Theme: Subtract

In a world overflowing with choices, distractions, and the relentless pursuit of more, we often find ourselves overwhelmed—constantly doing, achieving, and consuming. But what if true clarity, fulfillment, and progress come not from addition, but from subtraction?

Join us on February 12th at GEMS New Millennium School as we explore the power of less—the art of decluttering our minds, refining our actions, and focusing on what truly matters. Through thought-provoking talks and transformative ideas, we’ll uncover how subtracting the unnecessary can lead to deeper connections, greater creativity, and a more meaningful life.

Zayed Hall
Al Khail Road
Dubai, Dubayy, 47F4+GX
United Arab Emirates

Ali Khawaja

Senior Instructor - Dept. of Management, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship at AUS

Ali Khawaja is a faculty member at the American University of Sharjah, bridging academia and industry through teaching, advising, and startup mentorship. With expertise in entrepreneurship, technology, blockchain, and AI, he consults for startups and serves on the board of *Baytukum*, a real estate crowdfunding platform. He also co-founded *Mental Health AE*, a mental wellness platform where he hosts a podcast featuring expert insights. A lifelong learner, he holds certifications from institutions like London Business School, Stanford, and Caltech. In his TEDx talk, *The Art of Slowing Down for a Fuller Life*, Ali challenges hustle culture, arguing that success isn’t about doing more but about letting go of distractions and unnecessary expectations. By embracing simplicity, refining focus, and making space for intentional stillness, we gain greater clarity, balance, and fulfillment. Sometimes, subtraction is the most powerful step forward.

Krystyna Larrave

Executive Success Coach | Member of Forbes Coaches Council

Krystyna Larrave is an emotional intelligence expert, executive success coach, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Fluent in five languages and with experience across ten countries, she trains leaders worldwide in EQ, helping them build trust, resilience, and transformational leadership. Holding three master’s degrees, she is dedicated to making emotional intelligence a core part of education to equip future leaders with high EQ. In her TEDx talk, Why We’re More Lost Than Ever—and How to Find Clarity, Krystyna explores how, in an AI-driven world, our greatest strength won’t come from doing more but from mastering emotional intelligence. By letting go of emotional baggage and unlearning limiting patterns, we can reconnect with our true potential, foster deeper relationships, and create real change. The future of humanity isn’t about adding more knowledge—it’s about subtracting what no longer serves us.

Manaswi Madichetty

Broker at Marsh | Food Influencer

Manaswi Madichetty is a finance graduate from AUS and a reinsurance broker at Marsh, but beyond the corporate world, she’s *madicheffy*—a food enthusiast proving that plant-based eating can be both delicious and exciting. Balancing a fast-paced career with her passion for cooking, she shares recipes, caters events, and explores the endless possibilities of flavor. When she’s not in the kitchen or at work, she’s reading, hitting the gym, or dancing her heart out. In her TEDx talk, *Subtraction with Flavour*, Manaswi shares how removing dairy from her diet in 2023 transformed her health, helping her manage PCOS and feel better both physically and mentally. Through her journey, she’s discovered that plant-based eating isn’t about restriction—it’s about creativity, connection, and joy. By subtracting limitations, she’s added health, purpose, and unexpected opportunities, proving that a simple change in diet can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Meenakshi Renjith

Student - GEMS New Millennium School

**Meenakshi Renjith** is an aspiring astrobiologist at GEMS New Millennium School with a passion for public speaking, believing in the power of words to connect, lead, and inspire. She has earned top rankings at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Competition and received the Outstanding Speaker award at the NMS Debate League. As a leader, she co-founded *Sweet Tooth*, a homemade bakery, and now serves as Chief of Edupreneurs on the Senior Leadership Team. She also spearheads *The Millennials' Entrepreneurship Boot Camp* and is a keen target shooter and archer. In her TEDx talk, *The Happiness Quotient: Redefining Success*, Meenakshi challenges the idea that success leads to happiness. Drawing from her journey, she reflects on realizing that happiness isn’t the reward at the end of success but the goal itself. She urges us to rethink our pursuit of success and embrace the joy already around us, offering a fresh perspective on how chasing success can sometimes subtract from our happiness.

Mehar Azmi

Student - GEMS New Millennium School

**Mehar Azmi** is a high school student at GEMS New Millennium Dubai with a passion for public speaking, debate, and storytelling. Along with excelling in academics, Mehar enjoys exploring new activities like swimming, music, and reading. With a curious mind and a love for meeting new people, she aspires to pursue a career that allows for global exploration and connection. In her TEDx talk, *Are You Lost in Performance?*, Mehar reflects on her journey as a high-achieving student whose world shifted when school went online during COVID-19. Facing her first academic struggles, she edited her report cards to maintain an image of success—until the truth came to light. Through this experience, she realized that nothing is real unless we choose to believe it. In a world filled with labels and expectations, Mehar encourages us to move beyond performance and embrace authenticity, care, and understanding, rather than forcing our truths on others.

Navid Nathoo

Founder of The Knowledge Society

Navid Nathoo is a Canadian entrepreneur dedicated to empowering young people to shape the future. He founded *TKS* (The Knowledge Society), a global innovation program that equips young minds with cutting-edge skills in AI, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Before TKS, he co-founded *Airpost*, a Silicon Valley cloud security startup acquired by Box (NYSE:BOX). His passion for impact has taken him across the world, working to improve the quality of life for underserved communities in Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Kenya. In his TEDx talk, *Code, Chaos, and the End of Work*, Navid explores how rapid advancements in AI, space exploration, and biotechnology are reshaping industries and making traditional jobs obsolete. As automation disrupts the workforce, the careers of tomorrow don’t exist yet—but those who develop adaptability, problem-solving, and innovation skills will thrive. The future belongs to those who are prepared for it.

Rakshita Saravanan

Student - GEMS New Millennium School

Rakshita Saravanan is a ninth-grade archer in the UAE, already making her mark with gold medals in the Emirates Cup (Indoor) and multiple stages of the UAE National Archery League in the Compound Under-15 Women’s category. With aspirations to set record-breaking scores and represent India on the international stage, Rakshita sees archery as more than a sport—it’s a journey of patience, discipline, and resilience. In her TEDx talk, The Success Formula: Subtract, Rakshita shares how embracing the mindset of subtraction—letting go of distractions, self-doubt, and unhelpful habits—has been the key to both athletic and personal growth. By prioritizing what truly matters, she has learned that success isn’t just about achieving more, but about refining focus and eliminating what holds us back.

Sonakshi Ruhela

Assistant Professor Psychology - RIT Dubai

Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela is a psychologist, educator, and TEDx speaker with 15+ years of experience in teaching, research, and counseling. A Harvard-certified expert, she helped establish psychology programs at universities in Dubai. She is a Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy and a consultant psychologist at Open Minds Psychiatry. Named among *Asia’s 40 Under 40*, she has received global awards, published research, delivered 300+ talks worldwide, and authored *Counseling Interventions for Millennials*, archived at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. In her TEDx talk, *Sharenting: Balancing Connection and Privacy in the Digital Age*, Dr. Ruhela examines the ethical dilemmas of parents sharing their children’s lives online. While social media fosters connection, it also challenges consent and digital privacy. Through research and real-world cases, she guides parents in navigating this balance, ensuring children’s stories remain theirs to tell.

Swarashri Shridhar

Kathak Dancer-Choreographer

Swarashri Shridhar is a Kathak dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of *Aneka - Identities Dancing Within*. Trained under *Dr. Pali Chandra* at Gurukul Dubai, she blends Kathak’s expressive and technical elements to illuminate lived experiences and advocate for social and mental wellness. Her works explore *Dance Movement Therapy* for *Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, anxiety, women empowerment,* and *environmental sustainability.* She recently toured India in 2024 with a dance-drama on *Dissociative Identity Disorder.* In her TEDx talk, *Vilamba: The Mighty Descent of Laya*, Swarashri explores the paradox of slowing down to move forward. Drawing from dance, music, and leadership, she reveals how subtraction—letting go of distractions—creates space for true mastery. By refining focus, she proves that sometimes, doing less leads to greater impact.