Theme: Launch 🚀

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).

Treemont Mansion
4125 Saundersville Road
Old Hickory, Tennessee, 37138
United States

Ben Collier, MBA

Vice President/Commercial Lender, Elder & Preacher, Relentless Connector

Ben Collier is a husband, father of 4 beautiful daughters, volunteer, avid cyclist, and an aspiring triathlete. An experienced banker of 12 years, Ben has developed a community of devoted clientele by not focusing on the sale, but on the relationship. Ben is an Elder/Shepherd for Riverwood Church of Christ, serving with a team of four other men as leaders of the congregation. He has served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Leadership Wilson for four years as well as a previous board position with the Lebanon Breakfast Rotary Club. Ben is a graduate of Cumberland University where he majored in Business Management. He was Captain of the Men’s Cross Country team, where he held the school record for a few years in the Men’s 8k. Ben also graduated from the Nashville School of Preaching with a preaching certificate and Louisiana State University-Shreveport with an MBA. Ben can even be found coaching his 8 year old daughter’s soccer team for the past three years.

Charlie Apigian

Strategic Advisor | Data Scientist | Entrepreneur | Educator

Charlie Apigian, PhD. is a strategic advisor, data scientist, entrepreneur, and educator that has dedicated his career to the intersection of data, technology, and community. Spearheading innovative projects that leverage data science and AI to solve real-world problems, including mental health, health inequities, and crime prediction. He believes that everyone should be empowered to think differently with data and to have the data and AI skills to complement and enhance their personal and professional lives. Dr. Apigian has published over 30 papers in data and technology journals and has been recognized as a data leader including the recipient of the Nashville Technology Council Data Scientist of the Year (2020) and IT Community Leader of the Year - 2018 and 2023.

Jim Morris

Human Connection Consultant, TV & Podcast Host

The goal is simple. Striving consistently to be a community architect, a human connection advocate, and a passionate leader on a mission. This mission is to empower 1,100,1000 business professionals through human connection to develop future leaders and ethical sales associates. Through his company, IMPACT Business Solutions, Jim has built a thriving ecosystem that fosters professional development. The IMPACT Effect offers a potent mix of monthly workshops, educational resources, and an annual conference – IMPACT Effect 24 – designed to equip business professionals with an atmosphere where they use the tools in real time on their business through an interactive and experiential facilitation. Everything is focused around human connection from Jim's core belief that business isn't just about transactions; it's about relationships. Jim argues that true success comes from building trust, fostering genuine connections, and understanding the people we interact with on a deeper level.

John Woerner

Social Media Reluctant Entrepreneur

Owns A Small Business..........

Joshua Mundy

A Legacy of Vision & Execution

Joshua Mundy, a Nashville native, is a dynamic serial entrepreneur renowned for his resilience, innovation, and community-driven initiatives. As CEO and Co-Founder of Pivot Technology School, he pioneers tech workforce development for minorities in data analytics, software development, and cyber security. Joshua also owns ZAM Investments, a real estate/business investment firm, fostering positive change through Fortitude Homes, providing housing for marginalized individuals via The Fortitude Group. An avid mentor and influencer, he shares invaluable business insights on social media, while serving on multiple prestigious boards and earning accolades like Nashville Business Journal's Most Admired CEO and Nashville 40 under 40. Joshua Mundy's compelling presence and commitment to empowerment make him an exceptional speaker who inspires audiences to embrace potential, seize opportunities, and make enduring impacts in their spheres.

Kate Hickey, M.Ed

Facilitator, Educator, and Best-Selling Author

Kate Hickey has dedicated her life to learning, adventuring, and teaching people how to be their bravest and most authentic selves. As the founder of Action Academy, she builds confidence and community in students, teachers, and parents through keynotes and workshops. Kate’s family was featured on HGTV’s House Hunters International documenting their move to Valencia, Spain. The Hickeys lived abroad for five years where Kate worked in digital marketing for her travel brand Hickeys Everywhere and was a facilitator for Fortune 500 companies like L’Oreal Paris and Unilever. She’s the author of Have Fun, Be Safe, I Love You, an Amazon bestseller, and her writing has been featured in Glamour and Forbes. She’s a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and counts her 10+ years teaching high school as her highest achievement. Kate and husband, Paul, moved from Spain to Franklin in 2022 with their kids Max & Sam.

