TEDxAustin Friars School Youth

Speakers

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

• Bertie Glaister

  Student and football fan

  I have followed football, especially my beloved Carlisle, since I was born. I’ve travelled across the country to watch matches, visiting 34 of the 92 English clubs. Carlisle is my true love, something I’m deeply passionate about. Going to games has kept me focused and motivated, because my mum always said if I didn’t work hard, I couldn’t go. It’s helped me cope with exam stress and shaped the person I am today. Through the game, I’ve met great friends like Rhys and ‘Uncle Charlie,’ who has taught me life lessons. I’ve also learned responsibility—once I wasn’t allowed to go to Barrow because I’d been in trouble. None of this would be possible if the price of my passion was a joke.

• Charlotte Flynn

  Student and equestrian

  i am a 14 year old school pupil in Cumbria. Outside of school i am a keen horse rider, training and competing locally, regionally and nationally in dressage, eventing and showing with my Connemara pony, Snowy.

• Ellen Taylor

  Sixth Form student and animal rights champion

  I (somewhat controversially) decided to stop eating meat at the age of 9. I'm now 17 and have explored this idea in more depth. Much was to be said about my choice by friends and family and even people I had just met, with the most popular question being: "Why?". I felt that I never gave anyone an answer that satisfied both them and me. So here it is.

• Hattie Spedding

  Student

  keen sportsperson

• India McCartney

  A Level student

  India is a student at Austin Friars school in Cumbria and has had a habit of saying 'Yes' to extra opportunities. This has created a self-described "pack-mule" of hobbies. Having mastered the art of being "pretty good" at many things, she has become an advocate for the generalist in a world focussed with picking a lane. In her talk, India explores the hidden power of range and versatility. Drawing on research from David Epstein and the multifaceted legacy of Leonardo da Vinci, she challenges the modern obsession with early specialisation. India argues that in the age of AI and rapid change, our "extra" interests aren't clutter; they are the keys to adaptability and resilience. Her talk is an invitation to fellow generalists to stop apologising for their curiosity and to start embracing the "sampling period" that leads to true innovation.

• Joe Wylie

  Student

  I am a student exploring how the food we eat impacts our health and shapes our bodies.

• Keira McCartney

  Student

  Keira explores how the surprising psychological power of small wins and "thinking small" might just be the first important step towards achieving big dreams.

• Olivia Palmer

  A Level Student

  student