Becky Spieth is a powerhouse of leadership development and business strategy, dedicated to helping high-impact leaders step up, stand out, and make an impact that actually lasts. As the CEO of Leaders Empowered, a Maxwell Leadership faculty member, and a TEDx Speaker Coach, she works with executives and multi-generational teams to elevate their influence, boost performance, and create leadership cultures that people actually want to be part of. She’s the secret weapon for turning complex leadership challenges into clear, actionable strategies—whether she’s coaching top executives, mentoring next-gen leaders, or helping thought leaders craft messages that hit home. When she’s not shaping high-performance teams, you’ll find her pouring into leaders worldwide, speaking on leadership strategy, and fueling mission-driven initiatives that spark transformation. Read on to learn more about Becky’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
TEDx is a launchpad for bold ideas and transformative leadership. There’s something incredible about seeing a speaker step onto that stage and deliver a message that doesn’t just land—it shifts perspectives, sparks
action, and reshapes industries. TEDx isn’t just about talking; it’s about leading, inspiring, and making a real impact, which aligns perfectly with my passion for developing high-performance leaders and multi- generational teams. Helping speakers craft messages that connect, inspire, and create lasting change? That’s exactly why I’m here!
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown is one of my all-time favorites because it gets to the heart of real leadership—trust, connection, and authenticity. High-performance teams don’t thrive on strategy alone. The real difference-maker is when leaders create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to bring their best. Brené nails it: leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to shine and building a team where people actually want to give their all.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Inspiring, transformative, and energizing.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Coaching speakers through those pivotal moments when they realize the power of their message and step into their confidence is an absolute thrill. It’s exhilarating when everything clicks—the nerves turn into energy, the message lands, and the audience is captivated. Watching that transformation unfold and knowing their message will create a ripple effect far beyond that moment is something I’ll never get tired of. There’s nothing like it!
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Most people don’t realize how much work goes into crafting a TEDx talk—it’s not just about having a great idea. There’s a deep process of refining, rehearsing, and structuring to make it unforgettable. It’s about creating an experience that changes the way people think, lead, and innovate. Behind the scenes, a passionate team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure every detail is aligned to deliver an experience that challenges perspectives, ignites leadership, and drives innovation. The real reward? Seeing someone bring their bold idea to life and watching it create transformation. I love being part of a community that champions the speaker, their passion, and the life-changing impact their message can have.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
TEDx has challenged me to think even deeper about how leaders communicate and given me insights into helping my clients simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. On a personal level, it’s been incredible to be part of a community of changemakers who are just as passionate about leadership development as I am. Being surrounded by people committed to elevating ideas that matter has been both inspiring and energizing. TEDx has been a great reminder that communication isn’t just a skill—it’s
a superpower! The right message, delivered with confidence and clarity, builds trust, sparks action, and creates the kind of impact that lasts. Working with TEDx has made me even more fired up about helping leaders harness their voice, inspire across generations, and shape cultures where people thrive.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
TEDx is so much more than an event—it’s a movement. If you love being part of something bigger than yourself, working with inspiring people, and seeing ideas come to life in real time, then you’ll love being part of this community. Whether you’re coaching speakers, running logistics, or connecting with the audience, you’re playing a role in shaping conversations that can change the world and beyond.
To connect with Becky, check out her LinkedIn.
Atembe Giles is a communications professional with 15 years of experience crafting brand messages and communications strategies for various organizations and industries around the world, including education, healthcare, fashion, travel & tourism, and AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). A former educator in the US, France, and South Korea, she loves learning and teaching about multicultural experiences and storytelling in all forms, from history to dance to television. She is passionate about using the power of words and expression to help people become better connected with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Read more to learn about Atembe’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
I’ve always been a fan of TED Talks and TEDx experiences. I experienced my first TEDx event as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my most recent TEDx experience was a few years ago in Seoul, South Korea. I really appreciated that no matter where in the world you are, you can find a place with other people who are also interested in sharing ideas, self-improvement, and learning more about the world and making it a better place. I’m new to Atlanta, so I wanted to find a space where I could meet new people and connect with others, but also learn more about what’s brewing in Atlanta and play a role in giving back to the community.
“The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. She verbalized so many of my lived experiences and feelings about myself that I never knew how to express, and made me feel more comfortable and empowered about who I am.
Welcoming, educational, and collaborative.
Besides finally working my first TEDx conference, I’d say it was my first time meeting the team in person. It was at a storage facility to move all the TEDxAtlanta props and decorations to another location. It may seem like an insignificant experience, but it was my first exposure to seeing how these different personalities got along, worked together, considered each other and other people, and really cared about what we’re doing with TEDx. We met at another volunteer’s house after to have dinner and some social time, and I enjoyed the genuine conversations we had about our cultures, life experiences, and plans for the future. It made me excited about continuing to work with everyone on future TEDxAtlanta events.
Absolutely everything that you see is due to the work of volunteers: months of planning, dedicating weekend and evening hours outside your regular 9-5, scheduling meetings virtually and in-person, fundraising and sponsorships…it’s a lot of work. But everyone’s time is respected and appreciated, whether you can dedicate 10 hours a week or one hour. It’s cool to see how passionate people are about their work with TEDx.
It’s another outlet of creativity for me. I get to do work that I don’t normally get to do in my job, and it’s nice to activate those other parts of my brain throughout the week, which helps with mental health and feeling like I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s given me an outlet to fine-tune skills I don’t use everyday in my current job, but are still valuable skills to have, such as photography, social media content creation, and sales. I’ve learned how effective partnerships work between organizations and between people. I’m seeing, through our speakers, how opportunities are limitless when it comes to using your passion and knowledge as a force to bring about positive change. And I’m growing more confident in sharing my ideas and opinions, especially when it comes to trying to make something better.
It’s a great way to be an active part of your community, gain exposure to new perspectives, and improve or learn new skills. Everyone’s contribution is significant, no matter the task, and it all goes towards a mission that’s about helping people and communities grow. The likely and unlikely connections you’ll make is definitely one of the best parts of volunteering with TEDx.
