Theme: (Hy-)performance

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Via Ponte Tresa 29
Lugano, Ticino (it), 6900
Switzerland

Daniel Jordi

Daniel Jordi is an entrepreneur and the creator of The ChangeMakers’ Hub. He is a member of the Steering Committee at the Trestle Group Foundation and very passionate about making positive change in the world through education and entrepreneurship. Daniel has a talent for challenging people to live up to their highest potential and connecting leaders who make positive influences in the world. He believes that by surrounding ourselves with the right people who challenge us to greatness, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve impossible things.

David Steinacker

David works as a Strategist at Google, where he acts as a business advisor for large online publishers. Prior to joining Google, he served as a Product Development Manager for mobile banking in Kenya and as a consultant and researcher for inter alia Oxfam and the World Bank in South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique and Uganda. David is a strong believer in the power of innovation and mobile technology and is certain that the next economic miracle is happening right now in Africa. He holds a MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics (LSE).

Dena Parsa

Dena Parsa was born and raised in Iran until the age of 13, after which she moved to Denmark. Water has always been an important part of Dena’s life, with some people even referring to her as a modern-day mermaid due to her career as a successful freediver. In 2014, she achieved a new Danish National Depth Record in free immersion. Following her recent success, Dena was awarded a wild card for the World Cup in 2015.

Howard Leedham MBE

Howard is the CEO of Dalma Capital Management Limited, a hedge fund manager headquartered in he Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). He also established the first DIFC domiciled Hedge Fund and financial analysts platform in India. Howard is a former Royal Navy Commando Pilot, Clearance Diver and UK Special Forces Officer; he twice won gallantry awards and was decorated by Her Majesty the Queen. In 2003 he was invited to accept a (post 9/11) senior advisory position constructing and commanding a night capable, heli-borne militia force on the Pakistan/Afghan border. He became accredited by the Department of State as making the “single most important individual contribution” to border security in this infamous region. He has since published a book recounting these exploits. He served with the United States Marine Corps in the Gulf War and was the first British officer to take temporary command of a United States Marine Corps Squadron

Julian Pistone

Julian works as a Strategic Partner Manager at Google. Half Austrian, half Italian, he grew up on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Today, Julian consults Swiss web publishers and app developers on their digital monetization strategies. He is also a guest lecturer on online advertising at Bocconi University and Grenoble Graduate School of Business, where he shares his passion for mobile technology and emerging markets. Julian has a particular affinity to Africa, a continent that he believes offers not only immense beauty, but tremendous potential for growth and creative innovation.

Julian Pistone & David Steinacker

Julian works as a Strategic Partner Manager at Google. Today, he consults Swiss web publishers and app developers on their digital monetization strategies. He is also a guest lecturer on online advertising at Bocconi University and Grenoble Graduate School of Business, where he shares his passion for mobile technology and emerging markets. Julian has a particular affinity to Africa, a continent for growth and creative innovation. David works as a Strategist at Google, where he acts as a business advisor for large online publishers. Prior to joining Google, he served as a Product Development Manager for mobile banking in Kenya and as a consultant and researcher for inter alia Oxfam and the World Bank in South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique and Uganda. David is a strong believer in the power of mobile technology and is certain that the next economic miracle is happening right now in Africa. He holds a MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics.

Martynas Kairys

Martynas Kairys is a mix between a motivational speaker and a present-day superspy; fluent in five languages, the ability to command naval vessels, and happiness evangelist are but a few of the qualities that Martynas has. He went to two universities in two different countries at the same time while still finding time for social and business projects in order to push himself and everyone else around him to new limits. Since then he has made the leap from naval officer to investment banker and is now the Co-founder and CEO of IT companies: CreoFox and Whemsy that specialize in delivering tools for higher performance of companies, employees and individuals helping them to deal with daily habits, motivation and willpower.

Pamela Adams

Pamela Adams, a full-time academic, shares her perspective on entrepreneurship and the potential value of customer and end-use experience with the products they use at TEDxLugano 2015. She uses her research to show how we can unleash the potential that is in all of us.

Ryan Vannin

Ryan Vannin has more than 15 years of experience in the field of communications, business strategy, design and development. He is the owner of Plastical, a communication and business strategy consultancy for startups and small businesses established in Ticino, where he advises entrepreneurs on ways to innovate and market their services and products efficiently. He is also the co-founder of Tipiù, an e-magazine about entrepreneurship, technology and innovation related to the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. Ryan is also partnering with the government’s agency of innovation (Agire) to manage the digital branch of Tecnopolo Ticino in Chiasso. He learned ‘the hard way’ that talent and creativity are not enough to successfully achieve goals, but passion and constant improvements. As a lifehacker himself, he believes that lifehackers are those with the greatest potential to make it through life and push us as humans forward.

Walter Gjergja

Walter Gjergja, Shaolin monastic name Shi Xing Mi, has been called a “cultural acrobat” and the “monk of strategy”. He has combined lifelong studies in Shaolin culture, which eventually made him one of the first non-Chinese Shaolin 32nd generation Master. His professional life has been just as uniquely diverse, becoming the youngest CEO of a listed company in Australia and then working as manager of leading consulting and investment firms in Europe and Asia, only to suddenly abandon at a very early age such a promising corporate career to share his unique blend of monastic wisdom and “modern life” experience. He has since authored two books, such as the recent German management best seller ‘Gib Nicht Alles, Gib Das Richtige’ and has been the protagonist of many magazine articles and of several documentaries (BBC, Discovery Channel). Today, Shi Xing Mi conducts speeches, seminars and workshops at major events, universities, conferences, as well as international corporate executives.