The People’s Blueprint: Reflections from TEDx Canberra

When I look back on each year in business, there are always highs to celebrate and lows that quietly shape me (even when I don’t want them to). There are the small moments that made me pause with gratitude, and the bigger experiences that nudged me into becoming a better version of myself.

This year, alongside my beautiful clients and the meaningful work I get to do, one of my unexpected favourites of 2025 was attending TEDx Canberra.

Instead of spending my Saturday gardening, meal prepping or having vino with friends, I chose something different. Something just for me. I bought two tickets — one for myself and one for my unsuspecting partner (who, to his credit, embraced the surprise). It ended up being such a fun shift from our usual date night.

The theme, “The People’s Blueprint,” hooked me immediately. I’ve always believed that each of us can create change and make our corner of the world a little more interesting, innovative and kind. My Life Coach once told me “just 1% every day makes a difference”. TEDx celebrates exactly that: action, curiosity, inspiration, and the courage to ask “why?” (one of my favourite questions, always).

And it delivered. I left feeling full.Full of ideas.Full of energy.Full of perspective.

The day centred on one simple idea: focus on what unites us, not what divides us. There is no meaningful blueprint if we don’t include everyone.

Every speaker brought something life-changing, each in their own way. They stood there with such courage and conviction – not afraid of failure, just brave enough to start. They weren’t armchair creators. They were doing real work, in real life, with real impact.

One speaker taught me that small actions matter. My ideas often feel too big in my head - so big that they fizzle before I can bring them to life. Instead, she challenged us to “cover” someone already doing the work. Support what they’ve started. Add your energy to what already exists.

Another speaker completely reframed resilience. Instead of something we build on our own, she showed resilience as something shaped through human connection and showcased it as our greatest survival skill. In a world where loneliness is on the rise, this struck a deep chord.

Then a 17-year-old senior from Canberra Grammar stood on stage and asked, “What does now look like?”

I closed my eyes and immediately saw Max.

“Now” carries urgency.

“Now” is possibility.

“Now,” he reminded us, is the best time to begin.

**honestly, chills.

And finally, the speaker who first inspired me to buy my ticket stepped onto the stage. She spoke about poverty in a way that made the whole room still. Poverty is quiet, she said. It’s not about what’s missing, it’s about what’s been lost. It’s about dignity.

The child with no school bag.

The woman collecting cans in the park.

The everyday moments we don’t seem to notice.

TEDx is a giver. If you ever get the chance to attend a local event, take it. It stays with you.

Blueprints are an interesting concept. They ask us to imagine what we want to build, who we want by our side and how far we’re willing to go.

So as the year wraps up, I’m asking myself:

What does my blueprint look like?

And what blueprint am I creating for next year? **spoiler alert: there’s a new business-kid on the block, sitting on the sidelines not quite ready to play ball. Watch this space.