Shifting Perspectives, Sparking Action: My TEDx Talk

Public Speaking

17 Jun

What an incredible journey this has been—tough, challenging, inspiring, and scarily thrilling.

Speaking at TEDx Swansea was an unforgettable experience. I’ll admit, I walked off stage unsure of how it had landed. I stumbled, felt my brain freeze, and thought I’d let myself down.

But then something unexpected happened. People came forward with reflections that told a very different story. They spoke of passion, urgency, and impact. Most importantly—they felt it.

Comments I’ll treasure forever and these words moved me to tears.

"Your speech was so powerful and informative. Your brain is a gift to our world."
Matt Halloran, Co-Founder and Chief Relationship Officer, ProudMouth, North America
"What you shared is something we all need to hear, and you delivered it in a way that truly landed. Thank you for showing up with such honesty and purpose."
Colin Cooper, Neuromarketing Pioneer, England
"Through your words, we’re reminded of the power in Awareness, Connection, Contribution, Collaboration, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship. You live those values every day and offer our society—and especially young creatives—a living example of what’s possible. I’m so proud to have heard you speak. You are a force of dedication and pure inspiration!"
Roxani Oikonomou, TEDx Coach, Greece
"Such an interesting topic! I can’t wait to see the video! I know you will love it!"
Erica Glenn, Strategic Advisor & Fractional, United States
"You pushed through something on that stage that would have shattered many. It was a true testament to your strength."
Corina B. Clark, Chief Operating Officer, Gardner Health Services, United States

The host and the Speakers at TEDx Swansea 2025. A big shout to our fantastic host **Mark Davies** and **Bernie Davies** The amazing speakers

The amazing speakers Erika Glenn, Martin Roberts - Property Expert , Lara Rebecca, Jamie Hayes , Corina B. Clark MPA, FACHE, RRT , Carol Barkes, Barry Hayes , Antarctic Mike (Mike Pierce), Jim Koetting , Matt Halloran, Roxani Oikonomou, Michelle Machado (PhD), Daniel Grace , Jeremy G. Stoker, Heather Fisher and Colin MB Cooper.

But this talk was never about performance or personal recognition. It was about helping people shift their perspective, rethink their language, and commit to real, grounded action for a sustainable future.

I shared the story of a university collaboration—where my entrepreneurial journey began—and how the Well-being of Future Generations Act became the springboard for founding Oseng-Rees Reflection. Together with students, researchers, architects, project managers, and university leadership, we formed a hands-on, interdisciplinary partnership to turn waste into innovation. We integrated 100% recycled glass into a faculty building—an embodiment of the “Five Ways of Working” in action. The project had three core aims: to enhance the learner experience, foster cross-faculty research collaboration, and develop a commercially viable architectural product.

If you know me, you’ll know this wasn’t a one-off moment. It’s what I live for: catalysing tangible change. I believe even small choices ripple outward. Our actions—quiet or bold—can rewrite the future. Wales may be a small nation, but through the Well-being of Future Generations Act—especially its final goal, A Globally Responsible Wales—we’re showing the world what’s possible. This TEDx platform gave me the opportunity to spotlight that progress on a global stage.

If you're working to embed sustainability in your life, work, or practice, I’d love to connect. Let’s exchange ideas. Let’s collaborate. And let’s continue turning vision into action.