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TEDxKLU Hamburg: from spark to steady flame of inspiration

On February 21, TEDxKLU Hamburg brought over 350 guests to Kühne Logistics University’s Hamburg campus for a day dedicated to ideas that inspire change and reflection. Guided by the theme “Finding your spark in a world on fire,” nine speakers shared perspectives on courage, resilience, and discovering purpose in uncertain times.

A large group of people stands together on a stage behind big red “TEDx” letters. They face the camera and smile for a group photo.

An energetic welcome featuring Vietnamese coffee, refreshments, and welcome bags greeted attendees. Students, faculty, and external guests gathered in a fully packed auditorium, setting the tone for a day of ideas exchange, new connections and meaningful discussions.

Ideas that challenge, inspire, and empower

Moderated by Felix Uhlig, the event opened with a reflective question: “What if your spark is not something you need to find, but something you need to remember? “. Guests were invited to write down their own “spark”, share it on a board, and revisit it at the end of the day: a simple exercise that encouraged personal reflection throughout the talks.

Across three sessions, nine speakers shared insights that resonated deeply with the audience. Opening the first session, Ina Walter emphasized the importance of truly listening to people instead of assuming what is best for them. The second speaker, Konrad Gruner, explored generational differences and their impact on workplaces and education systems. Closing the session, Ronja Moritz delivered an emotional talk on neurodiversity, reminding the audience: “You are not here to shrink yourself into someone else’s definition of normal.”

After a break filled with drinks, snacks, and lively conversation, the attendees came back to the Golden Egg to listen to a session that began with Deborah Choi, who reframed fear as a force that can guide growth and courage. Next, Seán Rafter reflected on overcoming fear and self-doubt, sharing: “I was stuck because I was afraid of who I would disappoint.” The session concluded with Janvière Musoni, who encouraged women to unlock their full potential and stop hiding their talents.

Opening the final session, Henrik Leopold explained how robotics and automation can enhance everyday life and work. He was followed by Sezai Mert Diner, who spoke about the role of hobbies in shaping identity and personal growth, noting: “Beginnings, dips, leaps and passions are how we practice becoming fully alive.” The final talk of the day came from Soraya Barrera Coello, who challenged societal timelines and reminded the audience that each person moves through life at their own rhythm.

Lasting impressions and global perspectives

The event attracted an international audience and sparked reflection among participants. Mariano Llapur, a student from Argentina, shared that the talks inspired him to pursue additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom to develop skills relevant for the future job market.

David Kaiser, a KLU alumnus and representative of Bandtworks GmbH (a sponsor of the event), emphasized the strength of the university’s network: “As an alumnus, I always tried to bring more into the KLU network, because there are great minds and great students to recruit, and many fresh ideas to gain.”

A student-driven platform for ideas

Organized by a team of 32 students, co-leads Dayna Sendzik and Jason Duncan, with the guidance of license holder Prof. Dr. Niels Van Quaquebeke and mentor Prof. Dr. Brooke Gazdag, the power of ideas to spark dialogue and new ways of thinking was demonstrated at TEDxKLU Hamburg.

As conversations continued after the final talk, one thing was clear: the spark ignited on stage will continue to broaden perspectives and actions far beyond the auditorium.
 

