Redefining confidence and leadership | Vanessa Parli | TEDxLosAltosWomen

Описание: This talk explores the spark that ignites when someone underestimates you and the strength it takes to keep going when self-doubt never fully disappears. From being underestimated as a woman in engineering to leading teams in a leading AI research institute, Vanessa reveals a hard-earned, often invisible power that many women carry.
We often equate leadership with volume, dominance, and unwavering confidence but what if we’ve been measuring the wrong things? Through her journey of stepping into leadership before feeling ready, Vanessa shows how soft power—listening, empathy and collaboration—can become a true source of authority. By pairing soft power with a quiet “watch me” spark, she discovers that confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room, but about trusting the impact you’re already having. This is a call to every woman who has questioned her place: you don’t need to feel ready to be capable. You belong and the world needs your leadership. Vanessa Parli is Managing Director of Programs and External Engagement at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). She leads initiatives that connect academia, industry, and policymakers, ensuring that AI research informs real-world innovation and responsible adoption.

At HAI, Parli oversees education programs for learners ranging from high school students to senior executives and guides the development of the AI Index, a flagship report on global AI trends. She also manages research grants and convenings that support interdisciplinary collaboration across the AI ecosystem.

Previously, Parli worked in management consulting, using statistics, machine learning, and data science to advise government, biotech, and nonprofit clients. She holds an MS in Engineering Management and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University. 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