Highlights from TEDxLangara College: The Next Big Step

This year, TEDxLangara College’s theme of “The Next Big Step” sparked conversations about the future of our community and inspired us to build a better tomorrow.

The world is constantly changing. We all have a role in positively impacting industry, society, and everything around us. What is YOUR next big step?

Christie Charles - Unearthing our current future  

An artist, poet and writer, Christie Lee Charles opened TEDxLangara College with a warm Musqueam welcome and poem about her roots.

Daniel Magnino - A step towards meaningfulness

A project manager at Best Buy and instructor at SFU Beedie School of Business, Daniel Magnino shared the importance of being present in our everyday lives.  

“Without balance, everything is extreme.”

“I challenge you to ask yourself today: what have you done for the people around you? Have you tried to be kind for the sake of being kind? It’s free, worth it, and contagious.”

Darcy McGilvery - How Gestalt principles predict marketing success

Director of Marketing Services at Snaptech Marketing, Darcy McGilvery answered the difficult question of “what is good marketing?” with the Gestalt Marketing Rulebook:

1. Alignment of vision, content and ideas must come from the top.

2. Feedback must come from the bottom.

3. Everyone in the system must understand the brand’s vision and how they each contribute to the bigger picture.

4. Consumers must be shown the consistent output of content.

Jennifer Fraser - The neuroscience of bullying

An education coach, consultant, writer and speaker, Jennifer Fraser moved the crowd with the story of her personal encounters with bullying, and how it’s time we look at the research behind the impact of bullying.

“It’s time we learn about our brains: what makes them flourish? What makes them suffer?”

“This is a call to action. We must march with our children for change.”

Tara Clark (Me!) - Think Before You Share - Ask Yourself WHO CARES?

An entrepreneur, experienced speaker and digital media strategist, Tara Clark shared her tips on how we can say more with less, and be mindful of the question “who cares?”.

“Am I passionate about what I’m saying? Do I care? Will other people care?”

“Because we care, we pause before we share.”

Joel Hansen - How being unqualified can be your secret weapon to creating impact

Business Development Manager at Novus Glass BC, Joel Hansen, told the intriguing story of how his persistence got him a jogging date with his business idol Hootsuite founder Ryan Holmes.

“Being unqualified does not disqualify you from creating impact.”

Sam Thiara - Embracing rejection: making the voice within louder than the noise around

A speaker, educator and life coach, Sam Thiara’s talk motivated us to embrace, accept and learn from rejection.

“We’re always being asked ‘what do you do?’ when we should be asking ‘who are you?’”

“Ask yourself: what do I ‘have to do’ to get to my ‘want to do’?”

Allison MacDonald - Practical quantum computing for tomorrow

Quantum physicist Allison MacDonald took us into the world of quantum computing and the technology’s practical uses, including automation and traffic control.

Rutendo Munatsirei - Ready, Set, Work! The millennials' quest for significance

SFU Communications student Rutendo Munatsirei realized her dream of speaking on the TEDx stage as she shared her tips on how to navigate the real world after graduation:

1. Keep on learning.

2. Give your best in everything.

3. Never quit.

Jason Madar - Why should we teach our kids how to code

Langara College’s very own computer science instructor, Jason Madar, offered his point of view on why he believes everyone, even children, can learn how to code.

“Technology is the canvas in which we deliver our creativity to others.”

Spiros Getsios - Printing human tissues for transplantation

VP of Tissue Engineering at Aspect Biosystems, Spiros Getsios, opened our eyes to the world of human tissue printing and the potential functions this technology can be used for in the future.

"Bioengineering tissue isn't just for saving lives; it will also improve the quality of life."

Jill Sinclair - Uncovering your why is your next big step

Executive coach, business strategist and author, Jill Sinclair wrapped up TEDx Langara College with a talk that inspired us all to search for our “why”.

“When you’re deciding what you want to do, ask yourself: what puts a smile on your face?”


Is it your goal to stand on the TEDx stage one day, too?