Look Who it Was Random video

Take a leap: Dana Bristol-Smith at TEDxEncinitas

948 views · Published 11 April 2014 · 16:52 · Indexed 7 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2014 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Dana Bristol-Smith. In 2001 after being laid off for the third time, Dana decided to take matters into her own hands. She started Speak for Success to teach public speaking skills to corporate executives. Earlier in her career, she had pushed through her own public speaking fears by giving programs to more than 100,000 students and teachers. As the result of that experience, and becoming a trainer, she wrote her book Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking. In 2008, she was inspired by an idea that wouldn't let her sleep, to work with women who had lost their voices and their way in life. She started a volunteer project which has grown to become Leap to Success, an organization that empowers domestic violence survivors and homeless women to rebuild their self-esteem and self-confidence to reach their greatest potential. Dana has found her true calling and passion in helping women transform their lives.


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)

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