If you are a regular reader, you’ll know that we do occasionally cross the border to feature interesting events or places just outside of Croydon.

This week we heard about TEDxBeckenham that is taking place just down the road in (you guessed it) Beckenham on Saturday 5 July, and we were eager to find out more.

If you’re not sure what TEDx is, it’s a programme of local, independently organised events licensed by TED, the non-profit behind the global TED Talks (‘ideas worth spreading’). While TED hosts international conferences, TEDx events are grassroots and community-based, but still following the same format and values of TED’.

TEDxBeckenham returns next week for its second edition with the theme ‘The Power of Resilience’. The afternoon promises a diverse line-up of local speakers who’ll be sharing their experiences and ideas around inner resilience in an uncertain world, including a former banker who now leads an award-winning care facility (more below), a productivity coach rethinking how we work after illness, a Forbes-featured family strategist, a triplet mum challenging perfectionism and ‘mum guilt’, and a culture consultant shaping inclusion at brands like Nike and Dior.

Two of the speakers are none other than Croydon residents, Dennise Hilliman and Audrey WIlliams Joseph.

Dennise is a Guyanese-born British speaker, teacher, and founder of The LEAD Mindset, where she helps schools and organisations to find and unlock leadership potential.

Audrey is an entrepreneur, business leader, public speaker and pioneering force in the specialised Autistic Residential Care sector – she went from a successful career as a banking executive to founder of an award-winning residential care facility. Her story will captivate and inspire audiences across industries.

TEDxBeckenham is organised by Richard Jones and ‘Ronke Kokoruwe. We asked Richard how the event came about: ‘’Ronke and I met in 2018, sharing a love of helping leaders share their ideas and stories from the stage. When ‘Ronke was invited to compere a TEDx event in Lewisham, we decided that we wanted to bring that experience to this little corner of South East of London. And so, the gem of TEDx Beckenham was born’.

TEDxBeckenham takes place in Beckenham Public Hall (a Victorian Grade II listed venue, in itself worth a visit) on Saturday 5 July from 1-5pm.

There is currently a waiting list for tickets, so why not add your name here.

The venue at 4 Bromley Road, Beckenham BR3 5JE, is just a short walk from Beckenham Junction station (with both tram and train links).

Follow TEDxBeckenham on Instagram for further updates.

Images courtesy of TEDxBeckenham. 1. Rehearsal photo of the speakers and curation team. Dennise is second from right, Audrey is in the middle (flowery blue top). 2. Co-organisers, Richard Jones and ‘Ronke Kokoruwe. (Cover image: montage by the Croydonist).

Posted by Julia