I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to TEDx Kraków (x = independently organized TED event). Since the beginning it’s been a kind of rollercoaster, because first notification e-mail I’d receive was saying they were sorry to inform me, but with so many folks interested my name was put on waiting list. This was disappointing, but fortunately I didn’t need to worry that much – a week later I’ve received an invitation. I’m not sure how it works behind the curtains and whether I actually were on waiting list or they just wanted to me to stress about it for a little bit and build up the tension – but after actually attending the event I must tell you this – I’d have hurt myself by not being there (I know, I know, I would not know what I was missing so in theory I’d be just fine – but you never know, you know).

Hats off for the guys and girls who pulled that off. It was professional, thought- through, amazing experience with really interesting, inspirational speakers from all around the world. Every single one of them deserved the 15-18 minutes they have on stage, but I wanted to especially recommend you a few talks – hunt them down online and watch, they’re totally worth your time.

1. Gabriela and Uwe von Seltmann – authors of the project “The Future of the Past” aiming to emphasize the importance of the knowledge about ancestor’s past. What really thrilled and moved me in this speech, was amazing story they both were telling and excellent introduction from Uwe. At first I was a little bit suspicious and put off by his accent, but after few sentences I was fully dragged into the story he started telling us. Thanks to the fact I haven’t read what the topic of the speech was going to be in advance, I experienced a shocking moment when Gabriela came into the stage. What a fortunate and unexpected turn of events. This was really a profound moment I’ve experienced, TEDx would be worth attending only for these two. Left me speechless.
2. Sambor Dudziński – Head of “Ale Wiocha” society. Bunch of artists living together, doing painting, sculptures, ceramics, music, etc… Very strong personality, although his act was entirely playing and singing (plus some slides in the presentation, giving the background for the instrument he was playing) – you could tell he’s someone. Act was his interpretation of Saint Paul’s Hymn to Love. He was singing in Polish, but lyrics were appearing on-screen with English translation, so emotions flowing through the audience + the translations made a great impact on the audience. Great voice, nice piano skills, amazing, professional and moving performance.
3. Rafał Styczeń – Graduate of University of Science and Technology (AGH) which also happens to be my Alma Mater and School of Business at Stanford University. Co-founder and manager of Comarch S.A. until year 2000. Currently board Chairman Software Mind and VC investor. He was speaking about current trends in IT, forecasts for the future and being competitive in this sector. Solid, inspiring speech.

The list could go on and on, as there were basically no weak links in the invited group of speakers. All of them, work they do, words and stories they’ve shared with us and we were privileged to hear built up amazing atmosphere and were truly inspirational. It was definitely an event not to be missed and I can’t wait next edition of TEDx Kraków. Once again – to all of the who pulled that off – hats off and thank you. Thank you so much, see you in Kraków in 2011!