Photo Impressions

Photos taken by © Lars Wehrmann

A man stands at the front of the room smiling warmly. He wears a light-colored shirt and looks toward someone nearby. Part of a presentation setup is visible beside him.
A person sits in a chair with a small desk attached in front of them. On the desk stands a small battery-powered candle, creating a warm, atmospheric light.
Three people stand on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop.
Two people stand around a tall table in a bright atrium. A man in the center gestures with his hands while speaking to a woman facing him.
A large crowd of people gathers in a spacious indoor area. Attendees stand in groups, talking and networking. Some hold drinks while others move through the crowd.
A man in a dark suit stands and speaks while gesturing with his hands. He faces a woman in the foreground who listens attentively.
A person stands at a refreshment table arranging bottles of drinks. Rows of colorful beverages are lined up in the foreground. The person reaches forward to adjust the bottles.
Two women sit facing each other in a lecture hall. The woman on the left smiles and gestures while speaking. The woman on the right listens attentively.
A woman stands in front of a bookshelf. She has curly hair and wears a dark blazer with a light blouse underneath. She is smiling and gesturing with her hands as if speaking. The background shows shelves filled with books and a red wall element.
Three people stand in front of a large red “TED” sign. The person on the left wears a bright red jacket and dark pants. The person in the middle wears a dark outfit and smiles toward the camera. The person on the right wears a red jacket and stands close to the others. The background shows the stage setup with the letters and a dark backdrop.
A person holds a smartphone in the foreground, taking a photo.
Two men stand in conversation in front of a bookshelf backdrop. The man on the left wears glasses and a blue blazer and faces the other speaker. The man on the right wears a dark suit with a white shirt and tie and smiles while listening. A red stage letter is visible on the right side.
Three men sit at a table during a discussion. The man in the foreground wears a dark shirt and looks toward the speaker with a slight smile. The man behind him rests his hand near his head and listens attentively. Another participant is partially visible on the left.
Several people sit in an audience, facing forward. A man in the center wearing glasses looks toward the front with a focused expression.
A man in a blue blazer sits among a group of people. He rests his hand against his face and looks forward with a thoughtful expression. Other attendees sit around him, listening to the discussion.
A man stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. He wears glasses and a blue blazer and looks toward the audience. His hands are lightly clasped as he speaks. Large red stage letters are visible behind him.
A woman stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. She wears a bright red jacket and gestures with her hands while speaking.
Several people sit in a row, listening attentively. A woman in the center wears a bright red jacket and rests her hand near her face while watching the speaker.
A man stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. He wears a dark blazer over a light shirt and gestures with his hands while speaking. He looks toward the audience with a focused expression. Large red stage letters are visible on the right side.
A man stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. He wears a gray sweater over a collared shirt and gestures with his hands while speaking.
Several people sit in a row, leaning back and listening.
Three people sit in the audience, facing forward.
A woman stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. She wears a bright red jacket and holds a microphone while speaking.
A video camera is positioned in the foreground, aimed toward a stage.
Three people stand beside a board covered with colorful sticky notes.
A group of people stand together on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop.
Two people stand on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. Both wear dark outfits and hold microphones while speaking.
A woman in a bright red jacket is talking. She gestures while speaking and looks toward the camera. In the foreground, another person holds up a smartphone to take a video.
People stand and talk near the stage area. Large red “TED” letters and the text “KLU Hamburg” are visible in the background.
A large crowd of people gathers in a bright, modern atrium. Groups stand and talk while others move through the space.
A large group of people stands and mingles in a spacious, modern atrium. Attendees gather in small clusters, talking and networking.
Three people stand beside large red “TEDx” letters on a stage. The person in the middle wears a bright red jacket, while the others wear darker outfits. They stand close together, facing the camera and smiling.
Several people sit close together in the audience. A woman in the center turns toward the man beside her and smiles while speaking.
A man stands on stage holding a microphone and speaking. He wears a dark suit and gestures with his hand while addressing the audience. A woman stands behind him, smiling and watching.
Two people stand at the front of a lecture hall taking a selfie.
Two speakers stand on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop.
A row of attendees sits side by side facing the front.
Two people stand facing each other at the front of a crowded room. The woman on the right wears a bright red jacket and smiles as she speaks. The person on the left, seen from behind, listens attentively.
Three people stand in a small group, talking.
A woman talks on stage and looks slightly upward with a thoughtful expression. She has shoulder-length hair and wears a white top.
Two men stand facing each other in conversation. The man on the left wears glasses and a dark blazer and looks at the other speaker. The man on the right wears a suit and smiles while listening.
A man stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. He wears a dark blazer over a light shirt and gestures with his hands while speaking.
A large audience sits closely together in a lecture hall. Many people face forward, watching the stage with attentive expressions.
A man stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. He wears a brown jacket over a dark shirt and gestures toward his chest while speaking.
A woman stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. She wears a white blouse and gestures with her hands while speaking.
A man stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. He wears glasses and a blue blazer and gestures with both hands while speaking.
A woman stands on a stage in front of a bookshelf backdrop. She wears a bright red jacket and faces toward the large red “TEDx” letters.

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