Why Love is Harder in a Second Language – Magdalena Hoeller

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

Communicating with someone in a second language can be challenging itself, but expressing emotion and all of the nuances of love in a second language is often something we don’t think about. Magdalena Hoeller is an academic director and works with international students. With a passion for linguistics, she has researched how and why communication succeeds and fails across different cultures and language backgrounds. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections in diversity in academic, social and personal settings.

Validation to value: The paradox of being likeable – Dan Ballard

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

As humans, we often exhibit our desire to be liked by others, but how does that impact us and our perceptions of ourselves. Dan Ballard is a communication expert and devoted father with over 13 years of global experience. His dynamic mentorship helps individuals and organisations tap into their authentic voice, creating greater impact. He’s passionate about building inner confidence and specific skills for personal and business success.

Why play is for everyone and not just kids – Trudi Boatwright

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

Play is something we experiment with as children, it’s a large piece of how we determine our capabilities and those beyond us, but why don’t we as adults adopt the same approach to understand what we can and what we cannot achieve? Trudi Boatwright is a playful experience designer, theatre maker, and global leader in organisational play. She’s helped countless organisations and individuals unlock the science of purposeful play through research and practice, and she’s on a mission to change the world — one playful moment at a time.

Do you have a victim mentality at work? – Stefanie Costi

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

Workplace dynamics are difficult, high stress and more complicated than ever and resultingly, we’ve seen measures implemented to protect employees.

This talk seeks to invoke a sense of reflection on situations, we all as employees have at some time faced. Stef is an advocate, activist and lawyer who campaigns for the safety of everyone, particularly in the roles in which they’re employed in.

Habits for intergenerational health – Dave Nixon

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

We often hear about how important intergenerational wealth is and how it is passed down to future generations, but what about the habits and features of health that are passed down to future generations? Dave Nixon is a health professional, business person and author. He has worked with over 10 thousand people throughout his 20 years in the health and wellness industry. Dave is deeply passionate about making life changing information accessible and approachable and continues to drive real long term change in the way we approach mental, social and physical health.

A Circular Economy Approach to Food Waste – David Sivyer 

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

Food waste, in Australia and across the globe is a major problem facing humanity. However, there’s a circular economy approach which has been implemented by organisations in Australia that not only reduces waste but builds community. David Sivyer is passionate about using food systems as a powerful tool to foster community, sustainability, and innovation. With roots in farming and experience leading urban agriculture initiatives, he’s dedicated to transforming how cities approach food waste and sustainability. In his upcoming TED Talk, David will explore how food can be the foundation for collaboration and growth, helping cities become more connected and resilient. His work is about reimagining urban life through the lens of food, creativity, and shared purpose.

How to break cycles of violence – Mariam Mohammed

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

Violence in most cases is perpetrated by men, but have we had the right approach in dealing with the causes and contributors to violence?

This talk explores how a punitive and broad approach, may not be the best way to flatten the curve of violence committed by men. Mariam is an entrepreneur, artist, speaker, and facilitator who is an advocator for strength, empowerment, diversity ad inclusion, Mariam trains leaders and flips the script on traditional leadership and has been recognised by the Australian Financial Review as one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women.

Unlocking Potential: AI for Neurodiverse Minds – Craig Smith

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

What if AI could become your cognitive sidekick, transforming how you think, plan, and live? In this talk, discover how walking and talking with AI can enhance focus, executive functioning, and even bring joy to neurodivergent minds. Explore a simple framework to unlock potential in everyday life. Craig Smith is an educator and researcher. For twenty years he has worked as an autism and neurodivergent education specialist, contributing to the development of kinder and more inclusive communities at home and abroad. Craig is deeply passionate about the role that emerging technologies can play in providing accessible solutions for all.

How To Be Happy: 3 Common Misconceptions and Their Solutions – Declan Edwards

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

Happiness is a concept which means different things to different people, but what is “happiness” and how do we obtain it? This talk explores the notion of happiness, what it means, how we come by it and how across the world, happiness means different things. Declan Edwards is a happiness researcher, keynote speaker and author. He is an avid believer in the potential of people and has devoted his time, effort and business to equipping people with the strategies to manage their emotions and master their mindset.

A unique approach to the public health crisis – Dr Tim Stewart

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

How many patients present to Australian Emergency Departments when they don’t need to? The answer is surprising. Dr Tim Stewart speaks on how a new approach to emergency medicine in Australia is allowing for first class customer service and satisfaction and less of a burden on the healthcare system. Dr Tim Stewart is an experienced emergency medicine practitioner who has practiced across the world. Tim and his team at Heal Urgent Care have recently rolled out an innovative urgent care model in New South Wales which aims to provide excellent service and healthcare whilst reducing burdens placed upon hospital and health care systems.

Helping returning veterans rediscover their purpose – Heston Russell

TEDxCooksHill | 2024

What is our intrinsic purpose? Or what do we think it might be? Purpose is something that as humans, we can lose and the loss of it can cause us to lose much more. How important is it to be resilient if and when this happens? Heston Russell is a veteran, an advocate and a voice for change. After leaving the defence force, Heston pledged to not become a statistic and has since dedicated his time and passion to ensure that veterans are supported. Heston is now a motivational speaker who aims to share how important purpose is for us all and what impact it can have upon our lives.