Randy Bretz

Activist, Concerned citizen, Connector, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Technologist

I finished my formal education in 1982 with a Ph.D. but I've never stopped learning. I've worked in broadcast television and radio, audio, computer and satellite teleconferencing, higher education administration, religious broadcasting, marketing and communications. I read a great deal (both periodicals and books) online, on readers and on paper, am an avid listener and viewer of public broadcasting and I've discovered TED . . . all as ways to continue learning. Participating in the TED and TEDx community has filled me with hope for our world. The ideas shared on our stages and online are helping us all become better people. We have a challenge to meet, so let's get with it.

Helping others, learning, sharing ideas, collaboration

I believe in 360 degree leadership as outlined by John Maxwell in his book. You can lead from anywhere in an organization, so get busy and start leading.

Communications - written, verbal, visual, nonverbal, connector, Media - all kinds- analyst & creator, Relationship Builder

When technology and education converge for the betterment of mankind, I get excited. Add to that formula the involvement of dedicated and interested individuals in a community and the outcome can be very positive. TED is leading the way, connecting the latest in technology with people who have informative thoughts to share. After finding TED online, watching and sharing many of the videos then observing how this impacted people in my part of the world, I felt it was time to seek to contribute some of the ideas we have in and around Nebraska. Working with a committee of friends and fellow TED lovers, I've coordinated TEDxLincoln in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Here in Lincoln, Nebraska we've also hosted four TEDxYouth@Lincoln events and three TEDxLincolnWomen events. I formally turned over my role as licensee at the end of 2018 but remain involved in TEDx events in Lincoln. I'm retired so I've traveled and attended some TEDActive events, TEDFest and other TEDx events around the country. In the years I've been involved with TEDx, I've been blessed with many friends in what I now call my TEDx Family. They inspire me and keep me focused on sharing ideas. I've interviewed some of them and shared their stories in a series I call "Behind the X." Most of these stories are shared on Medium. I think you'll enjoy reading about the incredible people in my TEDx family. I'm also a regular listener to "Hacking the Red Circle" which my friend Mark Sylvester produces. So, that's what I'm doing. And you?

editing video, producing events and programs