TEDxUnity Park

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Abi Adamson

  Culture Leader

  I'm Abi Adamson, Founder of The Culture Partnership (TCP), and I’ve dedicated my work to transforming workplace culture in ways that are both meaningful and measurable. The New York Times named me one of the ""Stars of LinkedIn,"" and I’m proud to be recognized as an emerging leader in this space. As a consultant, I’ve partnered with global industry leaders like Spotify, Sony Music, and Wise (Transferwise) to design and implement cultural strategies that actually move the needle. My approach is rooted in creating spaces where belonging isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lived reality. I also regularly share my thoughts on workplace culture in publications like The Metro, Raconteur, Training Journal, People Management, and HR Zone. I’m passionate about turning big cultural ideas into actionable strategies that help organizations build truly inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.

• Adam Anderson

  Tech Entrepreneur

  While some people are programed to have an impact locally to where they live, Adam was raised as a global citizen and has his heart open for the Globe. Adam has visited a number of countries and participated in disaster relief ranging from the earthquakes in Hattie to hurricanes in the BVI. His primary mission is to help foster a sense of hope through the rebuilding of economic systems and the launching of new initiatives to support local business owners. Adam is focused on Global Impact for this season of his life. It is his goal to take what he has learned in business and cyber security and help create new economic growth and prosperity for other countries who are just starting their digital transformation. While not officially a part of any international impact organizations, Adam models his work after those who have come before. He has based his investment fund, The Ansuz Group, on those values and beliefs.

• Amanda De Leon

  Head Organizer of TEDxFiveForksYouth

  Amanda de Leon is a 17-year-old changemaker with a vision. Acclaimed “Teenage Visionary” by Simpsonville Neighbors Magazine, de Leon dedicates herself to shaping the next generation of leaders. She empowers youth voices as the Head Organizer of the first TEDx Youth event in Upstate SC, TEDxFiveForks Youth, which is set to return in Fall 2025. In her local community, she finds every opportunity to transform platforms for youth advocacy—serving as the President of the Greenville County Youth Board, Youth Attorney General, and as a leader of multiple school-based to statewide clubs. De Leon is a visionary local leader, championing a youth-driven future for Greenville.

• Anita Yokota

  Therapist + Interior Designer

  Anita Yokota is a licensed therapist turned interior designer, author, speaker, and podcast host featured on Good Morning America and the Drew Barrymore show. She merges psychology and interior design to help people create spaces that support their well-being. Her Home Therapy Method has resonated with audiences seeking practical, meaningful ways to cultivate healing and harmony in their homes.

• Bryan Davis

  Executive Director

  Over the past 15 years, Bryan has a track record of successfully launching and growing high-impact initiatives within dynamic environments ranging from startups and universities to multibillion dollar healthcare systems. He currently serves as the Executive Director of The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Furman University – a nationally awarded entrepreneurship center at one of the Southeast’s most prestigious private universities. Bryan works routinely with public, private, and academic leaders to build successful startup ecosystem strategies/programs and create frameworks to embrace the entrepreneurial mindset. He has supported over 650 founders and startups to-date, is a Forbes® contributor and member of the Forbes® Business Council, a graduate of the Palmetto Venture Fellowship, and recognized on the Palmetto Power List of most influential South Carolina business leaders. Bryan is a Greenville, South Carolina native and graduate of Clemson University.

• David Kilzer

  Engineer + Smart Manufacturing

  David Kilzer is the Founding Principal of Strategic Transformation Advisors, Inc. He brings over 35 years of experience in operations, engineering, and logistics, with a focus on integrating robotics and AI to improve fulfillment systems. David holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from North Dakota State University and an MBA from Indiana University. He led a $130 million transformation of a 460,000-square-foot logistics center, achieving breakthrough efficiencies through automation. His work spans industries including manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain innovation. David’s mission is to help businesses unlock human potential through technology. He speaks from real-world experience on the future of work and automation.

• Jake Fehling

  Official Hype Man for the Carolina Panthers

  Jake is the Chief Marketing Officer for Movement Mortgage, one of the fastest growing private mortgage lenders in the country. On Sundays in Charlotte, you can find him pumping up Carolina Panthers fans as the team's in-stadium "Hype Man." Prior to his career in the financial services industry, Jake spent four years in executive search in the life sciences, leading senior-level searches in the medical device, biotech and digital health sectors. Jake's early career was rooted in sports business, where he led international media and marketing operations for the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Baseball and the International Baseball Federation. Jake was a recipient of a Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 Leadership Award in 2012, and he previously served on the board of advisors for NoDa Brewing Company. Jake and his wife, Page co-authored the pregnancy book, "Holy Crap, We're Pregnant" and they live with their three children in Charlotte.

• JD Slajchert

  Author + NonProfit Leader

  "Im an author of several books, a popular motivational speaker and philanthropist born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My debut novel, MoonFlower, was inspired by my biggest fan, a young boy named Luc who passed away from Sickle Cell Disease. I've given talks to organizations, non-profits and universities across the country including LeBron James’ the SpringHill Company, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, The Los Angeles Lakers, and was invited to be the commencement speaker at my alma mater, UC Santa Barbara. I work directly with several non-profits including The American Red Cross and The LucStrong Foundation, and in collaboration with Luc’s physician, I published the MoonFlower Charity Edition, where 100% of the proceeds are donated to children fighting Sickle Cell Disease.

