The Journey of TEDx: A Life-Altering Experience
There are pivotal moments in our lives that have the power to transform us, shaping our future in ways we may never have imagined. Whether these changes are for better or worse often depends on our attitude during these times. For me there are many and I repeat many memorable moments in my life ( my daughter, meeting my partner etc) but performing a TEDx talk was one, and touching the Western Wall in Jerusalem was the other.
In 2015, I found myself at one of these crossroads when I was encouraged to apply for a TEDx Winnipeg presentation. During a CAPS meeting, I listened to a professional speaker while sitting with other members. One of them mentioned they would forward a TEDx speaker application, sparking a discussion about what makes a great TED talk. I encouraged Patrick, one of my companions, to apply because I believed his idea was both unique and brilliant.
After the speaker finished, I approached the speaker to express my gratitude for his entertaining presentation. To my surprise, he complimented me in return, saying, “I know who you are. I know your message. You have something important to say. I think you should apply to do a TED talk.” Overwhelmed by his words, I started to contemplate the possibility during my drive home. I realized that my experiences with workplace bullying in the RCMP and the tools I used to survive could potentially help others. Upon arriving home, I submitted my application for the 2015 TEDx Winnipeg event. Thinking if we don’t try we never know what can happen.
To my amazement, I received an acceptance email over the weekend. I was thrilled yet slightly anxious, hoping my acceptance wouldn’t overshadow the applications of those I had encouraged to apply.
At our first rehearsal, I was delighted to see that Patrick had also been accepted. That was the easy part. The hard part was preparing and memorizing my speech. My speaker coach, Mary Ann, was a blessing—patiently guiding me through the writing, editing, and presentation process. Without her support, my speech wouldn’t have been as successful. She was a joy to work with.
Stepping onto that stage, exposing my vulnerabilities, and having my talk recorded for eternity on the internet was a daunting experience. Yet, I embraced the challenge. The most difficult part was discussing topics such as depression, sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts stemming from years of workplace bullying in the RCMP. I wanted to change the ending of my story to help others avoid the darkness and despair I had faced. My goal was to encourage, educate, and empower those experiencing workplace bullying, to keep the conversation going, and to support victims in creating positive change.
Sharing the stage with other incredible presenters in 2015 was an honor. The collective effort of the speaker coach, technical team, and everyone involved created a perfect event where each speaker could shine.
For someone with ADD, memorizing a 15-minute speech was a huge hurdle. I practiced relentlessly, logging over 200 hours to ensure my speech was flawless. I rehearsed everywhere—in the car, kitchen, having a shower, before bed, and even while exercising. I incorporated props into my talk, such as an orange toolbox, a pair of runners, a pen, an orange spatula, and scissors. These visuals helped convey my message about self-care toolkits, resonating with the audience.
Walking on stage, I was one person; walking off, I was another. I felt confident, empowered, and comfortable with my voice, willing to be vulnerable and share an important message about surviving and thriving despite workplace bullying. I hoped to reach ten people, but to my astonishment, my talk has garnered nearly 800,000 views to date.
TEDx events are volunteer-driven, requiring dedication and fundraising to keep costs low and tickets affordable. It has been an honor to serve as a speaker coach for future TEDx Winnipeg speakers. Despite missing a few years due to COVID-19, the 2024 TEDx Winnipeg event was another success. Watching my speaker present felt like being a proud parent.
Participating in TEDx Winnipeg 2015 had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. It’s essential to step out of our comfort zones, use our experiences to help others positively and heal from our traumas. As a workplace consultant coach, sharing my story about workplace bullying and violence and the journey to recovery has been a healing process. Our scars remind us of where we’ve been, but they don’t define our future happiness and success.
Never give up, speak up, and stand up for those who remain silent out of fear. People often comment that I appear normal despite my trauma. But what is normal? We are all beautifully unique, shaped by our most significant challenges. The strength, courage, and wisdom I possess today result from these experiences. It’s a choice whether to dwell on past pain or to move forward, learning from it. Seek professional help if needed—therapy works.
Create your own self-care tools for good physical and mental health, adopt a positive attitude, focus on the positive, practice gratitude, be curious, and always believe in the power of your voice.