Speaker Profile: Flo Nicolas
Flo Nicolas - Influencer, Advocate, Connector
We are excited to introduce 2023 TEDxAmoskeagMillyard Speaker Flo Nicolas!
What's your favorite TED or TEDx Talk, and why?
My favorite TEDx speaker is Chad Aboud, who is not only a friend but also a passionate advocate for individuals seeking meaningful goals and discovering their purpose in life. His TEDx talk, "Uncovering Your Gifts", profoundly resonates with me because he emphasizes the importance of finding our true calling and pursuing challenges that align with our values and aspirations rather than merely seeking to prove our capabilities. While achieving difficult feats can be impressive, Chad raises the crucial question of whether such accomplishments truly lead to fulfillment and happiness.
What people or events have inspired you professionally?
My parents have always been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. I look up to my mom, who came to America with very little, driven by her determination to create a better life for our family. Leaving my dad and me in Africa, she worked tirelessly, securing a job, finding an apartment, buying a car, and even saving enough money to bring us over within a year. Both my parents exemplified the value of hard work and a strong work ethic, which has become an integral part of who I am.
Witnessing my parents' struggles to put me through private school was eye-opening. Despite the challenges, they remained resolute in providing me with the best education possible. I remember times when we had to make do with second-hand clothes and had to boil water for baths due to electricity shutdowns from unpaid bills. I even had to miss a high school final examination once because the tuition couldn't be paid.
Growing up in such humble circumstances has profoundly shaped my character and how I approach life's obstacles. It instilled in me a sense of humility, resilience, and resourcefulness that guides me through life's challenges. I am grateful for the invaluable life lessons I learned from my parents' unwavering determination and dedication to creating a better future for our family. Their example continues to inspire and empower me to overcome any adversity that comes my way.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the world, it would be to promote love and remove all classifications that lead us to treat each other differently. The world should be united as one, and differences should not be used to divide us or create unfair treatment for any group. Instead, we need to come together in love and peace. The one thing I would change is the presence of hatred that often divides us across the globe.
How did you feel when you learned you had been chosen as a speaker for TEDxAM23?
I manifested the opportunity to be a TEDx speaker, seeing it as the next significant challenge for myself. I had a strong desire for it because I knew my message held value and could make a real impact. But, to be honest, after being selected, I felt fear, writer's block, and self-doubt creeping in. I questioned if I was truly worthy. The mix of excitement and terror overwhelmed me, yet I found solace in being surrounded by amazing cheerleaders who constantly remind me that I am good enough.
What do you most want TEDxAM23 attendees to know about you?
What I want the attendees to understand is that being on the stage as a speaker doesn't mean I have everything figured out. I'm not a superhero; I'm just an ordinary person with unique gifts. I've faced challenges in my life and used them to empower and motivate others, but there are days when I need that encouragement too. I'm still on a journey of self-discovery, and I haven't figured it all out. However, I've learned valuable lessons that I'm excited to share with the world. Life's beauty lies in the process of self-discovery, rather than trying to have all the answers and be a master of everything.
