Sharing Ideas at TEDx Auckland

TEDx Auckland’s slogan is: Kiwi ideas worth spreading. We think this is an awesome concept so headed out of town for a day of sharing ideas with innovative and inspirational kiwi’s. You can watch most of the presentations on YouTube, but in the spirit of sharing ideas, here follows our take on the day, our favourites and key messages we took away. With all the awesome stuff coming out of the day, we were both really proud to call ourselves Kiwis!

“Bite off more than you can chew, then chew like hell!” fabulously quoted by Jimi Hunt, an inspirational speaker who earlier this year fulfilled his dream of building the world’s largest waterslide. He did this through massive support from others and his own determination. His message was:

1. You can achieve your dreams
2. Ask for help

Mostly overlooked nowdays, especially in mainstream media, is something Jimi emphasized “people are inherently good and want to help each other”. He drove home the point that often our goals seem so big that we tell ourselves “I can’t do it’ (and we’re right), but with the mentality that “WE can”, and that when we ask for help anything can be achieved. Having used this strategy to overcome his own battles with depression Jimi now runs a charity helping people to believe in themselves and feel awesome!

Later in the day, Helen Clark’s 20 min talk received resounding applause and a standing ovation. Titled “yes we can, women in leadership” she demonstrated the importance of women leaders. Our decision makers should look like the society they represent. This allows issues to be tackled from both gender perspectives. I loved the fact that Helen is not just advocating women leaders, but  is determined that these positions mean something once gained. A woman’s perspective on various issues is fundamental to the safety and effectiveness of society. I was especially impressed with Helen’s statements on maintaining a balanced life once leadership positions have been achieved. “Eat well, sleep and exercise” she reiterated, and look after yourselves, elements all of us have neglected at some point I’m sure. Watch her full presentation here.

AUT Professor Welby Ings spoke about creativity and shared his definition: “disobedient thought”. His passion for getting out of the mould of education and instead embracing creative thinking and was exuberant. He spoke of silent reading time at school as torture for those who would rather watch and learn about how insects can crawl up walls. It was really sad to hear how he had been made to feel dumb on leaving school because he could not read or write. This struck with Strini who is not an avid reader but an amazing problem solver, with a great ability to think outside of the box.

Strini with Dale Williams, Mayor of Otorohanga

By far the favourite of the day for both Strini and me, was Dale Williams, the mayor of Otorohanga. Dale’s motto is: “zero waste of youth” and he understands that academic study is not suited to every young person leaving school. He has developed really simple but really perfect strategies to counter the problems of youth unemployment. The fundamental principle is care for the community. Three things are key to youth success: routine, self-esteem and income. The specifically designed courses offered by the Polytechnic in Otorohanga are developed in conjunction with industry so graduates have work ready, and so are guaranteed jobs by local employers. “Local is what you can walk to” says Dale, who understands that for some, leaving their home-town is not feasible or desirable, hench the reason for a specialised college in town. The trade qualifications and apprenticeships are supported inside and outside of work to ensure completions, especially due to the shockingly low completion rates of apprenticeships around the country (33-50%, which Dale has brought up to 96% in Otorohanga). Young school leavers are contacted straight out of school, and then regularly, to make sure they know they are supported and they know that “Otorohanga loves them”. Careers guidance now includes a wide range of options, from employers, trades and academic sectors, and all successes are celebrated! Dale’s love of his community is obvious and inspiring, and his simple, no-bs approach is great to see in a government official.

Of all the speakers, a common theme was evident throughout the day: the amazing accomplishments that become possible when people believe in each other. Speakers shared moments when parents, loved ones, or others “believed in them” which gave them the courage to work hard for their goals. In sharing ideas, they constantly came back to this point of PEOPLE, and the important role we have to play in caring for each other. We know this through our own personal experiences and in our work with our clients. The power of self-belief that is often initiated and encouraged through motivation from others has the potential to achieve major success.

So . . . Go for gold, reach for your dreams, ask for help and look after each other!