Stuart explores the impact of consumerism in the Anthropocene, and how our moral disconnect from the natural world obscures the relatedness between nature and the objects we consume. By examining our current Anthropocentric ethical system, this talk seeks to question our complacency to the distance between 'things', and instead, proposes a shift towards an alternative biocentric perspective. Stuart Evans is an environmental philosopher who is deeply committed to animal liberation, and specialises in Critical Animal Studies. He is the founder and director of the Environmental Alliance Project CIC, where he works to inspire action and promote environmental change through collaboration and networking with private, public and third-sector organisations and the wider community and activism groups in these areas. Stuart's expertise focuses on the intersections of environmental and animal rights. His work draws attention to the ethical and moral considerations within the wider debates of climate change, capitalism, and our duty in the Anthropocene. His extensive knowledge and expertise in liberation theory and environmental philosophy have made him a sought-after voice at events and conferences around the UK.

We learn to talk from the moment we are born, but how many people can REALLY talk? This talk is a deep dive into to the way we communicate today in a world full of AI but Georgie suggests real connection can only be achieved by face to face conversation. Georgie Palmer is a broadcast journalist, communication skills specialist & media coach, voiceover artist, writer, events host and autism advocate. Most well-known more recently as the anchor weather presenter & entertainment correspondent for BBC South, she has enjoyed a long career interviewing the rich and famous (amongst the many - Al Pacino, Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig); there's nothing she loves more than meeting people. Georgie is also an avid year-round open water skins swimmer and is proud to be a trustee of pioneering swimming charity The Pinder Trust. A born and bred Londoner, she is still coming to terms with the fact that 16 years' later, she lives in the countryside with her husband, two daughters and dog.

Geologists just look at rocks, right? In this talk, Chris invites you to reimagine the almost unimaginable ways in which geology shapes our lives and livelihoods. Chris Jackson is Director of Sustainable Geoscience at the engineering consultancy Jacobs and Visiting Professor of Basin Analysis at Imperial College London. Chris works in the general area of sedimentary basin analysis. When not studying rocks, Chris gives geoscience lectures to the public and in schools, having appeared on several, Earth Science-focused, television productions and podcasts. Chris is engaged in efforts to improve equality, diversity, and inclusivity in Higher Education.

Lauren fell down the Web 3.0 rabbit hole unexpectedly in 2021 and pivoted her career to focus on all things #blockchain, #AI, #NFTs and the metaverse. In her talk, Lauren busts some of the myths surrounding Web3, and encourages us to think about how we can reimagine the internet to be more equitable. Women risk being left behind in the next major technological revolution, so now is the time to act. Lauren Ingram is a marketing leader and podcast host turned entrepreneur, having founded Women of Web3, a community with a mission to educate as many women as possible about the world of Web3: NFTs, cryptocurrencies, blockchain and the metaverse. Throughout her career Lauren has spearheaded programs aimed at improving gender equality in male-dominated fields, including leading Meta’s multimillion dollar program for female entrepreneurs, #SheMeansBusiness.

An unexpected 10 day silent meditation retreat in the Himalayas led to the creation of Open House Deli. Stripped of any music, books or writing material clarity formed, Rebecca slowly started challenging the hospitality norms in her head. Now a 75 seater sustainably led cafe and large eco store, thriving through covid, and now constantly riding the hospitality rollercoaster, Rebecca champions seasonal eating and is particularly passionate about reducing food waste and bringing the best out of her team.

Despite a strong fear of heights and hatred of the cold, Shadi has climbed many mountains in extreme conditions. Her talk is about a journey of breaking all the rules whilst serving others fearlessly. Shadi is an adventurer, philanthropist and working mum, who has undertaken some extraordinary challenges. Despite an extreme fear of heights and hatred of the cold, she has climbed many mountains (inc. Mt Blanc, Mt Elbrus and the Matterhorn) and believes that stepping into your fears is the roadmap to success. She now inspires others to push through those boundaries and has led several teams on expeditions under extreme, even polar, conditions. Raising hundreds of thousands for good causes, her aim is to make true change in the world happen.

Onyinye's talk explores neurodiversity with a specific focus on dyslexia. Onyinye explains to the audience what neurodiversity is and how it affects the lives of neurodivergent people. She also tells the audience a very special story and shows how neurodiversity enables phenomenal entrepreneurs. Onyinye Udokporo is an entrepreneur, educator, dyslexic author, neurodiversity consultant and content creator. She is the Founder and CEO of Enrich Learning, a business she started aged 12. Onyinye is passionate about education and is an advocate for neurodivergent people in school and the workplace. Her lived experience as a black dyslexic woman inspired her to write a book about how one can transition from survival mode to thrival mode even if they are neurodivergent.

Given the increasing role that artificial intelligence (AI) systems play in all of our lives, Dale believes we are due for a discussion about what schools should be teaching children about AI. Dale is a software developer for IBM with an interest in supporting STEM in schools. He spent several years as a developer of IBM's artificial intelligence platform, Watson, helping to create several of the Watsmon technologies. He is the author of "Machine Learning for Kids", and the creator of the supporting website MachineLearningForKids.co.uk which is used by children around the world to learn about artificial intelligence.

Most businesses eventually face a moment of reckoning. These moments can often serve as a catalyst to help that business define its purpose, and unite its people and resources behind it. As the custodian of the eponymous Anglepoise brand, Chairman Simon Terry has spent the last two decades preparing this 90 year old business to light the way for future generations of customers. In 2001 Simon Terry left a successful career as a film compositor in Visual Effects, working on a range of blockbuster movies, including James Bond, Zorro and Les Miserables, to join the family business, Anglepoise®. As Joint Managing Director, he has been responsible for transforming the company into a dynamic, design-driven business, collaborating with Sir Kenneth Grange, Britain’s most successful Industrial Designer. He has also set up long-term collaborations with the fashion world including designers such as Margaret Howell and Paul Smith. Over the past 21 years, Simon has seen the business grow significantly, both in retail and contract sectors with significant exports around the globe.

Natalie's TEDx talk looks at how labels, even with the best intentions, can trap us into acting in a way that can have a negative impact on us. Natalie examines how breaking free means we can live authentically and stop putting labels and expectations on others too. Natalie is a strong woman in every sense of the word.

6th Strongest British Master in 2022, solo parent, St Michael’s Hospice Ambassador and co-founder of The Typeface Group, a BCorp Comms agency + design studio. Natalie is also continually working on and learning more about herself and the world outside of her lived experiences and privilege daily, which informs her work as vice-chair of the Hampshire FA Inclusion Advisory Group.