Theme: Curiosity, Chaos and Creativity

TEDxWolverhampton invites you to join us on a journey that celebrates the spark of Curiosity, the transformative power of Chaos, and the beauty of Creation.

Curiosity drives us to explore the unknown, daring us to question, learn, and imagine beyond what we think we know. Chaos challenges us to embrace the messy, unpredictable spaces where disruption gives birth to innovation. Creation is the triumph—the art, the solutions, the new beginnings that rise from the pieces of what was.

Arena Theatre
Wulfruna Street
Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE
United Kingdom

Chauntelle Madondo

Reflective Poet

Chauntelle Madondo is a reflective poet whose work intimately captures the essence of personal experience, often resembling diary entries filled with raw emotion and candid thoughts. A Wolverhampton based poet, her debut EP “Earl Grey” released in 2024 is available on streaming platforms and her first collection of poems entitled “The Diary Of a Poet” was published in 2023. She teaches poetry workshops in schools to children and young people and “strives to inspire others to write as she believes words are powerful and poetry is an impactful way to express oneself”

Cllr Sharon Thompson

Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority

Sharon's story begins with her experience as a homeless teenager, which has shaped her drive and determination to bring about social change. In 2010, Sharon made a conscious decision to change her life in a decade. Since drawing up a life plan, Sharon has received numerous national awards for her contributions to social change and politics. She has held senior leadership positions and served as a magistrate, and since 2014, has been an elected Councillor for the City of Birmingham. In May 2023, Sharon was appointed Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, the very first ethnic minority to hold the position in our city. In May 2024 she was reappointed Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills. She also chairs the BAES Advisory Board. In June 2024, Sharon was appointed Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority. She is the first woman to hold the post and whilst supporting the Mayor, she primarily focuses on the skills agenda.

Dave Rogers

Business Coach, Consultant and Author

Dave Rogers has spent 30 years using curiosity as a driving force to help businesses navigate challenges and achieve meaningful growth. As a consultant, coach, and keynote speaker, he specialises in guiding organisations through complex decision-making processes, equipping them with practical tools to innovate and succeed. Known as “The Business Explorer,” Dave takes a collaborative and thoughtful approach to problem-solving. He works closely with leaders to identify opportunities and implement solutions that drive long-term success. For Dave, one of the most fulfilling aspects of his work is seeing businesses and their teams achieve results beyond their expectations.

Dr Aziza Sesay

GP, Educator, and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer

Dr. Aziza Sesay is a GP, Educator, and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, celebrated for her contributions to health education, awareness, and advocacy. As the founder of “Talks with Dr. Sesay,” she empowers audiences with evidence-based health information, focusing on women’s health, cancer awareness, mental health, and health inequity. Dr. Sesay serves as Vice Chair and Creative Director of Black Female Doctors UK and is an Ambassador for leading health charities, including The Eve Appeal and Wellbeing of Women. Featured in major media outlets such as BBC News, she has also collaborated with NHS England, the Department of Health, YouTube Health, and WHO, contributing to national and global public health campaigns. Recognised with a prestigious Point of Light Award and others, Dr. Sesay is a trusted voice in healthcare, committed to improving outcomes and addressing health inequities.

Ed Sumner

Magician and Comedian

Ed is a magician and comedian, who brings people together, sparks curiosity and creates the stories and moments you’ll be sharing for years to come. With over twenty years of experience, he is equally at home performing close up magic mere inches away from you or dazzling audiences from the largest stages. Praised for his conversational comedy and easy rapport, for Ed magic is about connection and unforgettable shared experiences. He is especially at home as the host of his own regular show where each month a small group of curious souls join Ed, and specially invited guest performers, on a journey through the incredible world of magic.

Kerry Tidman

Profoundly Deaf Advocate, Mentor & Holistic Therapist

Kerry is a profoundly deaf holistic therapist, and martial artist who has worked tirelessly to promote inclusion, trauma-informed practices. She is the founder of The Holistic Dojo, previously called The Martial Arts Mental Health & Wellbeing Company, a business dedicated to supporting mental health and well-being through martial arts philosophy, holistic therapies, and coaching. Kerry is deeply passionate about empowering young people and advocating for those who face adversity. After life-changing cochlear implant surgery in 2023, she embraced her deaf identity and began challenging societal narratives about deafness and ability. Having personally experienced discrimination, Kerry is determined to break barriers and inspire others. As a mentor for Advanced Bionics, she supports individuals adjusting to cochlear implants, empowering them to thrive. Kerry’s mission is to help others turn challenges into strengths and embrace their authentic selves.

Maya Patel

Founder & Conscientious Fashion Designer

Maya Patel is a degree qualified, conscientious fashion designer. Driven by a passion for sustainability and ethical practices she has been at the forefront of an alternative fashion movement, using innovative techniques such as upcycling & zero waste. As the founder of Reinvntd CIC, Maya’s work focuses on transforming textile waste into thoughtful, eco-friendly products, emphasising the importance of upcycling and circular fashion. Through engaging workshops with the community and collaborations with schools and universities, Maya strives to inspire a shift in consumer habits, encouraging others to make environmentally responsible choices. By leveraging curiosity and creativity, the aim is to turn the challenges of fashion waste into opportunities for a more sustainable and vibrant future. Maya will be delivering a talk entitled “Reinventing Fast Fashion and Textile Waste”, where she’ll delve into the problems of fashion waste and share practical solutions to address them.

