Theme: The Melody of Life

Experience the harmony of innovation and human spirit on Friday October 25th at TEDxGöteborg's 2024 Main Event, "The Melody of Life"!

Be transported by stories and insights that range from quiet moments of personal triumph to the loud crescendos of breakthroughs in technology and science.

Our speakers are artists, innovators, thinkers, and dreamers—each ready to share their part in our ever-evolving song. With each talk, discover how their melodies can help us become better versions of ourselves and create a future filled with hope and possibility.

Join us for a day of profound engagement, set against the backdrop of our shared human journey. This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the melodies that make life a beautiful, enduring symphony.

At TEDxGöteborg: "The Melody of Life", every beat and every tone, will tell a story of passion, purpose, and endless potential.

World of Volvo
Lyckholms Torg 1
Gothenburg, Västra Götalands län, 412 63
Sweden

Alba James

Singer Songwriter

In the depths of a Swedish forest, Alba James composes melodies that dance between profound sadness and strange happiness, much like the feeling of lying in grass and gazing at the vast sky above. Her music, a blend of intimate ballads and orchestral compositions, springs from a lifelong sense of beautiful smallness in an immense world. Drawing inspiration from folk traditions and fairy tales, Alba crafts her sonic stories in a tiny forest studio, where her latest single "You Belong To Me" took root. At TEDxGöteborg, prepare to be transported by Alba's haunting melodies as she weaves a musical tapestry that echoes the whispers of the forest and the depths of human emotion.

Anna Storm

CEO, Omegapoint Gothenburg

Forget the five-year plan - Anna Storm, CEO of Omegapoint Gothenburg, is rewriting the rulebook on corporate success. With a track record that boasts top rankings in Great Place to Work, European Business Awards, and even cybersecurity hacker competitions, Anna's approach is anything but conventional. Picture this: a decade in the Alps, juggling big mountain skiing with entrepreneurial ventures and an MBA, followed by 20 years of shaking up the tech and IT industry from startups to global giants. At TEDxGöteborg’s, ‘The Melody of Life’, Anna will reveal how embracing curiosity and genuine human connection can trump rigid planning, leading to unexpected triumphs. Get ready to discover how a philosophy-driven approach to life and leadership can turn the corporate world on its head.

Fatoumata Bojang

Soulful Singer & Songwriter

When Fatoumata takes the stage, be prepared for a sonic tempest that will sweep you off your feet. Her powerful, soulful voice, backed by a rumbling bass, doesn't just perform songs – it unleashes stories that resonate with the very essence of human experience. This musical force of nature blends pop with generous helpings of soul, creating a sound that's as unique as it is irresistible. At TEDxGöteborg, Fatoumata will weave tales of love, mid-life crises, shattered dreams, and burning ambitions through melodies that command your body to move. Her narrative prowess draws listeners into a world where each song is a chapter in the grand story of life. From heartbreak to the yearning for greatness, Fatoumata's music is a testament to the dreams we chase and the lives we lead. Are you ready to dance to the rhythm of your own life story?

H.S.H. Prince Frei von Fräähsen zu Lorenzburg

H.S.H. Prince

Meet the prince who's turning the concept of royalty on its crown-adorned head. H.S.H. Prince Frei von Fräähsen zu Lorenzburg, armed with a BA in dance and choreography from Trinity-Laban, London, and an MA in Contemporary Performative Art from HSM, Gothenburg, is no ordinary blue-blood. He's the mastermind behind "Ceremonial Show Biz" - a revolutionary approach to leadership that blends performance art with public service. Since his self-styled royal proclamation in 2014, Prince Frei has been working at the intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, sprinkling a bit of magic wherever he goes. At TEDxGöteborg’s, ‘The Melody of Life’, he'll challenge us to infuse our daily lives with purpose and ritual. Prepare for a royal decree that will inspire you to transform mundane tasks into meaningful acts of service for your community and planet.

Hermina Tingvall

2023 Swedish National Junior Breakdance Champion

At an age when most are just finding their footing, 15-year-old Hermina is already breaking - literally and figuratively. This breakdance prodigy, crowned the 2023 Swedish National Junior Breakdance Champion, isn't just winning battles on the dance floor; she's challenging perceptions of what young athletes can achieve. With the Youth Olympics in her sights, Hermina's journey from local dance circles to the world stage is nothing short of extraordinary. At TEDxGöteborg’s, ‘The Melody of Life’, she'll spin a tale of passion, perseverance, and the power of chasing seemingly impossible dreams. Get ready to be energized by Hermina's story and discover how the rhythm of determination can help anyone, regardless of age, to dance to the beat of their own ambitions.

