Stop thinking, start doing -- Why your pedigree means nothing | Lindsey Shepard | TEDxLivermore

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Lindsey, Debbie Sterling's first hire at GoldieBlox, poses the question; "What would happen if we put as much value on what we're great at as we do on what we're paid for?" This penetratingly human talk on what it means to 'be' something finishes with the amazing space that opens up when you give youth a chance to answer that question with authenticity.

Lindsey Shepard was Debbie Sterling's first hire at GoldieBlox, a toy company that created a book series & construction set that engages kids to build through the story of Goldie, the girl inventor who solves problems by building simple machines. Lindsey, a mother of two young kids herself, holds the title of Rainmaker and Resident Mom at GoldieBlox. She has spent the last several years performing one "life-hack" after another, proving that engineering is a lifestyle, not just a degree. Lindsey has made it her mission to empower women to recognize that they are much more than the titles on their business cards or their appointed position on the PTA. She hopes to reach the women who are raising the girls of GoldieBlox in order to encourage them to embrace their natural inclination toward innovation and invention.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[InterWarp]

Her story put tears into my eyes. I'm looking for the power to be what I want to be, independent of everyone else. I have the strength to achieve what I set out to do

[BrotherBoresIsBest]

I love this. I tell people that what I do to eat, and what I am are two different things. Some people get paid for who they are, but many times people will give up on their real identity because their only personality becomes what they do for money.

[HomeTipsWomen]

Lindsey, Great talk & love your message that we each have unique gifts, and by telling others about them, it reinforces & motivates us to use this talent even more. We're on similar missions as I want to empower women to learn enough about their homes, to manage them with confidence ... and leverage them for joy & financial security.

[romiazevedo]

What an amazing message Lindsey... it totally resonated with me.  Thank you for sharing your personal story with all of us!

[CindieOgata]

true engineer and actualist!   Go Lindsay!

[drg]

aaaand this has to do with "stop thinking start doing" how

[hannuvepsalainen]

This was nice. The most american talk out there, i cannot tell if it was the content or the american suburban mom accent, but it was nice overall.

[sarar]

i'm so glad i'm the first one to see this on youtube and like it she's amazing i like her

[aseem]

It has a really good message, but I think the title given is wrong

[jessyjackson]

Confirmation that moms are engineers whether or not they tote a STEM degree! I believe this because of how I've incorporated actual engineering concepts (since that's what I studied in undergrad) and from using what I studied to get my fresh-off-the-press honorary Ph.D. from the 'School of Hard Knocks for Mommies' - thank you publicly legitimizing what we do!

[marcebustamante]

Thought it was going to be a good video

[mvrchx]

This video is first in how to start doing search, but isn't even related to that

[aweirdguy]

Sad that the other Lindsey Shepard is outshining this smart woman

[purestock]

oh wait!...I'm on youtube so now I'm a movie star!!!...hide behind titles others give us...but I'll lie to people and give myself titles that I'm really not?...i watch Ted vids to learn and be inspired...this female just complains....blames others...puts down others...promotes telling others that you're someone you're not and just using a platform to promote her beliefs...there is nothing anyone can get from this gal!...

[terrylw]

TEDx seems to be losing its cutting edge. Found this one quite boring