Melvin Riley

Social-tech Entrepreneur

Melvin is an aspiring political leader, international speaker, award winning; Social-tech entrepreneur and activist and advocate for: Technology, SDGs, International development, politics & policy reform and racial equity, for the past 10 years Melvin has been a leading voice for young people across the UK, addressing some of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing society. Through his work, he has campaigned, implemented solutions, and influenced policy engaging with organisations, policy makers, business and political leaders on both a national and international stage. He is the founder of the National Youth Technology Council (NYTC) the UK's first youth platform dedicated to tackling technology challenges aimed at shaping the future of technology policy, governance, and development of responsible AI, digital and emerging technology, working directly with think tanks, government bodies, and tech companies.

Navi Aulkh

Brand Strategist

Navi Aulkh is a passionate brand strategist, creative consultant, and community leader with over 15 years of experience driving meaningful change in the third sector. As the founder of Sodium & Co, Navi specialises in crafting thoughtful and impactful brand strategies that amplify the missions of charities and community organisations. Her work bridges the gap between creativity and purpose, ensuring that every project she undertakes puts people at its heart. Based in Wolverhampton, Navi is deeply committed to her local community. She is the founder of the Love My City campaign, an initiative that celebrates and empowers Wolverhampton while fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Her grassroots work has supported vulnerable groups, including children, youth, the homeless, and individuals struggling with addiction, providing hands-on support and designing sustainable solutions that inspire hope and transformation.

Nysha Chantel Givans

PhD Researcher

Nysha Chantel is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Wolverhampton. Her research centres on the role of traditional storytelling in empowering marginalised communities, particularly Black communities, including African Americans. Nysha explores how storytelling foster’s identity, strengthens community bonds, and nurtures empowerment, while remaining relevant in today's society. Rooted in post-colonial theory, her work examines storytelling as a tool for resisting dominant narratives and amplifying the voices of the marginalised. Drawing from cultural studies, she investigates how storytelling preserves cultural identities and fosters a sense of belonging. Nysha's research aims to showcase the transformative power of storytelling in promoting social and cultural empowerment, emphasising its vital role in the resilience and recognition of underserved communities.

Paramjit Nagra

Entrepreneur

As a first-generation British Indian entrepreneur, Paramjit refused to conform, challenging conventions through bold flavour, storytelling, and sheer determination. She blends deep cultural authenticity with cutting-edge techniques, redefining how heritage is experienced in premium drinks. Her world-first creations, Lassi Gin and Punjabi Chai Gin, have set a new standard in spirits—crafted for bold, unexpected flavours, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and exceptional smoothness. Listed at Harvey Nichols for eight years, they have defied expectations and reshaped industry norms. Beyond spirits, Paramjit is a consultant helping brands harness flavour and aroma to create unforgettable customer experiences. She works with businesses to craft sensory identities that deepen connections and elevate their brand presence.

Paz Heer

Cake Artist

Paz Heer is a renowned cake artist based in Wolverhampton, known for creating extraordinary edible masterpieces that blend art, flavour, and emotion. From humble beginnings in a small shop, Paz has built a successful career, transforming cakes into unique works of art that celebrate milestones and evoke deep connections. With a passion for storytelling through food, Paz has crafted cakes for high-profile clients, pushing the boundaries of creativity and turning every challenge into an opportunity for innovation. Embracing the chaos of the creative process, [Your Name] has learned to turn setbacks into breakthroughs, finding resilience and growth in imperfection. Through his work, Paz showcases the power of curiosity, chaos, and creation—not only in cake artistry but in any pursuit of meaningful achievement. Their story inspires others to explore their creative potential, embrace challenges, and transform visions into extraordinary realities.

Peter White

Workplace Wellbeing Leader

Pete is a British military veteran and a passionate advocate for veteran wellbeing and mental health. After serving in the RAF, including deployment in Afghanistan, Pete faced significant challenges transitioning to civilian life, struggling with PTSD and depression. His personal journey through the chaos of military service and its aftermath has shaped his mission to transform veteran support. Today, Pete works as a workplace wellbeing leader, using his own experiences to inform his practice. He has benefited greatly from trauma therapy with Combat Stress, which helped him find creative ways to rebuild his life. Pete now champions the need for systemic change in how veterans are supported after service, calling for compassionate, proactive approaches that replace neglect with care. Through his work, Pete aims to inspire others to see veterans not as broken, but as resilient individuals capable of thriving with the right support.

Satwinder Sagoo

Certified Menopause Champion

is a Certified Menopause Champion and ally and a passionate advocate for creating awareness about the often-overlooked male experience of Andropause. Through his work, he explores the emotional and physical challenges men face. As someone personally navigating Andropause, Satwinder shares his journey with authenticity and courage, helping men understand and embrace their own “pause journey.” He is on a mission to break the stigma and societal norms that have long silenced men about their mental health and well-being. Satwinder aims to create a movement that empowers men to address issues such as hormonal changes, emotional health, and the unique challenges of midlife. His advocacy bridges the gap between Andropause and Menopause, fostering a greater understanding of how both journeys are interconnected and equally important.