CEO OF TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL

John D. Couris is the President and CEO of the Florida Health Sciences Center (FHSC), which comprises a portfolio of organizations including Tampa General Hospital—one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit academic health systems in partnership with the University of South Florida. Under his leadership, Tampa General’s reach expanded from 17 facilities to six hospitals and more than 150 care locations statewide, employing approximately 14,000 team members and physicians. Recognized for his innovative vision, operational excellence, and people-first approach, John has transformed FHSC into a hub of world-class care. Known nationally for his authentic leadership style and transformational impact, he brings deep insights into fostering thriving organizations, forging strategic partnerships, and shaping the future of healthcare.

Stay tuned for John D. Couris’ TEDx talk, as he guides us into the evolving pulse of healthcare, hinting at a future we have yet to imagine

US REPRESENTATIVE FLORIDA DISTRICT 15

Congresswoman Laurel Lee was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2023, representing Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which includes parts of Hillsborough, Polk, and Pasco Counties. She serves on the House Energy and Commerce, Judiciary, and Administration Committees, working to lower costs for Florida families, advance American energy innovation, combat human trafficking, protect children from exploitation, and strengthen border security.

Before Congress, Laurel served as Florida’s 36th Secretary of State, leading efforts to enhance elections infrastructure and cybersecurity, improve voter registration and participation, and ensure secure, accurate elections. She earned national recognition for her leadership and co-chaired the National Association of Secretaries of State Elections Committee.

Her career began in law as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Florida, prosecuting white-collar crime, violent crime, and child exploitation offenses. She was later appointed a Florida Circuit Court Judge in Hillsborough County and re-elected unopposed. As a judge, she presided over hundreds of civil, family, and complex commercial cases.

ACTOR, DIRECTOR & PRODUCER

With a career spanning film, television, and theater, Tim DeKay’s commitment to excellence has propelled him from starring roles on Broadway to producing and directing acclaimed projects in Hollywood. Best known for his portrayal of Peter Burke in the hit series White Collar, Tim leads by fostering collaboration both in front of and behind the camera. His creative vision and inclusive approach have helped cultivate dynamic teams and compelling storytelling across multiple mediums. A dedicated mentor, Tim also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at universities nationwide, inspiring the next generation of artists and leaders.

His expansive experience in acting, directing, and producing will set the stage, both in the minds of our audience and on the famous TEDx red circle, inviting a perspective on leadership you won’t want to miss!

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF OVERJET

Dr. Wardah Inam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Overjet, the leading provider of AI solutions in dentistry. Before founding Overjet, she led product development at Q Bio and conducted pioneering research in biomedical sensing at MIT’s Computer Science and AI Lab.

She has also held roles at GE and Apple, bringing deep technical expertise and industry experience to every challenge she takes on. Named one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders and one of the 32 most influential people in dentistry, Wardah is shaping the future of healthcare through technology.

Her talk will leave you inspired and ready to take our future with AI in a whole new way.

ENTREPRENEUR & THOUGHT-LEADER

Dan Toomey is a journalist, comedian, and entrepreneur who brings humor to the business world. As the host of Good Work from Morning Brew, he dives into modern work culture with sharp wit and insightful storytelling.

Beyond his work with Morning Brew, Dan regularly takes the stage as a stand-up comedian in New York City. His unique ability to blend comedy with cultural commentary has earned him a loyal following, and hundreds of angry DMs.

Dan is now bringing Good Work to the TEDx stage for its first-ever live episode—this is a talk you don’t want to miss!

CEO OF RELIAQUEST

Brian Murphy is a founder, CEO, entrepreneur and investor — constantly learning and chasing possible.  He founded and leads ReliaQuest, one of the largest and fastest growing companies in the global cybersecurity market.

Under Murphy’s leadership, ReliaQuest has received numerous accolades for its commitment to focused growth while maintaining a positive company mindset.

Brian Murphy’s leadership has redefined cybersecurity, proving that innovation and mindset fuel unstoppable growth. On the TEDxTampa stage, he’ll challenge us to rethink leadership in an evolving world - pushing boundaries, embracing change, and leading with relentless possibility.

PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Rhea Law is the eighth president of the University of South Florida. She was named USF’s interim president in August 2021 and confirmed to the role by the Florida Board of Governors in March 2022. A proud fifth-generation Floridian who is passionate about the success of the state, Law is actively involved in corporate, public policy, civic, and charitable work.

The first USF graduate to serve as president, Law has deep ties within the community and across the state of Florida. She earned an undergraduate degree in management from USF while working for the university’s Office of Sponsored Research. She then earned her terminal degree in law at Stetson University College of Law.

Throughout her career, Law has held top leadership roles with many Florida-based organizations. She previously served as CEO and Chair of the Board of Fowler White Boggs, a Florida law firm. Her areas of practice included higher education, environment and land use, government, and economic development.

HEAD OF BAPS HINDU MANDIR, ABU DHABI

Swami Brahmaviharidas is redefining what it means to lead in the modern world.

A globally revered spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, he was educated in the UK and ordained as a Swami by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1981 and now serves under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

As a core leader, creative driver, and head of international relations for BAPS, he has led creation of the historic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first traditional stone Hindu temple in the Middle East. This iconic project has bridged cultural and religious divides, fostered harmony among nations, and has become a landmark of love.

His work in crisis response, from coordinating thousands of volunteers in unprecedented humanitarian relief to leading global COVID-19 aid efforts, has shaped the playbook of how large-scale humanitarian initiatives operate.

His presence on the TEDx circle will redefine the way we think about leadership in the 21st century.

CO-FOUNDER OF AKAMAI TECHNOLOGIES

Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, podcast host, and philanthropist. He is the Co-Founder of Akamai Technologies, Founder & CEO of JUMP Investors, and the creator of Sandee, the world’s largest beach database. Through JUMP, he has invested in 90+ companies, including Google, Seagate, and Lyft, while also leading ventures in real estate, tech, and consumer products.

A passionate mentor, he has guided over 500 students and spoken at top universities like Northwestern and USC. His philanthropic efforts have raised over $13M for charity. Whether building businesses, mentoring future leaders, or chasing the perfect wave, Randall embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence.

SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS

As the Founding Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders (WCORL), Bawa Jain has worked to foster peace, tolerance, and cooperation across religions. He was instrumental in organizing the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations, bringing together over 2,000 religious leaders from 120 countries.

A champion of nonviolence, he founded the World Movement for Nonviolence and conceived the prestigious Gandhi-King Award, honoring global icons like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan. His “Religion One on One” initiative pioneered Hindu-Jewish relations, culminating in a historic declaration of mutual understanding.

Jain has advised the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and global leaders, ensuring that faith remains a force for unity in addressing global challenges. Recognized by the City of New York for his contributions to peace and interfaith dialogue, he continues to shape international conversations on spirituality, governance, and responsible leadership.