Theme: DISRUPTION

Ideas are the catalysts for innovation, change, and exponential growth.
TEDxReno is the purveyor of ideas.

Join us to engage with DISRUPTIVE thought leaders and entertainers who are changing the world.

Lawlor Events Center - University of Nevada, Reno
1500 N. Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada, 89557
United States

Adrienne Bankert

National Network Journalist, TV host & Author

Adrienne Bankert, an award-winning national news anchor, spearheaded the launch of “Morning in America” on NewsNation and now leads Special Projects. With five years at ABC News, she earned two Emmys for “Good Morning America” and reported for “World News Tonight” and “Nightline.” From Tokyo to Paris, she has covered major events like the Women’s World Cup and tragedies like the Parkland shooting. Adrienne’s interviews span from Kobe Bryant to Lady Gaga, even singing with Garth Brooks! In her book, "Your Hidden Superpower," she explores the impact of kindness on personal and professional success. Based in Chicago, she embraces her new hometown while innovating in media and technology.

Alex Carter

Internationally renowned keynote speaker and negotiation coach, specializing in delivering research-backed, tactical, and approachable negotiation and leadership training.

Alex Carter is a Columbia Law School professor, mediator and negotiation trainer to the United Nations. For the last 20 years, she has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to take lessons from the world’s highest-stakes negotiations and apply them to their everyday lives. Professor Carter’s first book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything (Simon & Schuster), was published in 2020 and became an instant Wall Street Journal Business Bestseller. As a keynote speaker, Alex helps companies around the world secure larger deals, prevent losses and retain top talent. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, The New York Times, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, The CBS Early Show, NPR Marketplace, CNBC, Fast Company, and more. She is a contributor for NBC News’ Know Your Value, a news site devoted to helping women grow in their careers and reach their full potential.

Dan Jones

Associate Professor

Daniel N. Jones, an Associate Professor at the University of Nevada Reno, is renowned for his research on dark personalities, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He's received accolades like the Early Career Award from the Western Psychological Association and grants from entities like the National Science Foundation. Jones delves into the Dark Triad and Tetrad, exploring traits like Machiavellianism and sadism, with a focus on their implications in areas like cyber-security. He's also authored a forthcoming book on "Emophilia: The Science of Serial Romance." Passionate about interdisciplinary solutions, he aims to establish consulting services to implement his evidence-based interventions.

David Rosmarin

Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, and Founder of Center for Anxiety

David H. Rosmarin is the author of Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You. He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of Center for Anxiety, which provides services to over 1,000 patients/year in multiple states. Dr. Rosmarin is an international expert on spirituality and mental health, whose work has been featured in Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Good Morning America. He can be reached via his website www.dhrosmarin.com

Gaia Bernstein

Professor; Author; Speaker; and Technology Policy Expert

Gaia Bernstein is a professor, author, speaker, and technology policy expert. She is a Law Professor and Co-Director of the Institute for Privacy Protection at the Seton Hall University School of Law. Bernstein believes we need to stop blaming ourselves for our overuse of technology and shift the responsibility to the tech industry, which designs its products to addict. She is the author of the widely praised book Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies. In 2017, Bernstein created and spearheaded a nationally acclaimed school outreach program for children and parents on technology overuse. She soon learnt that self-help measures did not help parents solve their families’ screen time problem. She is now dedicated to supporting lawmakers, families and kids to solve the problem through collective action, legally and in communities.

Hirie Patricia Jetton

Performer

Hirie–the frontwoman of the exhilarating reggae band HIRIE–grew up a global citizen. Her father worked for the United Nations and she was born in the Philippines, spent years in Italy, before her family settled in Hawaii, which became her spiritual home. San Diego’s seven-piece band HIRIE is here to offer a global spiritual uplift. Melding the balmy island touches of its singer’s beloved home—as symbolized by its moniker’s first letter, an “H” for “Hawaii,” with that feeling of irie, the award-winning group offers a soundtrack of hope.

Judy Ho

Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, Professor and Author

Dr. Judy Ho, Ph.D., ABPP, ABPdN, is a Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and an author. Her books include "Stop Self-Sabotage" (HarperCollins, 2019), "I’ll Give it to Your Straight-ish" (Flashpoint, 2021), and "The New Rules of Attachment" (Hachette, 2024). Based in Manhattan Beach, CA, she specializes in neuropsychological assessments, appears as an expert on various media platforms, and conducts research to enhance mental health care. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in her practice and is a sought-after speaker for conferences and workshops.

