Why capitalism needs to empower people again | Matthew King | TEDxCU

In his inspiring TEDx talk, Dr. Matthew King shares a deeply personal journey—from childhood trauma and ancestral resilience to surviving Stage IV cancer—showing how individual empowerment can lead to global transformation. He explores how reimagining capitalism, through one choice, one act, and one person at a time, can drive social change, create equitable systems, and build a more sustainable and connected world for future generations. Dr. Matthew King is an author, speaker, and explorer who has completed learning expeditions in over 45 countries. A former U.S. Presidental Management Fellow, U.S. Department of Commerce Bronze Medal recipient, and Marshall Memorial Fellow with the German Marshall Fund, he has worked with governments, think tanks, and global institutions on environmental and social challenges. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and has been featured by the BBC, Earth Island Journal, Euronews, NBC Universal, Mongabay, affiliates of ABC and CBS, podcasts, and TEDx. A cancer survivor, Matthew's experience radically reshaped his path and revealed his true purpose: to create, inspire, and empower. Through his nonprofit, Our COMMON Foundation, he supports social entrepreneurs, artists, and conservationists who are making a meaningful impact. His writing and speaking help others reconnect with what matters most—nature, truth, and living aligned with their inner compass. 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