TEDxCincinnati

April 7 2012— The first annual independently organized TEDxCininnatiChange event took place in the Queen City this Saturday, within the reclaimed art-inspired sanctuary known as St Michael.

Jamey Ponte, Jami Edelheit and their TEDx team brought the internationally recognized TEDtalks to our community with a think tank of “ideas worth sharing.”  A streaming of TEDtalks via Berlin ended with an inspiring and frank discussion by Melissa Gates who champions international women’s rights and women’s choice.  Great food, amazing musicians, dedicated designers and volunteers, and local speakers kept the venue intention rolling high all day.

This set the stage for the following celebrated speakers. A description of what the speakers had to say and how their ideas are altering the face of change in Cincinnati continues…

Lori Kran respects children. Remember how you loved your favorite teacher and it changed your life? This happens everyday at the Cincinnati Waldorf School. Lori Kran has a Ph.D., in History alongside a Waldorf accreditation from philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Lori shares how a Waldorf education engages a heart connection first to infuse deep passion. Students leave prepared to go into the world with serious academic enlightenment and an understanding of the needs of others. One practical example of this teaching is from a fourth grade Waldorf teacher who would tackle fraction math not simply by conceptualizing a pizza diagram, but would have the students eat the pizza by its fractioned slice. There are more examples but its basic point is, this acclaimed philosophy and process-oriented instruction will not be held to a myopic test-driven standard. This education is a priority for those who study edification and education because Waldorf teaching is child centered to deliver intellectual and empathetic results...and it starts in the heart.

Ashley Backett gives to those in need. Ashley founded an organization whose mission is to inspire the growth of peace and the stability of community through the encouragement of regional arts and culture. She recognizes even a simple pair of shoes to those who have none means so much. Simple things can be done to contribute. It comes from awareness and goes into action. Ashley asks we use creative thinking to make a difference in the lives of those who need so much. 

Ramsey Ford brings his commitment and business of design to help solve the toughest problems. Ramsey addresses the unequaled power of poverty-driven consequences to make a change in the lives of others who have little hope. In doing so he went to India to support a community who had the idea to clean their air, improve their health and make more local jobs. Ramsey and his team used design as a relationship-building tool to improve thinking, start businesses and generate sales. He continues to works to empower the poorest of the poor with these groundbreaking principals.  

Sarah Terrell changes a room. Sarah is a classically trained harpist who brings hope and healing and connects with people who are overlooked by society. Guests sat transfixed as she played the harp, while each sensitive note led the room into the nerve of change. With her generous talent, the entire sanctuary transformed and her music opened a space of beauty.  Sarah’s touch altered our conscious moment. Perched high atop the arch and beams of the sanctuary, she filled the rafters with trickled-down sound and bathed us in utter peace.

Jim Swill brings his technology acumen as he explains technology is changing the face of the spoken word. JIm believes our culture is born to take things for granted and technology produces enormous challenges with its rapid-fire options. His understanding of this dilemma elaborates how many choices we have each day by using technology and what a dilemma it creates.  

Samuel Phillips ”… is about the "frustration of originality." As a writer, Samuel uses a unique inspirational tool, others original ideas. On a vintage blue Sears typewriter, Samuel takes the exasperation of his ideas from other writers, and turns it back into his creative work and process. 

Jean Francois is in the business of waffle making. Jean has made it a master’s science. A restaurant owner with three masters’ degrees, it was Jean's exceptional waffles, encouraged by street vendors in his homeland of Brussels, that inspired him. Jean started out small making waffles in Findley Market and grew his business into a full scale Belgian bistro. Still to this day, the concept of the street vendor stays with Jean as his business continues to grow.  Jean believes good food makes people happy and the world of food carts are bringing a new and exciting emerging energy to the life of the city.

Andrea Sission and Peter Ohs love the medicine of perspective. Andrea and Peter were filmmakers living in Iceland on a Fulbright Fellowship and were transformed by the landscape surrounding them. Their time in Iceland brought an idea of design and creativity to help heal and foster great wellbeing. They believe in "contextual happenings" to bring about change in health. A new world rose for them after seven years living in this environment, as they created a film-design duo called, Lauren Edward.  They believe this different perspective is an avenue to healing mental health.

“Honest Abe” makes music in the present moment.  He jams a free-spirit hum with a sensitive beat, rhythm and riff. His tender drumming and emotional offering set a musical spark to TEDx and left the room with a unique energy to = perfect.  

Alex Sheba founder of Watch This, a film project and Cincinnati’s first YELP manager, Alex is a guru on what to say and what to post on the Internet. "If you don’t want your words out there forever…don’t put it on the Internet!" says Alex.  Yet he supports the plight of people everywhere who are unprepared to step into this awaiting abyss. The internet is a power and explosive presence and a confident voice is needed to write online. Alex describes how to be trusted and post on the Internet, how to show your best self, and how to stop hiding. He reminds us all, people will never come to you, you must be brave and go to them. Alex believes our online and offline personas are connected, so with courage we must understand how to celebrate and embrace our online profile, wisely.

Daniel Nebert, MD is an expert in the field of evolutionary genetics and genomics, and a UC Professor of Environmental Health and Pediatrics since 1989.  Dr Nebert developed the “Go Fish” project.  In laymen’s terms it goes somewhat like this, the genes of certain fish are taken form its host and expressed by micro injecting into the next host fish, and this somehow turns on a necessary gene. The outcome of this study is to detect pollution and then detox the water.  You heard it right!  Dr Nebert has developed a way to use fish to clean water…and the good doctor is looking for backing to get it funded.

Stacey Sims calls us to change the physical. Stacey considers herself a "change agent" and is founder of the True Body Project. She explores movement through self-examination and studies how to connect and disconnect emotionally and physically. Her talk included active, physical participation with the TEDx audience. Stacey also described two primal ways we understand the world, through fear and through orienting to our surroundings, and both have an impact on how we live. Stacey concluded her talk with a movement excercise to speed change and renewal. No being shy in this room!

David Mack is a writer, artist and author of comics and children’s stories. Author of the KABUKI novels, David’s inspirational and acclaimed work dives deep into brave storytelling. You could have heard a pin drop as TEDx attendees sat captivated by David's flair for speaking and provocative wisdom. "It is better to do what we love. People there IS no job security,” Mack attacks! ...Really? This honest Abe went on to suggest "... rotate your procrastinations to get done what must be accomplished and build momentum." Then quickly reminded us all "being human we are going to fail."  Besides having talent David has a point. Don't we all grapple with failure no matter who we are? Don't we have more to offer, in every possible way, doing something we love? Last he concluded “…don’t be afraid to break traditions and borders. Have a wonderful failure now and then. Because when this happens, it means you are on the right path. Keep showing your work to people no matter what …and remember the most amazing word to get you where you want to be (look on the back of the shampoo bottle, people) is ‘repeat’.”