TEDxManitouSprings BREAK FREE was amazing! The energy, the support, and the people were absolutely incredible. I am deeply honored to have been part of an event like this, surrounded by so many passionate and inspiring individuals.
As I continue to process my own experience, I want to highlight the incredible team and speakers who made the day so impactful.
First, a huge thank you to our speaker coach and curator, Michael Ashford. His guidance, thoughtful questions, and unwavering support helped each of us refine our messages and show up as our best selves on that stage. Any stumbles along the way were entirely on us—not for lack of his coaching!
And Mikki Gates—oh my goodness, Mikki! She was a constant source of encouragement, reminding us that we belonged there, lifting us up, and making sure we all felt supported. Every single person involved—from the photographers and videographers capturing the day to the behind-the-scenes crew moving chairs, checking in on us, and offering high-fives—played a vital role in making TEDxManitouSprings an unforgettable experience.
I adored every speaker. While I didn’t get to hear Rohaan Zuberi’s talk live, I’m eager to watch it. Despite not hearing it, though, I appreciated meeting him and getting to share energy and excitement. What a warm, inspiring soul! (And photo credit goes to him for this photo of me, as well as the silly video at the bottom of this post — a live picture I turned into video.)
Patrick Casale delivered a powerful talk that resonated with so many, including me and my husband. We truly appreciated his delivery and message. (And I thank you for the offer of a fidget when I was trying to work through my nervous energy.)
Lizz Welch and Mikki turned what could have been a setback into a dynamic and heartfelt fireside chat. Way to pivot! I’m looking forward to the talk she will hopefully get to give at a later date.
Donna Santistevan was an incredible force of warmth and courage, and I loved seeing the audience filled with people who came to support her. I can’t wait to connect with her further, as well as explore possible collaborations.
To round out the day, Mel Thacker brought a unique and fascinating perspective from the medical field—her talk on swans (you’ll have to tune in to know!) was thought-provoking, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Our poet Kalani Klyah brought art to the stage, and while I didn’t get to see her performance live, I am so honored to have shared space with her. My husband said it was very nice, which is high praise from him.
And then there was Sara Van Hecke—what a pro! During her performance, a loud sound like a gunshot went off unexpectedly. While my nervous system would have had me diving for cover, Sara didn’t miss a beat. She paused for a moment, then kept going as if nothing had happened. That’s resilience, and I can’t wait to hear more of her music. YOU can hear more on her site.
I’ve linked to all of these incredible people, so please go check them out.
As for my own experience? We’ll come back to that next time!
So, here’s my challenge to you: Do the hard things. Step into the discomfort. Take the opportunities that scare you. Because even when it feels overwhelming, even when your brain tries to convince you that you don’t belong, there’s something powerful waiting on the other side.
To TEDxManitouSprings—thank you. I hope to return again in the future as a speaker coach or volunteer because this experience, this community, is something truly special.
All Talks will be on video soon!