Kris Kelso

Entrepreneur | Speaker | Author

Kris Kelso, PCC, is a Keynote Speaker, author, and a two-time company founder. He has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, and their leadership teams as a coach, facilitator, and mentor, and speaks to audiences around the world. He is the Dean of Entrepreneurship at the Professional Christian Coaching Institute, a Faculty Coach at Heroic Public Speaking, an advisor and instructor at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and is a contributing writer for Fast Company Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and The Nashville Business Journal. He and his wife have three sons and live in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee.

Lily Corley

Writer, Creative Storyteller, and Assistant Director of Career Development

Lily Corley is a writer, storyteller, and messenger called to address complex topics with a unique blend of truthfulness and creativity. As a recovering perfectionist, she harnesses the power of words to remind people what is true about them so they can live from a place of peace and courage. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Lipscomb University, where she is currently working toward her Master’s in Conflict Management. In 2023, she was awarded the Robert O. Clouse Innovation Award for the development of Bespoke Expressions, her solopreneurship initiative in which she offers speech writing and editing services to those experiencing major life transitions like weddings, funerals, and graduations. At her day job, Lily supports college students as the Assistant Director of Career Development at Lipscomb University.

Matt Moran

Entrepreneur and Reflective Practice Enthusiast

For the past two decades, Matt has served as a presentations coach, shaping the communication skills of top executives and teams at renowned organizations like Goldman Sachs, BP, Dell, Capital One, Johns Hopkins, NASA, HCA Healthcare, and many more. An accomplished songwriter, Matt’s compositions have been recorded by Grammy-winning and multi-platinum artists, gracing the airwaves of shows such as Larry King, The View, CNN, Regis and Kelly, and Good Morning America. As a resilient survivor of gay conversion therapy, Matt is committed to fostering understanding and unity between the LGBTQ and religious communities, and is passionate in his efforts to equip churches and corporations with tools to provide better support for their LGBTQ members. As the founder of "Gay Men’s Collective," he has created an online haven for growth-minded gay men seeking to cultivate self awareness and authentic connections. Matt resides in Green Hills with his eighty-five pound lap dog, Molly.

Reggie Ford

Wellness and Resilience Architect

In a remarkable journey defined by resilience and transformation, Reggie D. Ford stands as an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, dynamic keynote speaker, and mental health advocate. As the author of "Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction," Ford leverages his expertise in developmental and intergenerational trauma to foster environments supporting resilience, mental wellness, emotional development, and healthy relationships. With a decade of experience in finance and accounting, he founded RoseCrete Wealth Management, driven by his passion for helping others achieve financial freedom. Recognized for his contributions, Ford has been honored as one of Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40, Nashville's Top 30 Under 30, and holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and the Owen Graduate School of Management.

Swapneeta Date, Ph.D.

Biomedical Sciences Expert, Technology Entrepreneur, Transformational leader

Dr. Swapneeta Date is an accomplished biomedical scientist and entrepreneur known for her authoritative contributions to research in biomedical sciences. Currently, Dr. Date leads initiatives at the nexus of academic research and technology commercialization. Her pioneering work in protein biochemistry and molecular biology has resulted in several impactful publications and has been recognized by national awards. Dr. Date has successfully translated scientific discoveries into commercial applications, launching and scaling an AI-based e-commerce application and founding a science-fashion brand. She holds a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology and has held academic appointments at prestigious institutions like Vanderbilt University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Columbia University. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Date is committed to making a positive impact through her work with non-profits and promoting education and innovation.

Tina Doniger

Change Maker, People Connector

Tina Doniger is a seasoned nonprofit professional and disaster relief manager, renowned for her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to her field. With over 25 years of experience in marketing and nonprofit management, she has established herself as a go-to expert in the industry. As the CEO of the Community Resource Center, Middle Tennessee's only Hygiene Hub, Doniger has overseen its remarkable growth and transformation, including its successful disaster response efforts and its coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With her passion for nonprofit work and her talent for collaborating with corporate partners, she is a highly skilled nonprofit leader.Before joining the Community Resource Center, Doniger held several for-profit and nonprofit positions, including Chief Development Officer for the Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.