• John Gardner

  Social Worker + Professional Skateboarder

  Professional Skateboarder and Social Worker, John Gardner, has built his career and company on the message of resilience and self-inquiry. For more than a decade, John traveled the globe skateboarding before retiring to study men’s mental health and suicide prevention as a Social Worker. Devastated by multiples suicides of friends, in 2021 John teamed up with DC Shoes to create the award winning mini documentary on mental health, “This Too Shall Pass” featuring fellow skateboarder and Neuroscientist, Andrew Huberman. The overwhelming response to the film validated John's desire to further spread the message of stress reduction and suicide prevention on a grand scale. John resides in Asheville, NC where is currently enrolled at Western Carolina University pursuing his Masters in Social Work. He still travels globally teaching through his company, Nothing But Today.

• Jordan Floyd

  Doctor of Physical Therapy + Entrepreneur

  Dr. Jordan Floyd is the founder of Limitless Therapy and Wellness, a multi-brand physical therapy and fitness company based in Greenville, South Carolina. A father of five and a devoted husband, Jordan leads with a faith-driven, people-first philosophy in both business and life. His brands — including Limitless Fit and Limitless Pelvic Health — are built on a mission to restore lives, defy expectations, and create lasting change. Jordan and his wife also own The Humble Oaks Farm in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

• Mike Claudio

  Consultant + Coach

  Mike Claudio is a dynamic speaker, business coach, and the founder of WinRate Consulting, where he helps construction and home service companies grow through clarity, consistency, and confidence. With over 20 years of experience in sales and leadership, Mike is known for his direct, high-accountability approach to coaching and team development. He’s also the host of the Big Stud Podcast and the creator of #MikesMondayMotivation, inspiring thousands of entrepreneurs to level up their mindset and results. Mike’s passion for impact extends beyond business—he founded A Champion’s Shoes, a nonprofit that provides footwear to underprivileged youth. Mike delivers powerful, actionable strategies that drive real transformation, whether on stage or in a coaching session.

• Nada Rothbart

  War Survivor

  I’ve always been passionate about helping people overcome challenges. As a professional athlete, I loved the teamwork and grit it took to succeed. As a yoga instructor for nearly two decades, I've witnessed the transformative power of self-care and the profound impact it can have on individuals' lives. Guiding others on their personal journeys of healing has been incredibly rewarding. Surviving the war in Sarajevo taught me the power of kindness and gratitude, and it’s now my mission to share that wisdom with others.

• Sam Sokolow

  Filmmaker + Professor

  Sam Sokolow is a two-time Emmy Award-nominated television and film producer. Sam is an Executive Producer of GENIUS, a scripted series for National Geographic Network and Disney+. Sam developed GENIUS from book to series. Sam currently leads Sammy Nice Inc., a Los Angeles-New York-Greenville based independent television and film studio. At Sammy Nice Inc., Sam oversees all aspects of television & film development and physical production, including the acquisition and packaging of intellectual properties, script & format development, financing, sales, and full-service third-party production services in the US and abroad. Sam is a teacher and a mentor. Sam is currently a Professor of Practice of film and television production at Clemson University.

• Stacy Flynn

  Fashion and Textile Innovator

  Stacy Flynn is a seasoned leader in the textile and apparel industry, a bold visionary, and a passionate advocate for reducing environmental impact across the sector. As the CEO and co-founder of EVRNU, creators of the revolutionary NUCYCL™ regenerative fiber technology, Stacy is reshaping the future of fashion. Stacy has pioneered a fully circular business model for the apparel industry—engineered to outperform today’s dominant fast fashion system. By transforming waste into premium materials that maintain cost parity with conventional cotton (while being recyclable back into same or better quality) the NUCYCL model offers a scalable, high-impact solution to one of the industry's biggest challenges: sustainability at scale. In 2024, Stacy relocated from Seattle, WA to Greenville-Spartanburg, SC to complete EVRNU’s first commercial facility—designed to prove that this innovation can scale rapidly and serve as a blueprint for global replication.

• Will Shurtz

  Coffee Specialist

  Will Shurtz is the visionary co-founder of Methodical Coffee, a specialty coffee brand rooted in Greenville, South Carolina. With a background in art and design, Will blends creativity and craftsmanship to elevate coffee into an experience that’s both refined and approachable. Since launching Methodical in 2015, he has helped grow the brand into a nationally recognized name, known for its beautifully designed cafés, ethically sourced beans, and meticulous attention to detail. Will’s passion for storytelling and aesthetics extends beyond coffee—he's helped position Methodical as a lifestyle brand, collaborating with artists, chefs, and creators across industries. Through his leadership, Methodical continues to expand while staying true to its core: creating meaningful moments over exceptional coffee. Whether through a pour-over or a playlist, Will believes in crafting experiences that leave a lasting impression—one cup at a time.