Theme: Rewriting the Playbook of Learning

Rewriting the Playbook of Learning was born from our reflection on the current state of education, where creativity is often discussed but rarely practised. In our own experiences, we frequently heard messages encouraging students to "think outside the box" and use their imagination. Yet, as soon as we returned to the classroom, we were confined to rigid, monotonous ways of learning that have remained unchanged for decades.

We aim to challenge this disconnect. Our event will explore the gap between the ideal of fostering creativity and the reality of how education is often delivered. We want to spotlight individuals and organizations who are rewriting the rules, creating innovative, hands-on, and dynamic approaches to learning. These pioneers are proving that education can be more than memorization and standardized tests—it can involve sensory experiences, play, and other methods that embrace the diversity of how people think and grow.

Our goal in hosting the TEDx Cambridge event is to create a platform where the university community and beyond can engage in meaningful conversations about rethinking education. Inspired by the theme, Rethinking the Box: Rewriting the Playbook of Learning, this event will challenge the traditional notion of education, where creativity is often discussed but rarely put into practice. Through our personal experiences, we have witnessed the disconnect between the encouragement to "think outside the box" and the rigid, outdated methods of learning that dominate classrooms. This event seeks to bridge that gap, showcasing innovative and dynamic approaches to education that embrace creativity and diversity of thought.

By inviting a diverse range of speakers—from chefs to footballers, and students breaking world records—we will explore how learning can happen in unexpected and unconventional ways. These individuals, who are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, demonstrate that education is not confined to textbooks and classrooms. Through sensory experiences, play, and hands-on learning, they are proving that education can be dynamic, exciting, and vibrant. Our event aims to ignite curiosity among attendees, providing them with fresh insights into how learning can evolve in an increasingly complex world.

Bateman Auditorium Gonville & Caius
University of Cambridge, Gonville & Caius: Old Courts, Trinity St, Cambridge
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1TB
United Kingdom

George Imafidon

CEO & Co-Founder of Motivez and Race Engineer for Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Team X44

George Imafidon MBE is a 27-year-old humanitarian engineer and social entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Motivez, an award-winning platform that empowers underrepresented students and graduates aged 14-25 to secure competitive STEM jobs and become changemakers through their grassroots, employability, and advocacy programmes. Since its founding, Motivez has inspired millions through its campaigns, directly supported over 9,000 young people into entry-level STEM jobs, and received support from influential figures such as Idris Elba, Beyoncé and the Royal Family. He is also the Race Engineer in Sir Lewis Hamilton’s electric racing team, Team X44, and a Board Member of The Co-op Foundation and The Hamilton Commission where he works on improving diversity in STEM and motorsport. His career spans companies like Google, McKinsey and Rolls-Royce where he redesigned a jet-engine component and saved them over £50 million.

Joey Savoie

Charity Founder

Joey wants to make the biggest positive difference in the world that he can. His mission is to cause more effective charities to exist in the world by connecting talented individuals with high-impact intervention opportunities. To achieve this, he co-founded Charity Entrepreneurship (CE), an organization that launches effective charities through an extensive research process and incubation program. Prior to Charity Entrepreneurship, he co-founded Charity Science, a meta-organization that increased the amount of counterfactual funding going to high-impact charities. Subsequently, he co-founded Charity Science Health, a nonprofit that increases vaccination rates in India using mobile phones and behavioral nudges.

Joshua Akinyemi

Entrepreneur

Joshua Akinyemi is an undergraduate student of Philosophy at the University of Warwick, where he combines his passion for critical thinking with a keen interest in finance. As the founder of Finance for Non-Finance (FNF), Joshua is dedicated to improving awareness and access for individuals from non-financial backgrounds who wish to pivot into the finance industry. Through FNF, he aims to empower students and professionals by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in finance, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. In addition to his work in finance, Joshua is an avid bass guitarist and a music enthusiast, finding inspiration in the harmony between philosophy and the art of music. With a vision for a more equitable finance landscape, Joshua is excited to share his insights and experiences at TEDx.

Kelechi Okafor

Storyteller

Kelechi Okafor is a storyteller. Whether it’s through her podcasts or books as well as informative video essays - Kelechi explores and challenges what it means to navigate modern society based on what we remember of our histories. The spiritual is political and this is why Kelechi’s Tarot, astrology Yoruba cosmology offerings are instrumental to her understanding of liberation, on an individual and collective level.

Phinnah Chichi

Parenting & Teens Coach

Phinnah Chichi is a dedicated parenting consultant and self-development coach with over 15 years of experience in fostering strong communication and relationships between parents and their teens and young adult children. Her passion lies in guiding young adults on their personal growth journeys, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. Phinnah employs a variety of approaches, including one-on-one coaching, mentoring, in-line workshops, and engaging speaking engagements, to effectively connect with both parents and young adults. As a mother of thriving young adult children herself, Phinnah brings firsthand insight and empathy to her work, making her a trusted resource for families seeking harmony and growth.