Must See TEDTalks: Meredith Perry on How to Be a Technology Innovator

Ok, this one comes to you from TEDxNashville. (TEDx is sort of the local spinoffs of TED Conferences)

You know when you think of a really great idea, but you don't do it because you don't have the technical expertise? Yeah... stop that. Watch this inspiring talk from Meredith Perry and make it happen...

My favorite line was "How does a paleobiology major at Penn learn how to convert ultrasound into electricity? Well, I literally just Googled it."

PS. Yes, that was also a pep talk to myself.

Bucket List: The Flora Bama Mullet Toss

Dammit. I'm missing the Flora Bama Mullet Toss today. How is it that I've never been to this? It has my name ALL OVER IT.

What's the Mullet Toss you say? Watch and learn:

I think I've found my 2013 New Years Resolution.

Must See TEDTalks: Brene Brown on Feeling Shame, Vulnerability, Guilt

This talk by Brene Brown had everyone at TED thinking. When you're at an event filled with amazingly brilliant overachievers, it's easy to think you're not good enough or smart enough to be there. One thing I learned after spending the week in the "TED bubble" was that everyone there felt like that.

So, when Brene said, "Vulnerabilty is not weakness." I think everyone listened in a bit closer. After all, everyone who stands up there on that stage is vulnerable - are they going to blow people's minds? Be amusing? Be the one that everyone talks about?

And everyone in the audience is vulnerable. We all are. Take a listen:

                                         

I loved this quote from her bio: "Lean into discomfort. When we numb the dark, we numb the light." I left TED feeling ready to take new risks, try new things, lead even when haters hate... some of that has worn off, but watching this again reminds me to #KITFU.

If you loved that, check out Brene's previous talk at TEDxHouston on the power of vulnerability.

Must See TEDTalks: Chip Kidd - Book Designer/Guy I Want to Be BFFs With

When you're working a TED event you get wrapped up in logistics, what's next and just trying to score some downtime. I *almost* took a break to sit in the sun and thank the Lord I didn't because I would have missed Chip Kidd. During his TEDTalk, I tweeted Andy Cohen that he needed his own reality show on Bravo. Watch and tell me if you agree:

After his talk, I rushed to the TED bookstore to buy his book. The irony, it was sold out and my first thought was - oh, I'll download it to my iPad and read it on my flight home. But, clearly, Chip wouldn't approve, so I'm waiting to get my hard copy. Love you, Chip!

Must See TEDTalks: Frank Warren of PostSecret

While I was at TEDActive, I promised myself that I would share the best talks with you all. I mean, TED events are pricey and not everyone can go (even though I'm convinced we'd have a better world if they were required viewing.) Well, I slacked. But, Steph Kent's been live tweeting from TEDxSummit in the desert and inspiring me to get back on the TED train.

Being a DC gal, I'd heard of PostSecret. I'd read the blog, been to the exhibit in Georgetown and heard the story. Frank Warren's TEDTalk still moved me to tears. Take a look: