Theme: Elevate

Through powerful storytelling, groundbreaking research, and deeply personal insights, TEDxWilliamJamesCollege presenters will inspire others to rise, to challenge, and to reimagine—because to Elevate is to evolve.

This TEDx event is dedicated to Dr. Aprille Young, whose leadership and vision continue to inspire transformation in leadership psychology, organizational development, and beyond. Her pioneering work in leadership psychology and cancer care embodies the very essence of what it means to Elevate—ourselves, our communities, and the future.

William James College
1 Wells Avenue
Newton, Massachusetts, 02459
United States

Annie Laing

Organizational and Leadership Consultant, Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Workshop Facilitator

Annie Laing is an Organizational and Leadership Consultant who is passionate about helping leaders thrive, organizations fabulously navigate change, and people reach their full potential by embracing the freedom of unoffendable living. In progress toward obtaining a doctorate in Organizational and Leadership Psychology from William James College in 2027, Annie has extensive experience helping leaders and organizations improve internal communications and culture cultivation. Annie is also a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and retired opera singer.

Anthony Meek

Organizational and Leadership Consultant, Career and Executive Coach, Speaker, and Educator

With over 20 years of experience as a leader, therapist, and coach, Anthony now works as an organizational and leadership consultant, career and executive coach, speaker, and educator, helping individuals, teams, and organizations reconnect with their passion and purpose, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology, a Master's degree in Counseling and Applied Psychology, and is currently completing his Doctorate in Organizational and Leadership Psychology at William James College. Anthony has extensive experience in developing high-performing teams and organizations, helping them tap into both individual and collective potential to drive excellence and resilience.

Blake Cohen

Organizational and Leadership Consultant & Speaker

Blake Cohen is a human-driven leadership and organizational psychology consultant who has set out to shift workplace dynamics toward connection, purpose, productivity, and engagement. Finishing his doctorate in Leadership and Organizational Psychology at William James College, Blake holds a master’s degree in Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Formerly a successful entrepreneur in mental healthcare, he now focuses his diverse expertise on executive coaching, workplace training, and organizational consulting. Blake is also a best-selling author, international speaker, and host of "The Workplace Wonderers” podcast.

Christine O'Brien

Organizational Psychologist & Leadership Consultant

Dr. Christine O'Brien is an organizational psychologist and leadership consultant. As a marketer turned psychologist, she believes analytics and storytelling are an essential duo. She identifies as a futurist, someone with an insatiable desire to explore trends (historic and current) as a way to predict what lies ahead, and wants to unveil the true future of entrepreneurship. She uses her own research and analysis of workplace trends to paint a more complete picture of entrepreneurship today. She hopes this knowledge will empower people to take control of their own career paths while also encouraging leaders to create organizations that honor entrepreneurial thinking and experiences as a way to solve the complex challenges that we are facing globally.

Greg Mazzeo

Organizational and Leadership Consultant, Human Resources Professional, Educator, Speaker, and Facilitator

Greg Mazzeo is a culinary and restaurant leader turned organizational and leadership psychologist. He received his associate's degree in culinary arts and bachelor’s degree in food service management. While working as a General Manager, he received his master’s in human resources development and completed his leadership psychology doctorate in June 2025 while working in human resources. His unique practitioner and academic experience inform his service-oriented organizational and leadership development skills by understanding the intersection of people, data, and the environment. He refers to this intersection as organizational and leadership nourishment. He develops individuals, teams, and organizations by shifting mindsets in how people understand their power, influence, and environments. His passion for engagement, performance, and belonging is led by understanding people, data, and the environment.

Luba Falk Feigenberg

Psychologist, Researcher, & Educator

Luba Falk Feigenberg is a psychologist, researcher, and educator committed to supporting individual and organizational growth. Her work focuses on cultivating reflective practice, fostering a culture of inquiry, and designing collaborative learning experiences. Through her business, Reframe Evaluation, Luba helps mission-driven organizations use data to tell their story and drive meaningful change. Additionally, she is co-director and instructor in the Leading Transformative Mental Health in Schools program at William James College. Her writing spans academic publications, creative nonfiction, and mainstream outlets, often exploring themes of parenting, mental health, and self-discovery. She finds joy in reading cookbooks, wandering around cities, and spending time near the ocean.

Mike R. Sweeney

Strategic executive coach to Founders & CEOs | Military officer turned girl dad & paradox nerd

Mike R. Sweeney thrives in paradox. He’s a former Army officer turned executive coach, a disciplined strategist who helps bold leaders navigate the messy middle of human complexity. For over 20 years, he’s worked with executives and founders to lead through tension, build high-performing teams, and stay sharp when the pressure’s on. His experience spans industries, boardrooms, and tank battlefields—and his secret weapon is his ability to turn emotional chaos into strategic clarity. From running marathons to raising daughters, Mike brings discipline, warmth, and a sharp sense of humor to everything he does. He believes great leadership isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about learning how to hold opposites in balance.