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).

Ballyroan Library
Orchardstown Avenue, Rathfarnham
Dublin, Dublin, Dublin 14
Ireland

Adam Harris

Adam is AsIAm’s Chief Executive Officer, having held the position since he founded the organisation in 2013. Adam set up AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as a young autistic person in Ireland. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome from an early age, the condition was far less understood or even known as it is today. Having spent his initial school years within the special education stream, he moved to a mainstream school in Second Class and was supported by an SNA. By secondary school age, Adam began to began to socialise independently in his teenage years. He was nonetheless frustrated at the lack of any real understanding of autism and the many examples of social inclusion which the community are subjected to. This inspired him to establishing AsIAm whilst studying for his Leaving Cert – with the aim of giving autistic people a voice and starting a national conversation. Over the past five years, he has had the huge honour of meeting so many members of the community around the county who want to help build a more autism-aware and understanding Ireland. A self-confessed workaholic, Adam enjoys public speaking, blogging about all things autistic and helping the many organisations and committees he’s a member of working for autism and inclusion. When he’s off, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, not to mention Harry and Bobby (his dogs!).

Aisling Leonard-Curtin

Aisling Leonard-Curtin, M.Sc., C.Psychol., Ps.S.I., is a chartered counselling psychologist who lives with her wife Trish in Dublin. She is co-director of Act Now Purposeful Living, has a private practice, and deliver acceptance/mindfulness workshops. She has over a decades experience in a wide range of settings including adult psychiatry, psycho-oncology, educational, health and community. Aisling’s hobbies include writing fiction, performing improve comedy and hanging out with her pets.

Anthony Behan

Anthony Behan is a student of politics and technology, and works for IBM in the Watson Internet of Things Division. His interests include the history of technology, the future of technology, and the inevitability of a robot apocalypse. He lives in Cork with his wife Kate and their three dogs.

Jed van der Poll

Jed van de Poll is CEO of Metro Dublin. He has lived in Ireland for almost 40 years. An engineer by training he is an entrepreneur and is passionate about transforming Dublin's transport infrastructure.

John Doran

John Doran has been a teacher and guidance counsellor for over 24 years. A founding Chairman of the Network of School Planners from its foundation, he is author of the acclaimed Ways to Wellbeing .It is currently taught in over 140 schools both here and in mainland Europe. He is passionate about the transformative power of education to disrupt poverty, and help young people do all that they can, with all that they have, in the time that they have got, in the space that they are in. John speaks to management bodies, Education Trusts, teachers, parents and students on the topics of resilience, Wellbeing, stress management and maximising performance both nationally and internationally. John is a member of the Board of Directors of the Make A Wish Foundation Ireland.

John Fitzsimons

John Fitzsimons has split his career between commercial and charitable organisations for over twenty years across Ireland, UK and Africa. For the last eight years, John led the award winning social enterprise Camara Education which provides a much improved education to millions of children through the use of technology. John is now launching “Fifth Story”, which is helping businesses become more financially sustainable by better understanding and improving their impact on the world.

Máire Garvey

Máire learned a valuable lesson about passion when she was 15, but didn't value that lesson until much later, when she started to become irked by all the social media posts telling her to 'Find your passion and never work a day in your life!'. She remembered that lesson, and started applying it to her life. And now lives a life of passion. She works - and plays - at something she loves. She is a professional speaking coach, speechwriter and communications trainer. She is also an award-winning Toastmaster.

Osgur Ó Ciardha

Osgur is a hospitality specialist, with over 10 years’ experience in the tourism industry, specifically in ownership, management and consultancy both in Ireland and South America, where he was based for 8 years. He is currently General Manager of Jacobs Inn in Dublin 1 as it is being converted into a pod hotel and bar. 2018 was a busy year for him, presenting the “Beidh mé ar ais” TV series on TG4, securing an MBA from Smurfit Business School and, along with his friend, Peadar Ó Caomhánaigh receiving a “Glór na nGael” award for the Pop Up Gaeltacht concept. He has a particular interest in language, sustainable enterprise, culture and innovation. His wife and children are very understanding.

Raymond Hegarty

Ireland’s leading authority on IP strategy and innovation. Author of bestselling Kindle book, Intellectual Property for Executives.

Tom Dalton

Tom is a health & performance coach, who specializes in helping corporate clients improving their health & wellness in the workplace. He had a learning difficulty from young age but did not let dyslexia hold him back. He currently consults with large fortune 500 companies such as Facebook, Accenture, EY, Salesforce and Unilever.