Kirstie Ennis

Adventure Athlete, USMC Veteran

Kirstie Ennis’s journey commenced with the loss of her leg in Afghanistan, yet it's far from its conclusion. Enduring 48 surgeries and multiple amputations, the ex-Marine Sergeant, at 32, surpasses many lifetimes' achievements. Ennis, inspired by her Marine parents, enlisted at 17. Defying notions of disability, she excels, aiming to conquer the Seven Summits by 2023, advocating and fundraising along the way. Beyond her athletic feats, Ennis holds three Master’s degrees and pursues a Doctorate in Education. Founder of The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, she champions causes and serves in various nonprofits. A savvy entrepreneur, she invests in startups and practices real estate. Honors adorn her, including the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award and induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame as its youngest member.

Kurt Gray

Professor

Kurt Gray, a social psychologist, delves into our moral minds to bridge political gaps. With a Ph.D. from Harvard, he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab at UNC Chapel Hill and leads the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. His research, spanning 120+ articles, shows morality's basis in perceptions of harm and how political disagreements stem from differing views on victimization. Gray's work, featured in top publications, sheds light on our divided yet interconnected moral landscape. He's authored "The Mind Club" and the upcoming "Outraged," exploring the divisive yet unifying power of our harm-based psyche.

Leif Babin

Former SEAL Officer, Co-author of Extreme Ownership, and Co-Founder of Echelon Front

Leif Babin is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, best-selling author, leadership instructor and co-founder of Echelon Front. He served 13 years in the U.S. Navy, nine of those in the SEAL Teams. Deployed three times to Iraq, Leif learned critical leadership lessons under fire as a SEAL platoon commander with Jocko Willink and Task Unit Bruiser in the Battle of Ramadi in 2006. Upon his return, Leif ran SEAL leadership training for every officer graduating from the SEAL training pipeline and then served in executive management positions at a SEAL Team. In 2011, he left active duty and founded Echelon Front. Since that time, Leif has taught these same leadership principles to leaders across the business world in virtually every industry, and helped them build their own high-performance, winning teams. Leif is the co-author of Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership.

Marty Simpson

Comedian

For 16 years, Marty's comedic exploits have spanned three continents and 46 of the 50 states. (We're looking at you CT, MT, VT, and WY!) Before that, he held the unique distinction of being both varsity football coach and lead drama director at a South Carolina high school. Ever heard of someone directing ""The Importance of Being Earnest"" in the spring and then taking a football team to the State Championship in the fall? Marty did that and more! When not sitting in a Delta Sky Club, Marty enjoys spending as much quality time as humanly possible with his lovely wife of 30 years, Ashley, as well as their two kids, Savannah and Walt.

Philippe Ziade

Founder and Chairman of Growth Holdings

Philippe Ziade, a serial entrepreneur, founded 60+ companies in under two decades, embodying the American 'can do' spirit. Renowned as a visionary leader, he reinvents industries, integrating sustainability early on. His Growth Holdings builds the first net-zero luxury hotel in Vegas, following LIVV Homes' success with net-zero living communities. Ziade excels in merging advanced tech with people's needs, expanding into various sectors globally. Originating from Lebanon, he supports education and community ties, serving as Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Nevada, bridging cultures and fostering growth.

Sofia Sanchez

Actor, Model & Advocate

Sofia Sanchez, a Ukrainian-American sensation, soared into fame with her viral video "Down Syndrome Is Not Scary," launching her into acting and advocacy. From "Switched at Birth" to films like "For Paloma," she's made her mark. Sofia's inspiring adoption tale led to Scholastic picture books and ad campaigns for brands like Old Navy. Beyond acting, she champions love and empowerment, collaborating with organizations like Best Buddies. Notably, her appearance at the "Barbie" movie premiere, dressed as the first Barbie with Down Syndrome, gained global acclaim. Sofia's journey continues with engagements like a TED TALK and ongoing work in entertainment and advocacy, inspiring millions worldwide.

Tes Sewell

Denier of the Impossible

Tes Sewell, a Brit turned California adventurer, thrives on defying the impossible. From organizing freestyle motocross at ESPN's X Games to hosting Motorsports TV shows, he's a jack-of-all-trades. Tes has spearheaded daring world record attempts, from car jumps over piers to backflipping motorcycles over iconic landmarks like London's Tower Bridge. His mantra? Say "yes" first and figure it out later.

Tracey Gendron

Professor and Author

Dr. Tracey Gendron is the author of Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It and serves as Chair for the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Gerontology, and as Director for the Virginia Center on Aging. She is an internationally recognized gerontologist with almost 30 years of experience as a grant-funded researcher and speaks to audiences globally about the real world impact of age bias. Tracey has a Master’s degree in Gerontology, a Master’s degree in Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology.