Behind the Red Circle: My First TEDx Talk at TEDxThimphu
There are certain milestones in life that stay with you forever. Speaking at TEDxThimphu was one of them. Being invited as one of only eleven speakers for my first-ever TEDx talk was an incredible honour, but what made the experience truly memorable wasn't just standing on the iconic red circle. It was everything that happened before, during and after that moment.
Bhutan has long fascinated me for its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, where progress is measured not only through economic growth but also through well-being, mindfulness and purpose. Arriving in Thimphu, I quickly realised that this wasn't simply another destination or another speaking engagement. The atmosphere, the people and the pace of life encouraged me to slow down, reflect and appreciate the present. It was exactly the environment in which I wanted to share one of the most personal stories of my life.
Preparing for My First TEDx Talk
Preparing for TEDx was unlike preparing for any conference or keynote I had delivered before. TEDx is not about presenting achievements or showcasing expertise. It is about sharing an idea that has the power to inspire others. That responsibility made me reflect deeply on my own journey and ask myself an important question: What story do I truly want people to remember?
The answer took me back ten years, to a promise I made to myself on my thirtieth birthday. Instead of speaking about business success or entrepreneurship, I decided to share how one simple promise transformed the way I approached life, motherhood, learning and personal growth. Revisiting those memories while preparing my talk became an emotional journey in itself, reminding me that our greatest lessons often come from the quiet promises we keep to ourselves.
A Stage That Felt Like a Conversation
Like every first-time TEDx speaker, I walked onto the stage with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Yet, within moments of beginning my talk, those feelings disappeared. It no longer felt like I was delivering a speech to an audience. It felt like I was having an honest conversation with people who, regardless of where they came from, had experienced self-doubt, ambition, hope and the desire to become better versions of themselves.
Standing on the TEDx stage reminded me that authenticity creates stronger connections than perfection ever can. The audience wasn't looking for flawless delivery; they were looking for something genuine. That realisation made the experience both liberating and deeply fulfilling.
The Beauty of Bhutan
Beyond the event itself, Bhutan left a lasting impression on me. It is a country that gently encourages you to slow down and become more mindful of the world around you. Whether it was walking through Thimphu, interacting with local people or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, every experience reinforced the importance of intentional living.
In our fast-paced lives, we often celebrate being busy. Bhutan reminded me that there is equal value in pausing, reflecting and creating space for gratitude. It was a perspective I carried home with me long after the event had concluded.
The People Behind the Experience
One of the highlights of TEDxThimphu was the opportunity to meet fellow speakers, organisers and participants who were all driven by a shared purpose of creating meaningful impact. Every conversation backstage offered a new perspective, a fresh idea or an inspiring story. It was a reminder that learning doesn't only happen on stage; it often happens in the conversations between sessions, over coffee or during a simple exchange of experiences.
Being surrounded by individuals from diverse backgrounds reinforced my belief that inspiration has no boundaries. Every person carries a story capable of encouraging someone else to take their next step.
More Than a Milestone
People often ask what it felt like to become a TEDx speaker. While it was undoubtedly a proud professional milestone, I believe the experience gave me something even more valuable. It reminded me why I started my journey of personal growth in the first place and reaffirmed the importance of staying true to my values, even as life becomes increasingly busy.
Looking back, I don't see TEDxThimphu as the destination. I see it as another chapter in a journey that continues to unfold. The promise I made to myself ten years ago didn't end when I turned forty. If anything, it has become even more meaningful as I continue to embrace new experiences, learn from every opportunity and inspire others to do the same.
A Shift in Perspective
As I reflect on my first TEDx experience, I feel humbled, grateful and deeply thankful to have been one of the eleven speakers at TEDxThimphu. It was more than an opportunity to share my story. It was an opportunity to listen, learn and return home with a renewed perspective on life.
Bhutan wasn't just a stage. It was a shift in perspective—a reminder to slow down, breathe and truly live. Sometimes, the greatest journeys are not measured by how far we travel, but by how deeply an experience changes the way we see ourselves and the world around us.