One of the main takeaways from our many #CMOSpotlight interviews is that it is important to seek inspiration from a variety of sources that are beyond your day-to-day tasks. At Setup, we love to invest time into exposing ourselves to learning opportunities and expanding our mindsets by hearing new and innovative approaches from experts in their field. We attended TEDxAtlanta with this very goal in mind. As the host, Jacqui Chew, stated at the beginning of the event, “Ideas can change the human condition.”

Here are some of the many points that stuck with us:

#1 - AI isn’t as scary as you think.

While ChatGPT and the rise of robots is leaving a lot of workers in fear, the medical world is benefiting from the use of AI. Multiple doctors who spoke shared their AI research that will help prevent, predict, and treat cancer patients and other diseases. From Dr. Anthony Law’s work to use AI models and voice samples to detect advanced throat cancers, to Omer Inan’s AI samples to detect osteoporosis in the knees, utilizing AI to our advantage can heal and protect people. 

Anant Madabhushi, an AI Health Researcher and Biomedical Engineer, also shared his research with AI and how it is helping detect abnormalities in CAT scans and MRIs to accurately identify which patients will respond best to which treatments, and can lead to more efficient diagnoses so that patients are receiving the best care possible. 

#2 - Empathy is powerful. 

Marketers possibly talk about empathy more than Brené Brown…but it’s much easier to talk about being empathetic than it is to be empathetic in the moment. Rob Hardy, a Filmmaker, shared his life story about his relationship with his dad and how his father’s actions affected how he views being a father today. While he still makes similar mistakes and stumbles from time to time, he found that approaching challenges with “gratitude, appreciation, and understanding” helps him come together with his son in a less reactive and controlling way. 

Moe Ari Brown, a LGBTQIA+ Advocate, also talked about radical authenticity, acceptance and finding alignment with oneself. By sharing his perspective of being a Trans man, he implored the crowd to think more empathetically towards others and themselves. 

#3 - “Communities are the key to our resilience.” 

Although the statement above was made by the Primatologist and Conservationist, Tara Stoinski, about the lessons Gorillas teach humans, the Civic Engagement Evangelist, Isabel González Whitaker, shared that giving time and energy to your community can lead to change and growth. 

Basically, if we look after one another, and do our part in the world, we will see the change we want to see. 

#4 - You have the power to change your life. 

Between talks about motivation and death, this was a constant theme. Andrew McConnell, Entrepreneur and Author, made the statement, “It’s your life…if you don’t like what you’re doing, change what you’re doing.” 

We build the lives we want. In order to do that, however, we need to be cognizant of where we are spending our time and what is on our mind. This talk paired well with a video from a TED Talk in 2012 about what people want to do before they die. Oftentimes we don’t think about all the loss of potential until a devastating event takes place. But if you were to reflect right now in front of a “Before I die, I want to…______.” chalkboard, what would you write? 

The Palliative and Hospice Physician, Doctor Monisha Pujari, made the point that most people are not ready to die, but Hospice can be a beautiful place for that transition. Regardless, she prompted us to think about what you can do with your life now so that you don’t live a life of regrets and can transition into dying well. 

Our team loves going to events like TEDxAtlanta. Hearing the range of stories and vast perspectives of experts from a range of industries, roles, and passions who are actively changing the world makes us want to do our part in our corner!

How are you using your time to make a difference in your neck of the woods?