Theme: Solve for Why

For much of our math careers, we were taught to solve for y. A vast array of methods were allowed, even encouraged, but ultimately we all had to arrive at the same destination: some specific value that y was to represent in an equation. Yet, a single-solution answer is rarely an accurate representation of the complexities of everyday life. Thus, we instead ask you to solve for WHY. Throughout our conference, speakers explore their motivations, their driving factors, their reasons to get out of bed in the morning.

What is a time you discovered something new, and why did you pursue it? Why do you care about your passions? How do you solve for your personal "why"?

Robsham Theater Arts Center
Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, MA, Massachusetts, 02467
United States

Adam Hill

CEO, Author, and "Pun Master"

Adam Hill is a bestselling author, CEO of a multigenerational family business, podcast host, and self-proclaimed “pun master” currently residing in Broomfield, Colorado with his wife and two teenage children. After overcoming alcoholism, Adam began to embrace an abundant life beyond anxiety and addiction, becoming a top rated amateur triathlete and leader in his business. It’s a journey that was chronicled in his bestselling book, Shifting Gears: From Anxiety and Addiction to a Triathlon World Championship. In 2015, after recognizing his unhealthy obsession with news and social media, Adam abandoned negative sources of information and stopped engaging in the polarizing discourse. Instead, he began to post a bad pun on social media every day. Eight years and over 3,000 puns later, Adam has built a positive, creative, and uplifting community around daily “pun wars”. It’s a journey that has built lifelong friendships, a deeper connection with family, and a renewed creative spirit.

Derrick Noble

Renowned Speaker and Author

“America’s Leadership Authority” Dr. Derrick Noble has been helping business leaders take their leadership and communication skills to the next level of excellence for two decades. His clients have included The United States Air Force, The United States Navy, The FBI, First Financial Services, the City of Los Angeles, and many more. Derrick was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Throughout his youth, Noble endured years of speech therapy for a severe stutter and speech impediment. Once quoted as stating he was “the least likely person to be a professional speaker,” Dr. Noble has since gone on to become an award-winning keynote speaker, coach, and workforce trainer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a double minor in Speech Communication and Psychology from Angelo State University. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree from Morehouse School of Religion. Derrick has also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree at Ashland Theological Seminary.

Julie Fox

Brand Positioning Expert, Growth Strategist, Author, and Word Activist

As Founder & CEO of Brandbuilders Strategy Consulting for over 25 years, Julie Fox helps brand teams unlock breakthrough ways to build their business. In life before Brandbuilders, Julie led brands at Procter & Gamble, where she created the strategy that took Pantene from 1% share to worldwide leader in haircare, and at Keds where, as VP of Marketing, she repositioned and built the brand, introducing their most successful product line. Julie is currently researching and writing “How the Words Used in Healthcare Help Keep Us Sick,’’ a book inspired by the death of a friend, when the words used in her healthcare, in part, led to the tragic outcome. Julie recently presented on this topic at Harvard. Julie also developed ‘Words Matter - How the words you use impact the results you get’ for healthcare leaders, and presented at both the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s National Forum and Mass General Brigham’s Healthcare Innovation Workshop.

Mark Shrime

Doctor, Author, and "America Ninja Warrior" Competitor

Dr. Mark G. Shrime is the International Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Ships and a Lecturer in Global Health and Social Medicine at the Harvard Medical School. He is the author of Solving for Why: A Surgeon's Journey to Discover the Transformative Power of Purpose. He previously served as the O’Brien Chair of Global Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and as Research Director for the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change at Harvard. He has spoken at the United Nations, WHO, Harvard, Princeton, and around the world addressing how to find career purpose and moral injury in the healthcare workforce, in addition to issues around healthcare inequity and the non-health outcomes of health policies. He spent 14 years in Boston and now calls New York City home. When he’s not working, Dr. Mark is an avid rock climber and photographer, and he competed on Seasons 8, 9, and 11 of American Ninja Warrior.

Nashlea Brogan

Audiologist and Hearing-Loss Advocate

Dr. Nashlea Brogan, is an experienced audiologist and passionate advocate for those with hearing loss. She founded Bluewater Hearing & Balance 20 years ago, and is a founding member of the Excellence in Audiology Network, extending its reach to hearing practices across North America and South Africa. She is also a clinical preceptor for Western University's graduate Audiology program. Dr. Brogan is deeply committed to educating professionals on patient-centered care, emphasizing empathy and understanding in audiological practice. As a Cochlear Implant (CI) user with late-onset progressive hearing loss, she understands the challenges faced by those with hearing loss, informing her compassionate, long-term care approach. She is actively engaged in advocacy to raise awareness about the broader impact of hearing loss. Outside of work, she enjoys family life, skiing, strength training, mountain biking, and exploring new destinations.

Victor Norman

Student

Victor Norman is a Boston College senior from Orlando, Florida, studying Communications with a minor in Journalism. During his upbringing, Victor immersed himself in TED talks, exploring subjects as diverse as ancient Greek myths and the significance of eye contact. However, upon discovering TEDx and encountering individuals of college age discussing relatable topics, he experienced a sense of validation and recognition that ignited a desire to impart that sense of connection to others. The value of TEDx is reminding speakers and audience members that our voice matters and that we are not alone. With his passion for language, Victor aims to foster meaningful conversations and promote understanding for the underrepresented Queer community on campus.