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).

Byford Secondary College
57 Abernethy Rd, Byford
Perth, Western Australia, 6122
Australia

Danny Taylor Smith

Videographer and Storyteller

Danny Taylor-Smith has always been fascinated with people and their stories. With a degree in film and a 10 year career in videography Danny has been busy capturing other people’s stories but now has one to share of his own. Danny was born with a rare congenial heart condition and was also diagnosed with Autism. His story will inspire anyone to reach for their goals.

Dr. Russya Connor

Trainer, Therapist and Expert in Organisational Creativity

Known as the Creative Philosopher, Russya shares how creativity and playfulness can release unexplored potential and provide the doorway to abstract and critical thinking skills.

Ellen Walker

Eco Warrior & Science Communicator

Microscopic organisms doing amazing things in our soil are worthy of our interest. As a science communicator and eco-social worker, Ellen works with home gardeners, farmers, schools, and community groups to raise awareness of these invisible workers integral to human health and the regeneration of our environment. Ellen has studied with pioneers in the field to gain the skills and knowledge for her work. She is a founding partner of EarthWhile Australia, been a guest on a number of podcasts and received Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) awards.

Karen Livey

International Speaker, Keynote Speaker, Presenter & Coach

Karen is fascinated about the world of neuroscience and how it relates to leadership, life and even sleep. She appreciates that although we are all totally unique, there are still threads of sameness in us all and sleep is one of them. Karen knows when you master sleep you can master life.

Michael McHugh

Leadership and Management Development

At 16, Michael left school and found himself a job in the furniture industry in Queensland. He moved through the ranks and was leading a team and managing his first furniture store at just 20 years old. Learning through experience, Michael flourished in the role of leadership and business operations and within 5 years he went on to manage the company’s largest and most profitable store. Michael then moved into regional management roles, which led him to Perth in 2008. He was responsible for bringing the company to Western Australia, rolling out 3 store openings within 18 months. After 14 years with the one company, and at the age of 30, Michael decided it was time for a change. He went ‘back to school’ to complete his year 12 certificate and followed it up with his MBA.

Rebecca Carbone

Acquired Brain Injury Activist

In 2014, Rebecca Carbone underwent emergency surgery to resect a large brain tumour. However, a cerebral haemorrhage unexpectedly struck with devastating consequences. Rebecca was left completely paralyzed, temporarily blind, and unable to speak. Her prognosis was grim. Advised to admit Rebecca to a nursing home and that she could not be rehabilitated, her family refused. Defying incredible odds, Rebecca persevered through years of intensive rehabilitation, painstakingly relearning all skills again, despite the diagnosis of further inoperable brain tumours. Rebecca volunteers within the health sector, co-facilitating workshops for medical professionals at hospitals around WA & serves on the board of two not-for-profit organizations. Rebecca also speaks at support groups around the State & provides peer support to other Acquired Brain Injury survivors throughout the world.

Tanya Finnie

Global Cultural Strategist, Professional Speaker & CQ facilitator

Tanya Finnie is a global cultural strategist, professional speaker, business owner, mother and wife. Tanya has valuable global experience from having worked all across Africa, various European countries, shorter stints on all the other continents and is now proudly based in Perth, Western Australia. She works with middle managers to executives to grow situational awareness and self-awareness, reduce anxiety and stress, defuse conflict or simply build stronger collaborative teams. Her passion is to leverage diversity to build a more inclusive world.