In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Frances Wood Wilson Theater @ Fernbank
767 Clifton Road
Atlanta, Georgia, 30307
United States

B. Valaise Smith

A lifelong Detroiter, Valaise Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in finance from Davenport University. She is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, and an inaugural scholar of the Goldman Sachs Black in Business Program, One Million Black Women. Valaise worked for the same company for many years before opening her own business. Unfortunately, the company that employed her had to close its doors in 2014. At that time, she was faced with two choices: find a new job in the corporate world or take her knowledge and expertise out on her own. From there, her company Tried and True Financial Services was born in January 2015, and she married the income tax preparation skills she had developed with portfolio reconciliation (i.e., bookkeeping). Valaise was putting in the work for her business on the weekends while maintaining a full-time corporate career. When the pandemic hit, Valaise participated in the great resignation. She decided to focus solely on growing Tried and True Financial Services.

Doug Crowe

Doug Crowe is a seasoned marketing strategist and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) from South Carolina, specializing in helping businesses unlock their full growth potential. With decades of experience in marketing leadership, Doug partners with companies to craft innovative strategies, drive brand visibility, and achieve measurable results. As a Fractional CMO, Doug brings the expertise of a seasoned executive without the long-term commitment, offering a cost-effective solution for businesses aiming to scale. His approach combines data-driven decision-making with creative insights to deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with target audiences.

Erika Jones

Erika Jones, co-founder of Express Tax Software Solutions LLC, is a driving force in nurturing tax entrepreneurs. Her journey began in 2009 when she witnessed employees at a construction company being exploited during tax season due to a lack of tax knowledge. This experience ignited her passion for delivering impeccable customer service, integrity, and precision in financial advisory matters. Erika’s prowess quickly attracted an elite clientele, with over 200 returning clients in her first year. Teaming up with co-founder Jason Cheek, they embarked on a mission in 2017 to mentor and coach aspiring tax business owners. This vision led to the creation of Express Tax Academy LLC, offering tax business development and IRS-approved CE credit courses. With over seven years of success in the tax preparation industry, Erika and Jason have expanded their impact through Express Tax Academy. This comprehensive online training program empowers tax professionals to start, expand, or enhance their tax businesses. Erika’s commitment to excellence and empowerment continues to drive her mission forward.

Grace Holden

Grace has devoted more than 20 years of her life, to consulting on business growth and providing full-scale planning for event management, making her a top consultant within the industry. Using her experience as a gifted and skilled Executive Coach, combined with her knowledge in the event planning industry, Grace took another entrepreneurial leap and became the founder and CEO of Real Champions League Speakers Bureau, RCL is a leadership and consultancy firm that trains, coaches produces and motivates future champion speakers to showcase their brands globally. Grace and her team personally provide one-on-one coaching and guidance for budding leaders & speakers ready to hone their craft, tell their stories, and deliver their message, which, in turn, helps them build profitable and sustaining businesses. Finding Success Through Strength of Community Grace understands how it feels to muster the courage every day in hopes of pursuing your dreams and visions. That’s why she believes having a community of like-minded people is an essential resource to have. Without community support, the probability of success can diminish significantly. Grace created an exclusive and thriving community that gives her members the power to break barriers, provide support, and continue on the path to self-discovery. Transform Your Life Grace L. Holden’s power-packed workshops, mastermind groups, and coaching sessions inspire the community and cultivate an environment for the ordinary to bloom into the extraordinary. Her message to all is, “Self-preservation starts with the decision to love yourself above everything else.”

Jeffery Getty

For nearly three decades, Jeff Getty has designed and implemented strategies with a goal of maximizing the after-tax value of businesses during a transition or transaction. At Callan Family Office, he co-leads the business advisory practice, providing comprehensive services that strive to allow clients to optimize the value of their businesses throughout the business lifecycle. Immediately prior to joining Callan Family Office, Jeff was Managing Director of the Family Wealth Consulting Team at Key Private Bank. During his 14-year tenure, he founded the practice, growing it to a team of 12 people who advised on 35-40 transactions per year. As a tax attorney, Jeff counseled clients on a variety of tax matters, including comprehensive transactional tax advice designed to reduce the variety of taxes that impact a business during the sale process. Additionally, as a M&A advisor he worked with clients several years before a transition or sale to evaluate, design and implement creative strategies and further position their companies to attempt to generate maximum value. Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., his JD from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law, and his Master of Science degree in tax from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He is a co-author of a book on asset protection strategies, has published over a dozen articles on a wide range of professional periodicals, and is the author of the bestselling book: “The Descent is the Real Climb: The Unexpected Truths About Successful Business Transitions.” In 2017 Jeff was elected as a Fellow by the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC) in recognition of his contributions in the field of trusts and estate law.

Joi Worthy Johnson

Joi Worthy Johnson is a visionary leader, advocate, and trailblazer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond. Joi has become known for her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire and empower others. Her professional journey is marked by innovative achievements, transformative initiatives, and a passion for fostering growth and inclusivity. Joi combines strategic thinking with a collaborative spirit, creating solutions that drive progress and leave a lasting legacy. Beyond her professional endeavors, Joi is a champion for inner city youth, dedicating her time and energy to initiatives that uplift and create opportunities for others.

Josey Wellz

Born Hananiah Joel Nicholas, Josey Wellz is a nickname given to him by a childhood friend and was the moniker used for his artistry. Josey Wellz was raised in the heart of New York City and as a youth, he fought the challenges and temptations filling the streets of the Bronx. In 2013 he found his way to Atlanta, with a heart full of hope and talent. He used his talent as a musical artist as an outlet to express his emotions into what became an unforgettable tapestry of life’s experiences. Those experiences led to him connecting with his higher self in a way that transformed his life. Now seeing life through a different perspective, with more confidence and assurance than ever before, Josey reinvented himself and is now a Confidence and Life Coach poised to help others do the same. Josey believes that Confidence is key and, in his teachings, draws on his own experience and expertise to help people improve their mindset and overcome their limiting beliefs to achieve their goals. An Entrepreneur in his own right, Josey founded, Living Wellz, LLC, leveraging his background as an artist to start his own career coaching those in the world of entertainment and entrepreneurship to build their self-confidence and transform their own lives, so that they can start “living well”.

Rizzo King Kongin

Rizzo's expertise extends to the world of entrepreneurship and business growth. In his highly acclaimed program, "Write a Book - Grow Your Business," he guides individuals in sharing their stories, expertise, and wisdom with the world, leading to instant credibility and enhanced brand exposure. Additionally, in the "Clear Space, Clear Mind" organizing program, Rizzo helps participants declutter their surroundings, illuminating the path to boosted energy, sharpened creativity, and reduced stress.