possesses innate imagination and creativity, debunking the myth that these traits are exclusive to certain individuals.

4) In his talk "Caveman’s Guide To The Digital World," Dr. Kaushik Ram, PhD challenged the prevailing narratives around technology and human evolution. Ram recounted his dramatic shift from a successful career in neuroscience, where he felt disconnected from the world despite his significant contributions to AI and clinical imaging, to seeking a deeper connection with nature by living in a cave in Thailand. He warned that the embrace of technology at the expense of our primal instincts threatens the essence of what makes us human.

5) In "Art is Oxygen," Estelle Hope , known as "I am Estelle," made a compelling case for the intrinsic role of creativity in human development and well-being. She began with a provocative question about the natural artistic inclinations of children, suggesting that a lack of creative expression might indicate a deeper disconnect or trauma. Poots criticised the societal acceptance of losing touch with our inner creativity as we transition into adulthood, highlighting a disturbing drop from 98% of children exhibiting genius-level creative problem-solving skills to only 2% of adults maintaining these abilities.

6) In "Your Diamond Life - Embracing Brokenness to Rebuild & Thrive," Dr. Cher McGillivray shared a powerful message about the transformative potential of adversity, likening human resilience and value to the process of diamonds forming under immense pressure. Dr. McGillivray, a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Bond University, drew from a deeply personal experience of confronting intergenerational trauma and the challenges of the legal system in protecting children. Her narrative began with a pivotal moment of introspection prompted by her father's question, which shifted her focus towards using her ordeal as a catalyst for positive change.

7) In "Weird Is The New Normal - The Magic Of Intentional Thought," TV Presenter Chris Parsons shared his transformative journey from a conventional life to one that aligns with his deepest desires, all through the power of intentional thought. Parsons delved into historical and contemporary wisdom, from Buddha to Einstein, to underscore the fundamental principle that our thoughts shape our lives. He suggested that the weirdness we perceive in synchronicities or thought-induced occurrences might actually be the norm, a testament to our untapped potential. Using vivid examples, including the miraculous process of human childbirth, Parsons argued that if humans can create life without conscious effort, the possibilities of what can be achieved with focused and intentional thought are boundless.

8) In "If You Can Talk, You Can Sing," Brie Bostock demystified the act of singing, emphasising its universal accessibility and profound health benefits. Taylor began by challenging the common fear and self-judgment that deter many from singing, proposing that if one can speak, they can indeed sing. She advocated for singing as a therapeutic activity, supported by scientific evidence highlighting its positive effects on anxiety, heart disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and even gut problems. The mechanism behind these benefits, Taylor explained, is the stimulation of the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in regulating the body's relaxation response, thereby improving digestion, heart rate, and immune system function.

9) In "Power Games - How Humans Play, Win & Lose," David McCubbin delved into the complex dynamics of power and manipulation, focusing on a concept he calls Artificial Integrity. McCubbin began by distinguishing this term from artificial intelligence, suggesting that Artificial Integrity poses a more insidious threat. It's described as the phenomenon where individuals project a fa?ade of serving others while their actions primarily serve their own interests. David’s talk was a call to action against the subtle yet pervasive forms of manipulation that exploit human nature for personal gain. Through his insights, David invited a critical examination of power dynamics in our daily lives and encouraged a more equitable distribution of power.

10) In "Creating Brain-Friendly Workplaces For The Imagination Age," Katharine McLennan explored the evolution of work environments and the critical need for fostering creativity and human connection in the era of technological advancement. McLennan began by painting a futuristic scenario where AI surpasses human achievements in various fields, questioning the role and value of human creativity in such a world. McLennan criticised the current state of workplaces, which often prioritised efficiency and productivity at the expense of creativity and well-being. Proposing a shift towards the Imagination Age, McLennan envisioned workplaces that emphasise human imagination, intuition, and inspiration over technological automation and data analysis. She imagines a return to more direct forms of communication and collaboration, where innovation is driven by drawing, teaching, moving, resting, and playing, rather than computer-mediated interactions.

To the wonderful performers ????????

So much talent!!! You made the event a day to remember. Thank you for your beautiful contributions.

Stan Yarramunua (Artist & Author)

The Blenders Chorus

Danillo Papasidero & Gianvito Blanco (Guitarist & Saxophonist)

Jojo Suter from Mojo Dance (dance activation)

Lyra Dancers from Rokh Fit

Maiya Blanks (14-year-old contemporary dancer) and I AM Estelle (singer)

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To see the full gallery of photos, check out Flickr and Facebook, and follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date with our upcoming reels and speaker videos!

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To the photographers, video production and sound crew... ?? ???

This fantastic team of professionals have contributed their time and worked tirelessly to bring you the best photos and video experience. We express our complete gratitude to the incredible photographers (Hayley Neal, Olga Rerbo & Bob Mcgahan), to the video production crew led by the amazing Silvis Samitis from event-video-production.com.au, his team, and volunteers (including José Biotto , Otto Leone, and Mary Maureen Cruz ). Thank you to Scott Wallace and Dane Alexander from Earth Centred Media, who will be producing a showreel of the event, and to Lauren Elizabeth for the wonderful music! To all those who may not have been individually acknowledged, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your incredible assistance.

Finally, to the sponsors! ??

Your efforts have been instrumental in shaping an exceptional experience for everyone involved. It's crucial to emphasise that TEDx events are run on a non-profit basis. Our committee members, speakers, volunteers, and sponsors (including the wonderful assistance of Marymount College) selflessly contribute their time, funds, and resources to bring these events to fruition for the community, demonstrating their commitment to our common mission, the spirit of collaboration, and, naturally, the ideas worth spreading.

It has been an honour! ??????