An eclectic range of speakers – including the winner of last year’s Apprentice, a linguist, a poet, a rapper, a sailor, a librarian and a quadruple amputee – took to the stage this weekend to share their wisdom, art, thoughts and experiences at a TEDx event.
TEDx is a global initiative, an offshoot of the well-known TED Talks but locally organised and curated.
With a theme of ‘Move: Ideas in Motion’, speakers at the Arts Centre included Jersey College for Girls librarian Anu Ananth-Huggler, who shared her belief, backed by science, in the power of books; linguist Tim Nash, who spoke about finding identity through language; and 2025 Apprentice winner Dean Franklin, who reflected on his own experiences of being underestimated.
Other speakers in a packed programme included Les Quennevais headteacher Jon Sindall, who shared his learnings having taught in Sri Lanka in 2019 during terrorist bombings; ocean yachtswoman Pamela Lee, who used her experiences to encourage more women to aspire to elite sport; and Lily McGarry, who had to have her arms and legs amputated after contracting Meningitis B last January.
Lily received a standing ovation for her powerful testimony and advocacy for the power of laughter, kindness and reflection.
Human resources professional Ope Olaleye, who orchestrated the Jersey event for the second year running, said: “TEDx showed the power of community when people feel seen, heard and inspired.
“The response from islanders has been overwhelming, with so many people sharing on social media and emails how deeply moved they were. To me, that is the true measure of success.”
She added: “The theme delivered itself beautifully through our speakers and performers. They moved people to think, speak and reflect – exactly what we wanted!
“Saturday showed that Jersey has incredible stories, ideas and talent worth amplifying on a global platform.”
