Theme: The Ripple Effect

At TEDxAstonUniversity, we aim to explore the expansive journey from a singular action to transformational change with our 2024 event theme, "The Ripple Effect."

Join us as we delve into how each action, no matter how small, holds the potential to ignite change on both a personal and global scale. By embracing an inclusive, entrepreneurial, and transformational mindset, we can amplify the ripple effect and shape a brighter future for all.

Our speakers will share powerful talks on diverse subjects, ranging from cutting-edge technology like AI and cybersecurity to creative arts, personal development, and social issues. These talks will cover areas such as cultural and emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, healthcare, volunteering, mental health, leadership, neurodiversity, self-confidence, social media, and core values.

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

Charlotte Charlotte

Charlotte Steel is an experienced business coach who supports start-up founders and executives of small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in reaching their growth and success goals. She provides customised coaching in areas such as leadership, systems, and financial management. Guided by her core values of integrity, empowerment, confidence, and growth, Charlotte specialises in leadership development, cultivating culture and values, optimising systems through data, automation, and technology integration, and strengthening financial management.

Dr. Manimuthu Arunmozhi

Dr. Manimuthu Arunmozhi is an Assistant Professor in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics at Aston Business School, where he is part of the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre and the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application. Previously, he was a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, focusing on autonomous vehicle security, threat analysis, and network security. He has also held research positions at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, working on energy-aware autonomous robotics. His expertise spans IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, automation, and sustainable operations, and he holds a patent for an “Intelligent Metering and Controlling System for Transformers”. Dr. Manimuthu's research focuses on ICT, threat assessment, privacy-preserving operations, and more. He is an experienced educator, teaching business analytics, AI, and supply chain topics, and has served as an adjunct professor, external expert, and keynote speaker at various international universities.

Dr. Peter Hughes

Dr. Peter Hughes, a psychologist and human behaviour expert, established the Cognition Scientific Board, which includes psychologists, neuroscientists, and mathematicians. This board conducts research and modelling on global markets and individual decision strategies. He has extensive expertise in decision science, cultural and behavioural change, sales psychology, and brand psychology. As a philosopher and member of the British Psychological Society, he specialises in extreme human behaviour and has been featured on the BBC, ABC Australia, various podcasts, and over 40 documentaries. Dr. Hughes has written for publications such as The Spectator, Quillette, The Huffington Post, Perspective Magazine, and The New Statesman. He has also contributed to over forty programmes, including the BBC’s “Addicted to Pleasure” with Brian Cox, “Secrets of the Superbrands,” and numerous documentaries about performers and power, featuring artists like Amy Winehouse, Eminem, Whitney Houston, George Michael, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain, and Prince.

Jimmy Naraine

Jimmy Naraine, praised by Oscar-winning producer James W. Skotchdopole as a true teaching savant, is a leading figure in the world of edupreneurship, building his business while traveling across 82 countries. He is an Udemy Partner, Mindvalley author, entrepreneur, and highly-rated speaker with over 500,000 online students and 90,000 reviews. His courses, featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur, have earned him widespread acclaim. Jimmy also provides training for Fortune 500 companies, including Chemours and Westpac. After a career with companies like Goldman Sachs, Jimmy set out on a mission to help millions overcome limiting beliefs and embrace confident, adventurous lives. A polyglot and world traveller, he runs his business full-time while delivering affordable education to students in over 190 countries.

Joshua Lawore

Joshua Lawore is a third-year student at Aston University, driven by a passion for creativity and collaboration. He is dedicated to exploring how character influences our everyday lives, aiming to inspire positive change through personal understanding.

Luan Wise

Luan Wise, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM), is acknowledged as one of LinkedIn’s top five female marketers. As a social media specialist, she was among the first lead trainers for Facebook’s Blueprint programme. With a 25-year career, she has collaborated with B2B and B2C brands, higher education institutions, and high-growth SMEs in various capacities. Luan has provided training worldwide, served as a lead trainer for Meta, and worked with a Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 company. She has earned awards for a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign and was listed in the ‘42 under 42’ South West business talent. Additionally, she runs The Lighthouse, a hub for social media managers that offers updates, resources, and career support.

Sunjay Kohli

The founder of AAA Media, Sunjay Kohli is an award-winning music and media professional with a diverse and impactful career. In 2024, he was honored as the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year for his exceptional work with AAA Media. Previously, Sunjay worked as YouTube Lead at BMG UK and served as an Associate Editor of Nation of Billions, an acclaimed online publication. His charitable contributions have also been recognized with a Good Samaritan Award at the Celebrating Youth Excellence Awards in Birmingham, acknowledging his work with Birmingham’s Youth Empowerment Forum and the NCS. Following a year at Ticketmaster International, Sunjay joined Warner Music Group in late 2018, leading marketing and digital campaigns for some of WMG’s most iconic catalog acts. He later moved to BMG, where he led YouTube strategy and marketing campaigns, optimizing artist channels and overseeing the label’s first-ever direct YouTube distribution deal—a pioneering initiative that set a new standard for the industry. Through AAA Media, Sunjay has expanded his portfolio, working on campaigns for artists including Adam Port, Akon, Nitin Sawhney, Natasha Hamilton, Simply Red, Simple Minds, as well as projects for Warner Music Group and Marathon Music Group, among others. These add to an already impressive roster of campaigns during his time at major labels, including work with KSI, Rita Ora, alt-J, Craig David, Kylie Minogue, Stefflon Don, Louis Tomlinson, Fleetwood Mac, Notorious B.I.G., and many more. Sunjay’s contributions have played a key role in multiple UK #1 albums, as well as Grammy and BRIT Award-winning campaigns. As someone living with Type 1 Diabetes, Sunjay is also a passionate advocate for awareness and empowerment. He hopes to inspire others by spreading the message that, despite the challenges of this condition, it’s possible to thrive and achieve extraordinary success.