TEDx Champion: Perseverance and Unfinished Business in a DisruptED World – Part 1

Perseverance resonates profoundly in an era where technological advancements and unforeseen challenges sway education and work. The disarray instigated by these massive disruptions has magnified the necessity of adaptability and a relentless spirit, especially in navigating the unpredictable currents of the modern-day professional landscape. As per a study by McKinsey, about 87% of executives said they were experiencing skill gaps in the workforce or expected them within a few years, yet less than half had a clear sense of how to address the problem. Thus, encouraging individuals to venture beyond their comfort zones and tackle ‘Unfinished Business’ has become a timely discourse.

At the heart of this narrative lies a pressing question: How can one harness the essence of perseverance to navigate the tumultuous waters of today’s disrupted world and turn unfinished business into a tale of triumph?

Enter DisruptED, a beacon of insight hosted by Ron J. Stefanski. In the first of two episodes, Stefanski engages in a stimulating conversation with Nicola Morgan, an esteemed Author, Speaker, and TEDx Champion. The duo talks about Nicola’s awe-inspiring journey of attempting to swim across the English Channel, her reflections on ‘unfinished business’, and the broader implications of her learnings on education and personal development.

In this first of two conversations, Stefanski and Morgan discuss:

• Stepping outside one’s comfort zone to embrace challenges and learn from them, as demonstrated through Nicola’s audacious attempt to swim the English Channel not once but twice
• Viewing setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for reflection, learning, and, eventually, triumph
• The impactful narrative of delaying the urge to give up and the broader resonance of this concept in empowering individuals amidst modern-day disruptions

Nicola Morgan, hailing from Northern Wales, is a revered author and speaker and a testament to the boundless potential of human perseverance. With a background in education consulting, she has dedicated her professional life to empowering students, staff, and parents. Her audacious attempt to swim the English Channel, which she shared on a TEDx stage, isn’t just a personal narrative but a remarkable allegory inspiring many to face their ‘unfinished business,’ learn from it, and grow, a message she now passionately shares across various platforms.