TEDWomen 2021 "Keep-aways"
A few years ago I decided to apply to attend TEDWomen (yes, you have to apply just to be in the audience). I loved the mission of the event, which was devoted to celebrating changemakers who make a difference for women and girls in the world. It had been on my bucket list for years, mainly because some of my favorite Ted Talks came out of it like:
Sheryl Sandberg’s seminal talk that led to “Lean In”
Arianna Huffington’s talk which led to the creation of Thrive Global
Diana Nyad’s talk about her athletic resilience
Early one morning I was sitting in a hotel room about to facilitate a leadership program for young women from all over the world when I realized I needed to take the time to inspire my own leadership. I needed to be the one to sit back and let the wave of brilliant thinkers wash over me. I needed to connect with new people from all over the world who I’ve never met and who were committed to growing and making an impact on others with their presence.
So I applied. And then I got accepted. And then I had to go. And it was hard. Hard to take the time away from my family and from my work. It was hard to hold a few days precious and tell people to who I am almost always available, that I would be unavailable.
But now especially after the last few years of the pandemic, I realize that it’s those times that you hold precious to learn, to connect, or to just be – that’s where the magic happens.
And, in the end, it has all been worth it because I’ve received so much from this community. From the speakers who ignite possibilities in the world. To the attendees who are equally fascinating. To the incredible people of Ted who make it all happen seemingly, seamlessly.
This year was my fourth TEDWomen – the third in person. The theme: What Now. This year’s event was a bit smaller given, well, you know. Although with pandemic protocols in place including proof of vaccination, testing, and masking along with the venue being mostly outdoors I felt incredibly comfortable attending.
Highlights included the pre-conference Discovery Session where along with a small group I learned how to connect more deeply to my body, discover more joy, and understand lessons in diversity from playing and singing songs developed by young black girls from @Kyra Gaunt, Ted Fellow and professor of ethnomusicology.
Hearing the beautiful words of the Universe in Verse by Maria Popova (editor of the Marginalian, formerly Brain Pickings).
Learning from Diana Adams an attorney who is on a mission to change the definition of “family” through the law.
Diana Adams
Laughing so hard at the comedy of Marcia Belsky and her experience of going viral with a piece about Sally Ride. (In case you want to laugh out loud watch this right now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmyByJ4nqN0).
Being inspired by Srishti Bakshi a women’s rights advocate who walked the length of India to highlight the plight of women and girls and who is on a mission to help make women more mobile by teaching them how to drive.
Srishti Bakshi
And so many more.
In addition to the formal presentations, there were random meetups waiting online, deep connections made through group meditation, and dancing and singing with abandon under a beautiful moon. And most important, spending time with old friends and making new ones.
This time, instead of key take-aways I’ve decided to remind myself of key “keep-aways” those things I want to keep from attending: like the dear friends I’ve made, the experiences that changed me, and the learning that will help me grow long after the conference is over.
Spending time at a conference like this is the antidote to so much that challenges us in the world. It’s filled with hope, creativity, and possibility. All things we need right now – so pick your new network, conference, place of learning, and go. As long as it feeds the mind, invigorates the body, and energizes the soul you’ll not only have great take-aways, but you’ll also create great “keep-aways.”