50 Comments
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

I bet they chose you to go last, because they knew you’d have the best message.

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

TED Talks typically come across as extremely polished, focused, and impactful. What requirements, parameters, rules, etc. did your presentation need to meet to be considered "on-brand" for them?

Expand full comment
author

Great question. In addition to it being carefully timed, you have to submit your talk to them in advance so they can give you feedback to see if it’s what they are looking for. They want to make sure you can get to an impactful point in the short amount of time (18 min). You also have to submit your slide deck in advance, go to rehearsals where they give you feedback, attend meetings in advance, and more.

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Such an EXCELLENT question! 👂🏻👂🏻👂🏻

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

I cannot wait to see this TED talk once it’s released! I LOVED the keynote you shared last year from the event in Utah- you have such a magnetic public speaking style and powerful message, I know it’ll be just what we need to center ourselves during these unprecedented times! Thank you for ALL you do!

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Where'd you get that eagle pin (brooch? I don't know) from? My wife and I have been talking about how to reclaim patriotic symbolism. I mean, we do love living here. It's a pretty cool country, and the freedom we have to dissent and to build a life of our choosing is nearly miraculous.

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

I have had this same conversation with friends! How do we go about making American symbols acceptable to everyone again?!

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Awesome! The first thing that comes to my mind is making theses symbols elegant. Like with the eagle brooch. It's time to accessorize.

Can anyone share links to some fashionable patriotic attire?

Expand full comment
author

I got it on eBay! It’s vintage, from the 60s. Antique stores have SO MANY brooches/pins, as do Etsy and eBay. And I agree, I have started a small collection of pins that have subtle (or in this case more overt) symbolism.

Expand full comment

This intrigues me too! My first thought was Etsy- they aren’t top shelf, but have vintage ones like this https://www.etsy.com/listing/1693082896/

Expand full comment

For those who like ties (like myself), this one looks pretty nice:

https://www.brooksbrothers.com/eagle-patterned-tie/MA03140.html

Expand full comment

I do like that vintage look

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Cannot wait to see your TED Talk! If ever there was a voice of reason created for these times, it’s yours. Also, how ‘Ginny agrees’ turned into ‘Chilean Greece’ made me burst out laughing!

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

You are an intelligent light in front of and off camera. Thank you for sharing behind the scenes and your insights.

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Omg I love the waiting room was literally a boiler room!!!

Expand full comment
author

Well they did have nicer accommodations, and I made use of them. But I could not find a quiet place, so I went into a closet.

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

I’m so excited to watch your presentation! What were some of the democracy-related topics that you and other presenters spoke about?

Expand full comment
author

Some people talked about the future of AI and democracy, how former Soviet countries view democracy, democracy and news consumption, democracy and access to healthcare, and more.

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

..and I ❤️ your dogs.. especially when they talk.

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

I am so looking forward to seeing your TED talk.. and you look fabulous in that color !

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

How exciting!! Can’t wait to see it!

And , you look extremely put-together and very at-ease in your presentation. They saved the BEST for last.

Expand full comment
founding
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Thanks and I'm sure you did so well! It's great to see everyday people and behind-the-scenes shots before the fully-finished version. Also, that pink outfit looked great!!

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Thank you for sharing! Cannot wait to see it! 👏🩷

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Looking forward to seeing it! Your messages are always spot on and I’m confident this one will be as well.

Expand full comment

THAT PINK SUIT! 🩷🩷🩷 excellent choice! What’s the story of the broach you chose?

Expand full comment

Yes, tell us about your broach ♥️

Expand full comment
author

It is vintage and I got in on eBay

Expand full comment
Jul 24Liked by Sharon McMahon

Can't wait to see it! I am sure you did so well! What did Molly eat while you were gone?!?

Expand full comment
author

Like a whole chicken and a pizza

Expand full comment

Molly is actually my spirit animal.

Expand full comment