November 24, 2025 · Events
TEDxHWZ | Rethink Humanity
On Saturday, 22 November 2025, the sixth edition of the TEDxHWZ conference took place at HWZ, under the theme «Rethink Humanity». Ten impressive speakers shared their perspectives on what it means to be human in an era of AI, digitalisation and global change.
The audience in the fully packed HWZ auditorium experienced a day filled with thought-provoking ideas, emotions, and surprising perspectives. The EMBA Digital Leadership study group can be proud of this special moment, in which their ideas, their work, and their shared spirit lit up the stage.
What does humanity mean in the digital age?
The talks impressively demonstrated that humanity is more than just efficiency – it encompasses empathy, courage, creativity and resilience. From the democratic engagement of a twelve-year-old to the emotional appeal of a drag cow calling for greater compassion, the diversity of voices was as inspiring as it was moving.
Amélie Galladé called for a «Democracy’s Anti-Ageing Cure», Soya the Cow challenged the audience with the statement «Your Humanity Is Killing Us», and David Mzee moved listeners with his story about «flying» despite tetraplegia. Other highlights included talks on healthcare, leadership, energy, and the importance of human experience in an increasingly digital world.
More than just an event – a learning laboratory for leadership
TEDxHWZ is organised each year by the study group of the Executive MBA Digital Leadership HWZ. From selecting the topics and supporting the speakers to managing the entire event, the participants take full responsibility for every aspect themselves – leadership in action.
The conference serves both as a stage and a learning environment: all students deliver their own «Ideas Worth Spreading» talks in advance as part of a speaking contest. The best contributions make it onto the TEDxHWZ stage – prepared through individual rhetoric coaching with Kiki Maeder and constructive peer feedback.
A particularly significant moment was the transition in module leadership: after six years of dedication, professionalism and tireless support, Urs Bucher stepped down from leading the «TEDxHWZ & Public Speaking» module. Under his guidance, the format has grown, matured, and become an established part of the Executive MBA Digital Leadership HWZ.
Christina Haupt, an experienced TEDx expert, will now take over this role. From the 2026 event onwards, she will co-lead the module together with Kiki Maeder. Her extensive TEDx experience, clear organisational approach, and empathetic perspective on storytelling promise fresh impetus for future cohorts.
Rethinking Together
TEDxHWZ 2025 was a powerful call for humanity in a highly automated world. Participants left the day with new questions, a strengthened sense of purpose, and the certainty that we shape the future together.
TED Talks on YouTube
All TED Talks will soon be available on the official YouTube channel of TEDx published. You can find the talks from previous events at TEDxHWZ.
TEDxHWZ Conference
TEDx events are local, independently organised offshoots of the global TED conferences («Technology, Entertainment, Design»). They follow the same core principle: providing a platform for people who wish to make an impact with a clear message, a compelling story, or an innovative idea.
TEDx events are organised by dedicated communities and follow the motto «Ideas Worth Spreading». What makes them unique is that each speaker has a maximum of 18 minutes to present a complex topic in a precise, accessible and inspiring way.
TEDxHWZ brings this principle to the university – and transforms the students of the Executive MBA Digital Leadership HWZ for one day, acting as hosts of a stage where new perspectives are made visible and relevant questions are brought to the fore. The aim is to foster team spirit and strengthen the leadership skills of the participants.
A key component is a speaking contest in which all students deliver their own presentation on an «Idea Worth Spreading» (inspired by the TED motto). The best presentations are selected to be delivered as keynote speeches at the official TEDxHWZ conference.
This process is supported by Kiki Maeder, who, as a rhetoric coach, trains participants in their presentation and communication skills. All students deliver their presentations several times within the group. This not only contributes to individual development, but also strengthens the culture of feedback and promotes collective learning in the area of presentation techniques.
You want to find out more about the Executive MBA Digital Leadership HWZ? The next programme begins in February 2026. Find out more now.
