Speaking at TEDxGoldenGatePark in San Francisco
What is TED?
TED was founded in 1984 as a conference bringing together 3 worlds: Technology (T), Entertainment (E), Design (D). TED is a nonprofit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading". In addition to two annual TED conferences (the TED Conference in Long Beach and Palm Springs each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh, UK each summer), the TED platform includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site and the TEDx program.
On October 10, 2012 I spoke at the TEDxGoldenGatePark event in San Francisco, California.
What is TEDx?
TEDx is the local version of the larger TED talks. The program is set up to allow local individuals to attain a TEDx license and put on their own event. While the TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis, they must adhere to TED's fairly strict program format.
Darius John Mirshahzadeh, a finance professional based in San Francisco, was the lead curator and license holder for TEDxGoldenGatePark.
How did I end up speaking at TEDxGoldenGatePark?
I prefer a twist on the original saying: opportunities arise when luck and preparation collide. Late last year, my second oldest brother Stephen (@sjagger) had been living in San Francisco for a few months meeting with venture capitalists while fundraising for his company, PayrollHero. While out for dinner with fellow business owners he chatted with Darius who said he was putting on a TEDx with the theme 'The Pursuit of Passion'. My brother pointed Darius towards my site, LongTrackLongShot.com and social media pages and suggested we chat. After a long call with Darius I was asked to be a part of the event!
I joined the following incredible individuals on stage (I encourage you to follow them on Twitter, some very inspiring stories and people to follow):
- Laura Prince
- Kiff Gallagher (@citizenartist)
- Finn Kelly (@finnspin)
- Larry Jacobson (@JacobsonAuthor)
- Brad Butler (@bicyclecoffeeco)
- The Kitchen Sisters (@KitchenSisters)
- Scott Dinsmore (@_Scott_Dinsmore)
- Jeremy Mayer (@JeremyMayer)
- Cass Phillipps (@WebWallflower)
- Stephanie Snyder
Team Shot: TEDxGoldenGatePark Speakers & Curators
Summer giving us some last minute advice on the stage of the Koret Auditorium before the event was set to start
What did I talk about?
The theme of the TEDx event was 'The Pursuit of Passion'. After building out my talk and looking back on both my time working and my current journey it became clear that my true passion lies in the pursuit itself. So my talk flipped the theme around a bit and became "Passion of the Pursuit".
My goal is to find my way into National team trials. That has not changed but I am enjoying every day of this journey. With each race, strength test, hike, lactic program, and even speaking engagement I am doing something new and pushing my comfort zones.
When I was working my sole focus was on one thing: my year-end ranking (which determined my bonus). I lost sight of the daily challenges and shut off many other aspects of my life chasing a result, ignorant to what the pursuit was costing me.
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Heading back over the Golden Gate Bridge after a great 10KM run with TEDx curator Dan Newhall
Thank You To My Sponsors!
TEDx is a not-for-profit event and does not pay any of its speakers. Would like to send out a huge thank you to my sponsors, Provident Security & Marty Pospischil Real Estate for sponsoring my trip down to San Francisco and allowing me to take part in the event.
With my eldest brother Mike Jagger (@ProvidentMike) who flew down from Vancouver to be there for my talk
A big thank you to Rich Patterson (@PattersonBrands) of Vancouver's Patterson Brands who I work with on my Team Provident gear who hooked me up with my branded Nike golf shirt to wear of stage. Was great to be able to recognize my top two sponsors, Provident Security & Marty Pospischil Real Estate. Thank you Rich!
Rocking my new Team Provident powered by Marty Pospischil Real Estate Nike golf shirt - thanks to Patterson Brands!
Some Photos from the Talk
There will be a video posted soon. Golden Gate 3D was on hand filming each talk as well as some great behind the scenes footage that should be posted in the coming weeks. Will be sure to share the vide when it is live!
Here are a few photos from the event, thanks to Peter Jensen for the shots!
Using the Monopoly 'Bank Error in Your Favor' card to explain how I felt when I was hired as a Financial Analyst at Citigroup, then the largest financial institution in the world
The Citi stock price graph behind me that shows the value of shares I received as part of my bonus in 2008 falling in value from over $55 to $0.75. Results are not all they are cracked up to be - you must enjoy the pursuit!
Delivering my closing address with this great quote behind me:
"There is no passion to be found in playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living" - Nelson Mandela
For more photos of the event be sure to check out Peter Jensen's complete 'TEDxGoldenGatePark' album on Flickr
