The Power of Losing Your Way | AJ Bleyer | TEDxUCDavis
In his illuminating TEDx talk, AJ Bleyer, an unexpected filmmaker, shares a powerful narrative about the importance of embracing life’s unpredictability. After repeatedly facing setbacks during his college application journey, including rejection from top film schools, AJ found himself at a crossroads, questioning his identity and future. Rather than being deterred, he immersed himself in his passion for videography, creating car videos that cultivated unexpected opportunities and connections in the film industry.
AJ’s experience highlights that losing your way can lead to profound self-discovery and success. As he navigated through feelings of instability and impostor syndrome, he learned that many professionals feel equally unsure. This realization empowered him to forge a unique path, eventually becoming a sought-after director for commercials and prestigious brands.
At its core, AJ’s message encourages viewers to embrace their detours, reminding us that the most rewarding journeys often arise from unexpected turns. His story serves as an inspiring reminder to be kind to ourselves, especially during times of uncertainty, as these moments can lead to unimaginable opportunities.
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Author Video Description
After rejection from every film school he applied to, AJ Bleyer accepted that his dream of becoming a director was over. But that setback opened the door to a career beyond anything he could have planned for. In this talk, AJ shares how redirection can be a hidden gift, why confidence isn’t built on certainty, and the importance of being kind to yourself when feeling lost. Because often, the best way forward isn’t the path you planned- it’s the one you never saw coming. Trying to marry his passion for cars and cameras, AJ began shooting automotive videos with his high school friends. His work caught the attention of local car dealerships, and at the age of 22, he left his job at Apple to pursue filmmaking full-time. He founded Advent Films and quickly became a trusted shooter for many of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Ferrari, McLaren F1, Aston Martin, NASA, Red Bull, Riot Games, Amazon, and more. 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 “The Power of Losing Your Way | AJ Bleyer | TEDxUCDavis” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks