What is
TEDxChichester is an independently organised TEDx event licensed by TED - the global platform known for its influential talks on ideas worth spreading. Our event brings the TED experience to the heart of Chichester with thoughtful talks, powerful ideas, and a community ready to be inspired.
We are proudly rooted in place. Chichester has always been shaped by people who dared to imagine something new, from the Romans who built the city, to the founders of Chichester Festival Theatre, to artists, scientists, activists, and explorers who have called this region home.
TEDxChichester continues that tradition by giving local and regional voices a platform to share ideas that resonate far beyond the city.
The theme:
Courage and Curiosity to Create
Creation is rarely simple. It asks us to take risks, experiment, fail, begin again, and share something that didn’t exist before. This year’s theme explores what becomes possible when courage and curiosity intersect - the moment someone chooses to question, rebuild, imagine differently, or express a new way of seeing the world.
The theme is intentionally broad. Talks might explore:
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Reinvention, resilience, or personal transformation
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Community, leadership, or social change
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Creative or personal risks that led to unexpected outcomes
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Science, creativity, or surprising intersections of thought
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Personal stories that illuminate a bigger idea
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The quiet acts of bravery that shape a life
What matters most is a clear, compelling idea that helps an audience see the world differently.
The faces behind
Laura Pauley
Laura leads the curation of TEDxChichester, drawing on a career in PR and communications where she has helped museums, charities, hospitals, fire services, hotels, attractions, celebrities, authors, and creative leaders tell stories that spark connection and inspire action. A former feature writer, newspaper columnist and the author of two memoirs, she brings a deep understanding of narrative, audience, and the power of lived experience.
A belief that powerful ideas can come from anywhere, and that Chichester is full of people with stories and ideas worth sharing. Laura’s focus is on creating an event that has high-energy, is inspiring, welcoming, and rooted in the courage and curiosity that define the region’s creative spirit.
Ellie Jayne Booth
Co-curator
Ellie is from Chichester and studied at Chichester College before going on to study Media and Communications at the University of Chichester. After graduating, she worked at a media agency for several years, progressing to the role of Agency Manager. She now works as a Digital Marketing Manager for a chain of holiday parks across the UK.
At TEDxChichester, Ellie heads up the digital strategy, leading everything from online presence to audience engagement. She brings a deep connection to the local community and a strong understanding of how to reach the audiences who make this city unique. Her love of bold ideas, sharp storytelling and meaningful community moments helps shape an event that reflects the energy and creative ambition of the city she proudly calls home.
Speaker Coaches Behind
Vanessa Cuddeford
Speaker Coach
Vanessa runs her own consultancy, Present, Perform, Persuade, helping professional, high-achieving people overcome public speaking fears and become confident presenters in 8–12 weeks. Her method combines mindset, messaging, and delivery, guiding clients step by step to lasting confidence.
With over 20 years’ experience as a news anchor, reporter, and producer with BBC, ITV, and NBC News, Vanessa draws on her high-pressure, on-air experience alongside her expertise as a strategic communications adviser and performance coach. She helps clients speak with clarity, authenticity, and authority.
Vanessa has coached TEDx speakers, keynote presenters, and clients preparing for the United Nations, supporting over 1,200 people to advance their careers and personal influence. She also advises corporate clients on presentations, strategic messaging, and media appearances. Previously a Director at Havas Just, she led UK corporate communications strategy for Bristol Myers Squibb, combining corporate insight with broadcast expertise.
Duncan Hardy
Speaker Coach
Duncan helps individuals and teams communicate with impact, manage pressure, and perform confidently in high-stakes situations.
He spent two decades as a Royal Marines Officer, leading in some of the world’s toughest environments. During this time, he ran the Royal Navy Press Office, taught strategic leadership at the UK Defence Academy, and advised the UN, NATO, MOD, and Foreign Office, gaining unmatched experience in delivering critical messages clearly and calmly under pressure.
After the forces, Duncan spent ten years as a school leader, designing and delivering leadership programmes that strengthened confidence, resilience, and public presence. He now runs corporate and residential leadership programmes in the UK and internationally, helping speakers and teams find their voice, stay composed, and communicate with authority, exactly the skills that make stage presentations memorable.