Leslie Belknap

Artist, Blogger, Brainstormer, Buddhist, Business adviser, Business leader, Business mentor, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Consultant, Designer, Entrepreneur, Environmentalist, Event planner, Explorer, Filmmaker, Gay, Global soul, Idea generator, Inventor, Marketer, Photographer, Producer, Project manager, Promoter, Social entrepreneur, World traveler, Writer/Editor

My sixth birthday is one of my most vivid childhood memories. I remember crying to my mom, asking her: what happens when people die? Once soothed by my mother's calming explanation that death was not to be feared, I returned to my birthday party to unwrap my present - the shiny red and white typewriter I had been coveting for months. Even at that young age, I was compelled to write and tell stories as a way to explore my curiosity and connect with the world. In many ways, my sixth birthday was my first step towards the rest of my life. While getting my BA in Media Arts, I spent most of my time traveling the southwestern United States, living in nature, and feeding my curiosity with books such as "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" and "Man's Search for Meaning." I also traveled throughout northern and central Mexico to discuss life and death with shamans in indigenous communities. While on these adventures, I created documentary photography series and films. Now as a thirty-something business professional, I continue to contemplate death to understand life and cultivate compassion. And even though my typewriter has been replaced with my laptop, writing is still my preferred means for processing the world around me and sharing my experiences. I have lived in Tennessee, Washington, Montana, California, New Mexico, and Arizona. I currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee where I work for myself as an independent contractor and consultant. I serve on the TEDxNashville Board of Directors as the Program Director as well as the co-chair of the Speakers Committee.

I am passionate about TEDxNashville, working with TEDx speakers, spreading great ideas, fostering learning, inspiration and wonder, as well as sparking and contributing to meaningful conversations. In addition, I am passionate about the conservation of green spaces and natural resources, gay rights, community building, hot yoga, uplifting others, and living life with a burning curiosity, as well as an open heart and mind.

"Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear." — George Addair

Blog Writing, Brand & Marketing Strategy, Coaching, Facilitating, Presenting,, Brand - Creation & Creative Management, business development, Content - creation, research, analysis, event management, Market & Brand Strategy, Marketing - Business Development, Networking & Connecting People, Partnership and Network Development, Presentation - Content and Design, problem solving, public speaking, research specialist, team development, visual design

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's TED talk was the first TED talk I ever watched and is also my favorite TED talk. After watching "My Stroke of Insight," I was immediately hooked on TED talks and have been an avid fan and supporter ever since. Several years ago the TEDxNashville Board asked me to coach their speakers; next they asked me to join the board as a committee chair. In 2015, I attended TEDActive. Now, I serve on the Board of Directors as the Program Director and Speakers Committee co-chair. I look forward to a bright future with the TED and TEDx community.

Filmmaking