Theme: TEDxWilmington Salon: Leadership and Growth

Join us at the historic Hagley Library for TEDxWilmingtonSalon: Leadership and Growth, an evening dedicated to ideas that spark transformation—from the boardroom to the community. This intimate TEDxSalon event gathers thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers for a powerful exchange of ideas centered on bold leadership, personal evolution, and scalable impact.

Set on the grounds where American industrial innovation took root, the Hagley Soda House offers more than a backdrop—it’s a symbol. Once home to the DuPont Company’s early breakthroughs, this venue embodies the enduring spirit of invention, enterprise, and leadership that shapes our region’s identity. There’s no better place to explore how past ingenuity informs today’s growth strategies and tomorrow’s leadership models.

Expect TEDx talks that challenge conventional wisdom, inspire authentic leadership, and unlock new possibilities for growth—in business, community, and self.

Come for the ideas. Stay for the energy. Leave with a renewed sense of purpose.

Hagley Library - Copeland Room
298 Buck Road
Wilmington, Delaware, 19807
United States

Autumn Tuxward

Director of Youth Programs

Autumn Tuxward is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for youth development, currently serving as the Director of Youth Programs at Code Differently. With nearly two decades of public service—including 18 years as a Paramedic Lieutenant—Autumn brings unmatched experience in leadership, crisis response, and program strategy. A 2023 Leadership Delaware Fellow and recipient of the Jefferson Award, she is committed to community impact, equity, and opportunity. Autumn also serves on advisory boards for Wilmington University and the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay. Her work empowers young people to build meaningful futures through tech, education, and purpose-driven leadership.

David Jacob

Entrepreneur

David Jacob is a master sales trainer and psychological strategist who has helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs, SaaS founders, and sales professionals double their prices, close with confidence, and build sales systems that never saturate. With over a decade of experience selling everything from luxury goods to high-ticket services, David’s approach goes beyond scripts and tactics—he rewires your mindset using proven psychological principles and timeless sales strategies. As the founder of a results-driven training platform, he equips clients to break mental blocks, sell authentically, and consistently close.

Greg Cannon

Transformational Leader, Speaker and Strategist

Greg Cannon is a transformational leader, speaker, and strategist committed to helping individuals and organizations live their Ideal Life by inspiring trust, motivating others, and cultivating authentic community. As the founder of Make It Cannon, Greg blends purpose-driven storytelling with practical tools to ignite growth and unlock potential. Known for his dynamic energy and servant leadership, Greg partners with schools, nonprofits, and businesses to drive cultural change and elevate impact. Whether on stage or in strategy sessions, his mission is clear: to empower people to lead with intention, connect with clarity, and make every moment count.

Matt Markel

Entrepreneur

Dr. Matt Markel is a visionary technologist, entrepreneur, and author with a track record of leadership across the defense and commercial tech sectors. As CTO of Epirus Inc., he leads cutting-edge innovation to protect global security, and previously served as CEO of Spartan Radar, advancing autonomous vehicle technology. A former VP at Waymo and Ghost Autonomy, Matt helped develop world-class radar systems, including the industry’s most sensitive automotive imaging radar. He is the author of Radar for Fully Autonomous Driving and co-founder of Red Advantage Management. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Markel simplifies complex tech to inspire action and transform the future of mobility and national defense.

Shayla Atkins

Organizational Development Consultant

Shayla N. Atkins is a visionary organizational development consultant, bestselling author, and award-winning leadership strategist. As Founder & CEO of The Atkins IMPACT Consulting Firm and creator of the Leadership Redefined programs and conference, Shayla partners with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofits to transform workplace culture and accelerate high-potential leaders—especially women of color—into senior roles. A former global executive and Forbes HR Council member, Shayla is known for blending data-driven strategy with human-centered leadership. Her work empowers leaders to foster inclusion, build resilience, and lead boldly into the future.

Tabatha Russell

Entrepreneur

Dr. Tabatha Y. Russell is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and award-winning financial strategist transforming lives through faith, finance, and mindset mastery. As CEO of The Wealth Builders Revolution and founder of Inside Inspired Women Global, she equips women to build wealth, lead boldly, and create multiple income streams. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Tabatha has shared the stage with global leaders and been featured on TEDx, Forbes, ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS. Her bestselling book, I Divorced My Money and Married My Mindset, empowers readers to shift from financial survival to legacy-driven living. She is a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient dedicated to helping others build wealth with wisdom and purpose.