Jason Duncan

Brainstormer, Business leader, Concerned citizen, Project manager, Student

Jason’s leadership path has been shaped by lived experience, responsibility, and a belief that progress is collective. Drawing from formal education, vocational work, volunteer roles, and cross-industry experience in chemical coatings, communication technologies, and education, he has developed a people-centered approach to management focused on strengthening team dynamics and driving meaningful change. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he worked 60–70 hours per week while stepping into the role of primary caregiver and financial advocate for his grandparents after they were victims of a financial scam that jeopardized their retirement, postponing a planned master’s program in Norway due to family responsibility and the COVID-19 pandemic. He later resumed his academic path at Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg, completing advanced studies alongside German language certification to the B1 level. He currently serves as a co-lead for his university’s TEDx event, is completing his master’s thesis, and is preparing to enter the DACH professional market, viewing leadership as a lifelong commitment to learning, resilience, and investing in people.

I am passionate about the power of people and the impact created when individuals grow and succeed together. I believe sustainable progress is rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and shared responsibility rather than isolated achievement. Learning and personal development guide how I engage with the world, particularly at the intersection of individualism and collectivism. I see life as a shared expedition—each person brings unique strengths, yet progress often depends on cooperation and mutual support. Creating experiences that bring people together, such as through TEDx, reinforces my belief that investing in people is the most effective way to create lasting change.

Modern society emphasizes individual achievement, yet this focus often obscures a deeper truth: none of us succeeds alone. We are part of interconnected systems where progress depends on collective effort. Like a mountain expedition, individuals may climb with different skills and ambitions, but critical moments require guidance, trust, and collaboration. True success is not reaching the summit alone, but arriving together and returning stronger as a community. When individual excellence is paired with empathy, mentorship, and shared responsibility, its impact is amplified. The idea worth spreading is simple: we rise highest when we lift others.

I first encountered TED during my early studies, but participating felt unrealistic while balancing heavy academic, work, and volunteer commitments. After enrolling at Kühne Logistics University, I was encouraged to run for a co-lead role in the university’s second TEDx event and was elected by the voting members. Serving in this role has been both humbling and transformative, reshaping how I think about leadership, empathy, and collaboration. The experience deepened my appreciation for creating spaces where ideas and people connect and inspired me to continue contributing to TED and TEDx initiatives in the future.

Growing up in the U.S. Southwest sparked my interest in diverse cultures and cuisines, leading to a passion for fusion cooking, particularly experimenting with barbecue and creative marinades. My primary hobby outside the kitchen is disc golf, which I discovered in 2019 and value as both recreation and natural therapy. Whether playing solo for reflection or with others for connection, the sport combines movement, focus, and time outdoors. Both cooking and disc golf allow me to experiment, recharge, and connect with people in meaningful ways.