Last Friday, March 28, the city of Philadelphia was proud to host a TEDx conference titled, “The New Workshop of the World.”
Most people have heard of TED talks, but for those who haven’t, TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. TED’s focus is always about thought leadership in different areas, and getting a true conversation started. It’s about bringing something new to the table and moving forward as a society.
This worldwide series of forward-thinking interdisciplinary conferences turns 30 this year, and it’s still going strong. The lineup was diverse, but the overall message of innovation today for Philly’s tomorrow was cohesive.
Let’s celebrate and recognize the display of innovation at TEDx as it can only strengthen our shared business community and inspire us all.
Some of the speakers included:
- Nikki Adeli, a junior at the Science Leadership Academy, who made a rousing plea for Philadelphians “to really believe in this generation in Philly right now. … If you invest in the present, the future will take care of itself.”
- Brian McTear of nonprofit Weathervane Music said, “Think of music as the beacon that draws members of your community together. We think this makes sense, not just for nonprofits like ourselves, but also as a model for for-profit companies.”
- Natalie Nixon of Philadelphia University, who applied the principles of jazz to corporate structures, said, “The future of work will look like jazz.”
- Stephen Klasko, CEO of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital System, titled his talk “2024” and described all the changes in health care.
- Andrew Dahlgren, textile artist, asked the provocative question, “What if Philadelphia was made of communities where people loved to work?”
TEDx brought forth an exciting and innovative new vision for our “home” city of Philadelphia as a 21st Century hub of manufacturing, business, medicine and science, music, education, civic commitment, and sustainable economic growth.
The term “innovative” often is applied to a company whose new product and/or pipeline shows promise. What about personal innovation? The verb “innovate” is defined as make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.
What can we do to innovate within our respective careers? Just because something has been done a certain way for years doesn’t mean there’s not room for change, growth, and new methods for improvement. Think outside the box!
Here at BRODY, we are excited to be a part of this new groundswell of innovation and leadership in the City of Brotherly Love. Much of this conversation is right in line with what we’ve always taught:
Creating connection in business, learning to shift your attitude to take full accountability for your own success, and thinking outside of the box, combines for a winning strategy.
While our training “language” targets businesses, strong character traits like leadership presence, effective negotiation skills, the ability to build relationships, and dynamic presentation skills … all create impact outside the boardroom, to success in life, relationships, and building community.
Kudos to TEDx and the thought-provoking and inspiring leaders who stepped up with their vision for Philadelphia. We look forward to how this event will catalyze change and growth in our business community and ways in which we can play a part!