Theme: Chrysalis Chronicles

"Unfolding Brilliance: Welcome to 'Chrysalis Chronicles' - an extraordinary TEDxAstonUniversity event. On October 7th, 2023, we invite you to immerse yourself in a day of captivating ideas and remarkable stories at our annual TEDx gathering. Just like a chrysalis transforms into a butterfly, our speakers will share their transformative journeys and insights, pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. Join us in celebrating the power of ideas, hosted against the backdrop of Aston University's innovative spirit. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted as we delve into the Chronicles that shape our world. Secure your place now for a day that promises to spark new perspectives and illuminate the path to a brighter future."

Aston Students' Union
Aston University
Aston Triangle
Birmingham, Birmingham, B4 7ET
United Kingdom

Anitha Chinnaswamy

Deputy Director

Anitha is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Cyber Security Management at Aston Business School and is Deputy Director of the Cyber Security Innovation Centre. Anitha has delivered multiple research and consultancy projects funded by HMG (DSIT, FCDO), UKRI Innovate UK, EU Horizon WMCA, NCSC and Innovate UK, to name a few. Her research was also submitted an impact case in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. In addition to successful research leadership, she leads the delivery of an innovative MBA in Cyber Security that is aimed at middle-senior managers and included key areas such as cyber resilience, cyber risk management, incident management, crisis management and communications, strategy, etc.

Dr. Justin Varney

Director of Public Health

I have led a career marked by ingenuity and compassion. I am communicative, personable, and adept at leading a group of diverse individuals to work synergistically across boundaries and organisations to create sustainable upstream solutions as well as downstream innovations that address today's challenges. With multifaceted experience conceiving, developing, and launching programmes and strategies that aim to address inequalities and marginalised communities at scale and pace. I have extensive public sector experience and a proven ability to build partnerships and facilitate change in the NHS, Voluntary and Community Sector, as well as experience building innovative relationships with the private and commercial sector.

Gian Power

Founder

Gian Power is a globally renowned keynote speaker whose work on storytelling and mental wellbeing has reached audiences in over 300+ of the world’s largest companies spanning more than 100 countries. Gian is the Founder & CEO of TLC Lions using the power of storytelling to transform workplaces globally. Through his unique storytelling approach, Gian has worked with large multinationals including Google, Amazon and Rolls-Royce and his methodology is now reaching over 15 million people in the skies where you can find his content onboard all Emirates flights. His work has been recognised by Forbes, the BBC, Business Insider and is backed by the UK Government and No 10 Downing Street. Gian is also a proud ambassador for the Missing People charity. Gian recognises that everyone has a story and he has dedicated his life to supporting others in understanding and sharing their story, so it can become their greatest strength.

Oyinkansola Adebayo

Founder & CEO

Oyinkansola ‘Oyin’ Adebayo is the Founder and CEO of Niyo Group, an ecosystem of brands that exists to economically empower Black women to be builders of high-impact ecosystems. Oyin’s purpose is to empower Black women globally to upskill, transform their careers and create a world-class black female ecosystem using the latest technologies, curate and build culture, and shape the way Black women produce. I arrived in the UK at the age of 12 from Lagos, Nigeria. Although I was outgoing, switched on and fiercely passionate even then, I struggled to feel settled here for several years. The problems I was experiencing here – combined with the issues of poverty I saw in Nigeria – led me to take on social-impact work while still at school. I started volunteering and even campaigned to raise awareness to enable the world’s most underrepresented to build. Fast-forward to now and I am still working to make life better for young women, their families, and wider communities.

Shammi Raichura

Operations & Social Impact Lead

Shammi Raichura is an Operations Lead at Uber, responsible for unlocking and operationalising growth opportunities for the business. He has 10 years experience working in entrepreneurial settings, primarily as a high impact operator and leader. Alongside this, he provides mentoring and coaching to entrepreneurs and startups on their journey through scaling and growing their organisations. Utilising his keen interest and experience in what it takes to execute on delivering impactful outcomes in the world of tech and business, his talk shares insights into how transformational leadership, the framing of challenges and the efficient employment of resources can enable anyone to be a more effective operator.

Swarnali Mitra

Financial Products Director

Swarnali is a cross-discipline builder and investor with experience across multiple domains - engineering, product, public policy and capital markets. She is most interested in solving problems that might last beyond her lifetime - especially those that sit at the intersection of technology, social justice, financial access, and economic development. Swarnali’s current focus is helping scale the global carbon removals market through financial products at CUR8, and investing in startups with a collective of founders, operators, and investors at Nodes.

Theo Johnson

Actor, Script Writer, BBC 1xtra Presenter

I started out as an actor playing series regular 'Callum' in Channel 4's "RAISED BY WOLVES", and lead character 'Jay' in "GAP" at the National Theatre. Most recently I shot feature, THE INTENT 2 on Netflix, comedy ON THE OTHER FOOT as well as the 1st black BBC iPlayer radio drama called JESUS PIECE, "Darren" in BBC Doctors and a celebrity cameo in the BLUE STORY MOVIE by Rapman. Instead of Just waiting for the phone to ring. A few years back I decided to take matters into my own hands and started writing scripts and building quite a big following online through viral comedy sketches and short films. I wrote, directed and starred in my short films, that have grossed over a million views on YouTube and made BBC news for their positive message and strong storyline. Helping me to land a "THINK"advert and my latest short "JUST ONE DROP" on Amazon prime.

Wade Younger

Managing Partner

Wade Younger is a dynamic force in the world of AI, Blockchain and VR leadership, captivating audiences with his innovative thinking. Renowned as a trailblazer, he has authored a multitude of inspiring books and insightful publications, leaving a lasting impact on the business landscape. Leading the charge as CEO of The Value Wave and Managing Partner at Armstrong Wolfe Advisory, based in the UK, Wade is at the forefront of cutting-edge strategies. His expertise extends beyond boundaries, as he serves as a Guest Lecturer at the esteemed Cornell University, sharing his wisdom with eager minds.