Nela Ďopanová was born with a condition that, according to doctors, should have kept her from ever walking. But she found her own path – and today she not only stands on her feet but also leads Fpohybu, a company that helps over 80 organizations in the Czech Republic and abroad build healthier corporate cultures.

At TEDx, she shares a story of resilience, discipline, and small steps – and why the key doesn’t lie in theory, but in everyday practice.

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Jeremy Alan Garlick works at the Faculty of International Relations at VŠE and is a recognized expert in international politics, geopolitics, and global development. He specializes in relations between China and Europe and the impact of Chinese foreign policy on global order. He is Director of the Jan Masaryk Centre for International Studies and frequently appears in media and expert debates.

At TEDx he will open a rarely explored topic: connecting evolutionary science and international relations – how evolutionary psychology can help us understand why nations enter conflicts, and how this knowledge can contribute to preventing them.

He is the CEO and co-owner of a major family business, where he represents the second generation. Together with a friend, he also founded projects focused on promoting physical activity among children.

At TEDx, he will share his personal story about building a career in a family business – about responsibility, doubts, motivation, and perseverance. His experience shows that even in a traditional field, the younger generation can find its own path and inspire others to take charge of their careers consciously.

​Marek Hudík is an expert in institutional economics, decision-making, and the application of economic principles in practice. He studies how changes in the environment shape behavior and what the consequences are for communities and society as a whole.

At TEDx, he will demonstrate how individuals self-select into environments that align with their traits, preferences, and goals. Drawing on experience from various roles in academia and the public sector, he brings a perspective that connects theory with everyday life.

Jakub Jedlinský from the Faculty of International Relations at VŠE is a pioneer in cryptocurrency and blockchain research. In 2014, he founded the world’s first economics course on cryptocurrencies at VŠE and since then has been connecting academia with practice. He is co-founder of Altlift, a company focused on crypto consulting and tokenomics, and has long popularized digital currencies and their risks.

Jakub is working hard on a great idea. We can’t wait to share it with you soon!

Zuzana Mráčková works as a marketing and sales manager and also lectures on personal development, communication, and mindfulness. Zuzka is also a mother and a wonderful example of how, with mutual interest, it is possible to combine a managerial role with parenthood and further development.

At TEDx, she will share her message that courage does not mean the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act despite it. Each of us has more strength than we think — and this courage can change not only our lives, but also the world around us. In times of uncertainty and change we need our courage to stand up for ourselves and create our own future.

She works at the Faculty of Business Administration at VŠE, specializing in disaster management and humanitarian logistics – fields that combine science, practice, and the ability to respond quickly in crises. She has gained experience not only in academia, for example at the HUMLOG Institute in Finland, but also by working directly with non-governmental organisations such as People in Need and Doctors Without Borders.

She is prioritizing the preparation of her TEDx talk over revealing the topic. We respect that choice. Her topic is coming soon!

​Ota Novotný is the Vice-Rector of VŠE for Development and Corporate Relations and a key figure in Czech academia in the field of data analytics and innovation. He has long been dedicated to modernizing education and connecting universities with business – he co-founded the xPORT Business Accelerator and leads the MBA program Data and Analytics for Business Management. Throughout his career, he has combined academic work with practical projects, from research grants to cooperation with startups and companies.

At TEDx, he will reveal why education without emotions misses its purpose — and how teaching can become an experience rather than just information delivery.

Daniela Pauknerová is a psychologist who has long focused on work, leadership, and the development of human potential. She leads the Department of Managerial Psychology and Sociology at the Prague University of Economics and Business and also works as a consultant and lecturer in the corporate sphere.

At TEDx, she brings a clear message inspired by the new psychology of leadership: leadership is neither female nor male – it is human. Gender labels only reinforce stereotypes and hinder equal representation. Emphasizing shared and identity-based leadership, Daniela calls for leaders to be valued by their ability to unite people, inspire trust, and create impact—beyond gender, towards truly human leadership.

Mojmír’s working hard on a unique TEDx talk – more details coming soon!

Jana Tepperová is an Associate Professor at the Prague University of Economics and Business, specializing in public finance. Her research focuses mainly on international taxation of individuals and corporations and the intersection of taxation and social security,  exploring how these systems influence and shape each other. She is also involved in Code Club, a community that inspires children and young people to develop their programming and technical skills.

At TEDx, she will show that the path to healthier public finances might also lie in something less obvious yet powerful—our own awareness and trust.

​Oldřich Valta left the security of banking and consulting, where he spent more than ten years at home and abroad, to fulfill his dream of co-building The Miners coffee chain. Today, the company runs 25 coffee shops in 7 countries, its own roastery, bakery, and is aiming to make the brand a leader in the specialty coffee market.

At TEDx Oldrich will speak openly about fear of failure – why it’s okay to be afraid, but to pursue your dreams anyway. He will share with us how data, systems, and people’s support helped him to manage risks and turn fears into strength. His story is an invitation for everyone who hesitates to take a step into the unknown.

He is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of International Relations at VŠE, where he focuses on globalization, European economic integration, and international political economy. He currently serves as Vice-Rector for Education and Quality Assurance and has previously held the position of Vice-Dean for Education at the Faculty of International Relations. He has taught at universities in the USA and Austria, authored numerous publications, and frequently comments on international economic affairs in the media.

At TEDx, he will explore how global interconnectedness between economics, politics, and technology shapes our everyday lives and attitudes – and why understanding these connections is essential in times of tension, uncertainty, and technological change.