Hjalmar Hardestam

Founder, Göteborg Improv Comedy Club

As the founder of the Göteborg Improv Comedy Club, Hjalmar Hardestam brings his unique blend of creativity and spontaneity to the stage. With performances spanning from Gothenburg to Chicago’s Improv Olympic mainstage, Hjalmar is known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in comedy.

Johan Magnusson

Professor, University of Gothenburg

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital governance, Professor Johan Magnusson stands as a formidable guardian. As director of the Swedish Center for Digital Innovation at the University of Gothenburg, he orchestrates Sweden's cutting-edge research on digital transformation, earning him a spot among the top 50 most influential figures in tech. But Johan's mission extends far beyond the ivory tower - he's on a crusade to revolutionize how we harness technology for the public good. At TEDxGöteborg’s, ‘The Melody of Life’, Johan will pull back the curtain on the human cost of digital missteps, challenging leaders who overlook game-changing, cost-effective technologies. Brace yourself for a wake-up call that questions whether our decision-makers are failing us by ignoring innovations that could transform lives. Is our digital future being short-circuited by outdated thinking?

Laurence Nachin

PhD, Microbiology & Cell Biology

Laurence Nachin's journey from peering through microscopes to facilitating connections with nature is a testament to life's interconnectedness. With a Ph.D. in microbiology and cell biology, Laurence has unraveled the mysteries of molecules and genes, only to discover that the real magic happens when we zoom out and embrace our place in the natural world. Now a nature-based facilitator, Laurence is on a mission to reactivate our primal link to the environment. At TEDxGöteborg’s, ‘The Melody of Life’, she'll challenge us to reimagine our relationship with nature, even in urban jungles. Brace yourself for a paradigm shift as Laurence reveals how reconnecting with our natural roots could be the key to unlocking a sustainable, fulfilling future for all. What if the key to our future isn't 'going back to nature', but recognizing we never left?

Malin Fahlén

Vice Club Director, BK Häcken

In the traditionally male-dominated world of football, Malin Fahlén is one of the key players changing the game's tune. As Vice Club Director of BK Häcken, this former journalist turned sports strategist has been instrumental in propelling her team to unprecedented heights, including their first-ever Swedish Championship title. But for Malin and her colleagues, the real victory extends far beyond the scoreboard. Since joining BK Häcken in 2017, Malin has been one of the architects of a cultural revolution in Swedish football, working tirelessly alongside the CEO and a dedicated team. At TEDxGöteborg’s, ‘The Melody of Life’, she'll share how their collective commitment to prioritizing values, culture, and diversity isn't just good ethics - it's a winning strategy. Prepare to be inspired as Malin demonstrates how fostering an inclusive environment, coupled with unwavering perseverance, can lead to extraordinary achievements both on and off the pitch.

Riai Taiko

Japanese Youth Drumming Group

Feel the earth move beneath your feet as Riai Taiko takes the stage, their powerful rhythms echoing the very pulse of life itself. This dynamic group of young performers, aged 13 to 21, breathes new life into the ancient art of wadaiko, the traditional Japanese drumming that has for centuries served as the heartbeat of a culture. Since their founding in 2019 as part of the Riai Aikido Dojo, these drummers have been on a quest to master an art form that demands not just musical skill, but physical prowess and unwavering spirit. At TEDxGöteborg, Riai Taiko will commandeer the stage with an electrifying performance that marries raw power with precise synchronicity. As their five drummers unleash a storm of sound from their imposing taiko drums, prepare to be transported across time and space. This is more than just music – it's a visceral experience that will resonate in your bones long after the final beat fades away. Will you answer the call of the drums?

Vinh Phillips Ingvason Nguyên

BA, Gender Studies

Armed with a BA in Gender Studies and a wealth of expertise in Political Science and the Children's Rights Convention, Vinh Phillips Ingvason Nguyên is not just an academic - he's a bridge-builder in the complex world of intersecting identities. With a particular focus on LGBTQIA2S+ and children's rights, Vinh Phillips has mastered the art of creating spaces where diversity isn't just accepted, it's celebrated. At TEDxGöteborg’s, ‘The Melody of Life’, Vinh Phillips will take us on a journey through the fascinating concept of "in-betweenship" - that curious state of existing between cultures and identities. How does one find their bearings when their personal map spans multiple worlds? Prepare for a talk that will challenge your perceptions, inspire self-reflection, and ignite a newfound respect for the beautiful complexity of human identity.