FIIB hosts 6th edition of TEDxFIIB Women on Midlife Matters

The event spotlighted midlife as a pivotal phase for personal growth, self-discovery, and reinvention, challenging conventional perceptions that often associate midlife with crisis. Through personal stories and insightful presentations, the event sought to redefine this stage of life as an opportunity to embrace change and forge new paths.

Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) hosted a powerful edition of TEDxFIIB Women on December 14, 2024, under the theme Midlife Matters. The event spotlighted midlife as a pivotal phase for personal growth, self-discovery, and reinvention, challenging conventional perceptions that often associate midlife with crisis. Through personal stories and insightful presentations, the event sought to redefine this stage of life as an opportunity to embrace change and forge new paths.

The event kicked off with an empowering address from Prof. Radhika Srivastava, President & CEO of FIIB, who emphasized the importance of creating conversations around midlife transformations, both personal and professional. Her opening remarks set the tone for a day filled with stories of resilience, reinvention, and possibilities that come with embracing midlife.

Conversations That Matter: Diverse Perspectives on Midlife

The TEDxFIIB Women event brought together a diverse group of speakers who shared their journeys and insights on the challenges and opportunities that midlife brings.

• Dr. Maria Pressentin, Chief Knowledge Officer at Leadership Scientific, opened the talks with her session From Limits to Liberation: The Power of Fitting You. She encouraged attendees to embrace their individuality and authenticity as a pathway to personal liberation.
• Navixha Bagga, Leadership Coach, delivered a motivational talk titled Four Mantras to Your Best Life in Midlife, urging the audience to break free from stereotypes and approach midlife with self-awareness and confidence.
• Supriya Nagpal, Content Creator and Lifestyle Influencer, shared her personal journey of reinvention—from a midlife wake-up call to becoming a fitness influencer and pageant winner. Her story resonated with many as a testament to the power of change.
• Ritu Gupta, Dancer and Choreographer, spoke on Dance: A Path to Liberation in Midlife, showcasing how creative expression and emotional resilience can empower individuals during midlife transitions.
• Divya Jain, Entrepreneur, discussed the significance of setting boundaries in her talk When ‘No’ Becomes a New Beginning, teaching the audience the importance of taking control over their life’s narrative.

Inspiring Journeys: Personal Stories of Reinvention

Several standout speakers shared profoundly inspiring stories about their midlife transformations.

• Madhu Bala Sharma, Senior Program Manager at Amazon, shared her incredible journey as a blind individual, encouraging attendees to view midlife as an opportunity for growth and not a crisis. Her session, Embracing Life, One Page at a Time, left the audience with powerful lessons on transforming challenges into meaningful experiences.
• Dipti Karki, Founder of Phosphenes Art Studio, offered a reflective talk titled Mindfully Mapping Through Middle-Age. She encouraged attendees to embrace the process of self-discovery and reinvention as they navigate through midlife.
• The event concluded with Deepali Wilson, Principal of DPS Chhatarpur, who shared her philosophy of being invisibly visible. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, advocating for embracing midlife with grace, authenticity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Moments of Connection: Workshops and Insights

Beyond the talks, TEDxFIIB Women featured interactive experiences, such as a dance workshop led by Ritu Gupta. The workshop demonstrated how dance can serve as a tool for emotional balance, self-expression, and personal healing during midlife.

In addition, Abhijeet Singh, CEO of Kubotor, presented an insightful session on cybersecurity, educating the audience on safeguarding their digital lives in an increasingly connected world.

A Movement for Midlife Empowerment

TEDxFIIB Women 2024 was not just an event—it was a movement that celebrated the potential and empowerment of midlife. The inspiring stories and conversations highlighted the opportunities available during this life stage and reinforced the message that midlife is a time for reinvention, growth, and empowerment. Attendees left the event feeling equipped with the tools to embrace their own midlife transformations with renewed purpose and confidence.

This remarkable gathering demonstrated the collective power of women who are shaping their own destinies and breaking through societal limitations—proving that midlife is a chapter of life full of new possibilities, not a period of decline.