Theme: The Butterfly Effect

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, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. 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).

Salle Polyvalente
CE Building, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Av. Piccard
Lausanne, Vaud (fr), 1015
Switzerland

Annick Wagner

Fondatrice, Hub des Possibles

Annick combines the analytical skills of an engineer, the commitment of a manager, and the inspiration of a coach wonderfully. She brings to the Hub her talents and over 20 years of experience as a facilitator, mentor, and trainer of leaders. She co-directs a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Change Management. Her dream is to develop dialogue with trees. Annick enjoys mixing tools and letting herself be inspired by what happens in the moment. She trusts the process! Together, Annick and Chantal co-founded the Hub of Possibilities because they are convinced that to reestablish cooperation at the heart of our societies and to bring our economy back within planetary limits, it is essential to develop interconnectedness and new narratives.

Aurélien Joly

Communication and fundraising manager

Aurélien Joly is a dedicated communication professional committed to promoting comprehensive gender equality in the workplace. Currently in charge of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation communication and serving as a facilitator for the Target Gender Equality Program of the United Nations Global Compact Network Switzerland, Aurélien devotes his efforts to advocating for fair and equitable compensation practices across organisations worldwide. His commitment extends beyond mere words; he actively engages with stakeholders to promote equal pay and equal opportunities for all. With a strong belief in the transformative power of communication, Aurélien strives to create a more inclusive and equitable corporate landscape where diversity is implemented, celebrated and rewarded.

Chantal Peyer

Co-fondatrice Hub des Possibles

Chantal is a virtuoso of speech and a heart that listens. Her experience as a political advisor within non-governmental organizations gives her a profound and impactful perspective on the complexity of societal and political systems. She trained at the Institute for Desirable Futures and, with the Hub of Possibilities, aims to nurture the strength in individuals and groups to envision desirable futures. She brings her coaching ability to open minds, enhance talents, and identify everyone's potential contributions to a world based on justice and human cooperation. Together, Annick and Chantal co-founded the Hub of Possibilities because they are convinced that to reestablish cooperation at the heart of our societies and to bring our economy back within planetary limits, it is essential to develop interconnectedness and new narratives.

Duncan Sutherland

Intestinal Immunologist

An Intestinal Immunologist at the EPFL, Duncan Sutherland has held research fellowships at the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Australia and RIKEN Research Centre for Allergy and Immunology in Japan. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Sutherland investigated the role of archaea in mucosal health through three research pillars: 1) New analytic tools to better detect archaea in human samples 2) Cultivating ‘hard to grow’ archaea isolated from the human microbiome 3) Biological models to uncover archaea’s role in the human immune system Archaea are microbes residing in the human gut that were neglected due to missing research methodology. Dr Sutherland collaborates with a network of scientists and clinicians internationally. Recently, Dr. Sutherland founded the EPFL-spinoff Arkaiya SA, a platform to screen and cultivate archaea strains from human populations. Dr Sutherland proposes a paradigm shift in intestinal immunology to harness archaea for human health.

Eric Flag

Content creator

After obtaining a Master's degree in Finance from HEC Lausanne, Eric Flag radically changed his career path to pursue a dream: becoming an online content creator. A successful gamble, he is now an accomplished YouTuber, podcaster, and entrepreneur. Passionate about ice baths and physical and mental development, Eric produces content on bodybuilding, street workout, nutrition, and running, with a particular focus on self-accomplishment. Founder of a sports equipment store present across Europe, he is also known for his detailed tutorials and personal challenges, ranging from physical transformations to endurance events such as marathons and Ironman competitions, documented on his YouTube channel followed by over 650,000 subscribers and his podcast 'Expansion', ranked in the Top 100 Francophone.

Mandy Bronsil

Facilitator & speaker - Team workshops & coaching - Career strategy coach

Mandy graduated from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in 2006 with a double degree “HES Economiste d’Entreprise” and a Bachelor of Science. After a career in the corporate world, Mandy founded her company B-inspired Partners in 2019, supporting local entrepreneurs and professionals to build up a strong community to grow together. This is done through MasterMinds groups, workshops on a variety of topics and various networking initiatives. It’s a community beyond networking!

Marie-Lise Bellemin-Magninot

Student

Marie-Lise and Raphaël, two young EPFL alumni, recently won the student competition at TEDxEcublens. Their collaboration within the student association Ingénieur·e·s du Monde inspired them to give their first joint speech, aiming to raise awareness among young engineers at EPFL about global societal and environmental challenges. Enjoying this experience, they decided to continue with a new talk on the butterfly effect, addressing themes that intertwine personal development, philosophy, and contemporary issues.

Raphaël Finizola

Student

Marie-Lise and Raphaël, two young EPFL alumni, recently won the student competition at TEDxEcublens. Their collaboration within the student association Ingénieur·e·s du Monde inspired them to give their first joint speech, aiming to raise awareness among young engineers at EPFL about global societal and environmental challenges. Enjoying this experience, they decided to continue with a new talk on the butterfly effect, addressing themes that intertwine personal development, philosophy, and contemporary issues.