In Jessica Tudos’ inspiring TEDx talk, What 10,000 cartwheels have taught me about life, she draws parallels between the art of cartwheeling and navigating life’s challenges. With a playful tone, she reflects on her journey from a curious child obsessed with being upside down to representing Canada at the Olympics. Tudos emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation, risk-taking, and resilience—critical components in both cartwheeling and life itself.
Through anecdotes of her diving, gymnastics, and transformative experiences, she showcases how curiosity can ignite passion, leading to a diverse career spanning 65 jobs in over 40 countries. Tudos encourages embracing life’s unpredictability rather than following a rigid path, reminding us that it’s okay to be “upside down” sometimes. Her message resonates deeply: life is about exploring multiple passions, trusting oneself, and finding joy in the journey, ultimately leading to a richer, more fulfilling existence. With humor and heart, she invites us all to embrace our inner cartwheeler and seek out the adventure in life.
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Author Video Description
What can 10,000 cartwheels teach us about life? Olympian turned multi-passionate Portfolioist Jessica Tudos flips conventional wisdom upside down to reveal why curiosity—not certainty—is the true key to confidence, clarity, and creative reinvention. Jessica Tudos is a high-flying Olympian turned life design rebel who’s flipping the script on what success looks like. With the heart of an educator, the mind of a strategist, and the spirit of a portfolioist, she empowers people to thrive because of their many passions — not despite them. Whether she’s captivating keynote stages, classrooms, or coaching sessions, Jessica helps others rethink their paths in order to design meaningful lives in any direction they choose. JessicaTudos.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “What 10,000 cartwheels have taught me about life | Jessica Tudos | TEDxMcfarren Boulevard Youth” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks