Let’s get one thing straight: Wanting to be on a TEDx stage doesn’t mean you’re self-absorbed. For many of us, it’s about making an impact. In my case, it wasn’t about me, it was about my son, and a message that was bigger than both of us.
Why I Did It
I didn’t wake up one day and decide to “build a brand.” My TEDx talk was about the extraordinary power of neurodiversity. I’m a mom to an incredible autistic son, and after losing my grandmother in 2019, something shifted. I felt this whisper: “You need to share this.” And not just for my son, for the 20% of the world navigating the stigma that comes with being labeled “different.”
The problem? I had no idea where to begin.
The solution? I found Leadr by Thought Leader. Or rather, it found me—via my newsfeed.
Why I Chose Thought Leader
Their message hit differently. Their mission to help amplify voices for good aligned perfectly with mine. It wasn’t: “How do I get famous?” It was: “How do I create real change?”
Let me be blunt: I couldn’t have done this on my own. You can have the best message in the world but without a structure, you’re shouting into the void, and that’s how they helped the most.
What the Program Actually Offers
Here’s what they won’t tell you in the ads but what made the difference for me:
- Clarity on the Message
The coaches helped me get laser-focused - Real-Time Feedback
It’s uncomfortable, but it’s effective - Accountability
The program gave it structure, and that structure gave it life. - Alignment with Mission
It was about making your message matter for others.
What People Don’t Say Out Loud
- It’s not cheap.
- You’ll question yourself.
- You’ll want to quit halfway through.
But if your “why” is strong enough, none of that matters.
I wasn’t just trying to get a TEDx talk, I was trying to give neurodivergent voices the platform they deserve.
My Outcome
I landed my TEDx talk. I’ve since spoken on AI and human trafficking, joined global protection summits, and sparked partnerships that never would’ve happened otherwise.
It wasn’t luck. It was leverage. I used the TEDx platform to drive impact.
If you’re serious about owning your message and doing the real work to amplify it, Leadr delivers.
Watch my TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaanJc7sI4k
