In her compelling TEDx talk, “Why Hidden Parts May Be Our Greatest Power,” Aleesha Bain explores the profound effects of authenticity on our well-being and relationships. Using a striking analogy, she reflects on a tragic incident involving South Korean students who, faced with danger, chose to blindly follow authority instead of trusting their instincts. This serves as a poignant reminder of how societal expectations can stifle our true selves. Bain delves into the psychological pressure we face when seeking acceptance and approval, highlighting the detrimental effects of cognitive dissonance as we edit our thoughts to fit in. Through various studies, she reveals that embracing our inner selves and expressing our genuine emotions lead not only to personal growth but also to stronger social connections. By advocating for authenticity as a biological necessity rather than a mere ideal, Bain encourages us to pause, share our true selves, and reclaim the power in our hidden aspects. This insightful talk empowers us to challenge societal norms and embrace our authenticity as a pathway to greater happiness and fulfillment.
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Author Video Description
We are taught to silence parts of ourselves in order to appear acceptable, but research in psychology shows that this self-suppression reshapes the brain, elevates stress, and narrows potential. In this talk, I reveal why the hidden side of identity is not a weakness to conceal, but rather is evidence of untapped strength, and why embracing it may be the key to real growth. Aleesha Jay Bain is a 17-year-old senior at Kodaikanal International School and Co-Founder of the Synapse Society, a student-led psychology club at school. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to exchange ideas and make an impact. Alongside her academic and leadership pursuits, Aleesha is dedicated to equestrian sports and ice skating, which reflect her discipline, balance, and love for challenge. 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
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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 “Why Hidden Parts maybe Our Greatest Power | Aleesha Bain | TEDxKodaikanal International School Youth” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks