From Target to the Market… and Beyond TEDx VSE

Written by Adil

I never imagined that one day I would attend a TED Conference. It always felt like something far away – something you only watch on YouTube, not something you sit and experience in real life.
But last Tuesday, thanks to Prague University of Economics and Business, I had the chance to be part of the first ever TEDxVSE — and it was truly unforgettable.

For six hours, I sat in the audience and listened to voices that felt bigger than life. Each speaker brought stories, emotions, and ideas that will stay for a long time with me and which are trully matter:

• 🌍 the painful reality of conflicts between nations
• 👩🏻‍💼 the strength and challenges of women at work
• 💪🏻 courage, identity, and the power of choosing your own path
• ☕️ building a coffee business from scratch – and how to not get crazy
• 💡 leadership and responsibility
• 🎓 and the universal struggle every student knows too well: writing a thesis

Some stories made me laugh, others made me think about some aspects, and a few even gave me chills. What touched me the most was how honest and human every speaker was. They didn’t pretend to be perfect. They shared fears, mistakes, and moments of doubt – and that is what made their messages so powerful.

One talk I will remember for a long time is “𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙊𝙙𝙙𝙨” by Nela Ďopanová. Her courage to open up, to share something so personal and vulnerable, was incredibly inspiring. I am truly grateful she shared such a personal, motivating, and inspiring story. It gives strength to keep going, even in difficult moments, and pushes you to become the best version of yourself.

This event wasn’t only about listening. It was also about connecting. I met new people, exchanged ideas, and even had the chance to introduce myself to our Faculty of Informatics and Statistics VŠE Prague Dean, Ota Novotny, and the co-founder of The Miners (thank you for the good coffee provided), Oldrich Valta . And in the middle of all this, I unexpectedly met a friend from my hometown, Karina Kabassova a small moment that made the day even more special. 🤝🏼

Leaving the conference, I felt full — full of thoughts, emotions, motivation, and understanding.
It widened my view of the world and reminded me why curiosity, courage, and human stories matter so much.

I hope next year’s TEDxVSE will bring even more inspiration — and I hope to see some of you there! 😉