TEDxRockCreekPark was a HIT!

I just had the pleasure of being a part of the TEDxRockCreekPark team responsible for the May 4th conference that took place in Alexandria, VA. The effect that the conference had on me hasn’t worn off as I’m still feeling empowered and enlightened a couple weeks later. The goal of TEDxRockCreekPark: A Hero’s Journey, was to frame the Joseph Campbell concept that all of the world’s myths around heroes are based on a similar cycle. Joseph believed that the hero’s story continues to be told over and over in different forms because we can all relate to that cycle. We relate because we each have an inner hero.

When the conference was conceptualized, the goal was to create an environment where participants would rid themselves of the limitations that prevent us from becoming our own heroes. The plan was to bring together educators and coaches (who may need new ways to inspire), entrepreneurs (who often need inspiration and encouragement) and neuroscientists (who study the biology of chemical and emotional inhibitors) to create an experience that would prove powerful. The house was packed with 270 people and we were excited and ready.

The conference was filled with great moments that took place through interactions between the speakers and our amazing audience members. Speaker Zarif Sahin was only 14 when she was given by her family to a man eight years older than herself as his child bride. She was brought to this country and her life consisted of cooking, cleaning, and caring for her husband and his family. She suffered abuses and was controlled and threatened. She had no education and didn’t speak English. This woman is the definition of bravery and perseverance and ultimately success. I will never forget  Zarif Sahin’s amazing story.

Another great moment for me was when 13-year-old Gabrielle Williams took the stage. Throughout her talk, I was saying to myself “where did this kid get her hutzpah?!”. I’m more than three times her age, and I don’t have nearly that much hutzpah. She got up on that stage and spoke to a room of over 250 people and got a standing ovation. I realized that if a 13-year-old girl could move a room full of adults, then half the battle is in just believing it.

David Shenk spoke after lunch about his father’s courageous work as a photographer despite having a sense from his family that he was practicing something that he never quite mastered. He told stories about how his father’s “obsession” embarrassed him as a child. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until after his dad passed that David realized the hero in his dad. Once David took the time to really look at his dad’s work did he see the true genius. This work is prodigious. This video will inspire you!

Of course, in between speakers, we were asked to reflect on ourselves. There were opportunities to share our journeys with partners and we were reminded that a hero’s journey is not comfortable. We were asked to stretch, to plan, to commit. I heard amazing stories. I committed to take risks and think bigger. Part of making this commitment is telling others. (See what I did there?)

A highlight of the day for me was meeting and talking with fellow attendee, Adebo, just before lunch. We spent time talking about our favorite moments from the day so far and talked about our journeys. At the end of our conversation, we exchanged business cards. Adebo’s cards had a spot on the back that said “YOU are _____________”. He is in the habit hand writing one word about the person before he hands them his business card. On mine he wrote “peace”. I snapped the picture above of Adebo with speaker Patrick Solomon.

I highly recommend you make your way through all the videos on the TEDxRockCreekPark playlist – especially on a day when your inner hero is being elusive.