How to Succeed Without Confidence, Motivation, or Healing | Evy Poumpouras | TEDxAthens

What if everything you thought you needed to succeed was wrong? What if the qualities we’ve been taught to chase-confidence, motivation, and healing-are actually holding us back? In this eye-opening TEDx talk, Evy Poumpouras draws on her life-or-death experiences as a Secret Service agent to share a radical new perspective on strength and resilience. With lessons from her career in the Secret Service and moments of profound vulnerability, she reveals why chasing confidence, avoiding fear, and waiting to heal can sabotage your growth. This talk offers a new framework for resilience-one built on action, clarity, and the ability to thrive despite uncertainty. Evy Poumpouras is multi-platform journalist and host who frequently appears on NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and ABC. She covers a wide range of topics, such as national security, law enforcement, personal protection, behavioral analysis, situational awareness, and how to live life fearlessly. Evy’s new book, BECOMING BULLETPROOF, was recently released via Simon & Schuster in 2020.
As a former Secret Service Special Agent, she was part of the protective details for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as former Presidents George W. Bush, William J. Clinton and George H. Bush. She worked complex criminal investigations and undercover operations, executed search and arrest warrants, and investigated both violent and financial crimes. Additionally, Evy was an interrogator for the agency’s elite polygraph unit and trained by the Department of Defense in the art and science of lie detection, human behavior, and cognitive influence.
Outside of her role as a journalist, Evy is a TEDx speaker and international advisor whose expertise is sought worldwide. She has been a keynote speaker for NASDAQ, SOCOM, Yankee Stadium Series, United Technologies, Corcoran Group, Tyco, Skanska, Red Door Spa, amongst many others. She is an Adjunct Professor for The City University of New York where she teaches criminal justice and criminology. Evy was also cast on CBS’s TV series “The Hunted” and appeared as an assessor on Bravo’s “Spy Games.”
Evy holds a Master of Science from Columbia University in Journalism, a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs from Hofstra University. She is also a former New York City Police Academy recruit, and a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Secret Service Academy, and the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute.
Evy is the recipient of the Secret Service Medal of Valor Award for her heroism on September 11th. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@sanjeevbains690]

1. You’re not that special: you’re not alone in the world. Shared suffering. 2. Action gives confidence & motivation Structures & discipline. 3. Walk with conviction - I am a warrior & not your prey. 4. Labels are not for people. Carry lightly & release 5, Resilience: i am able to recover from it, move on and live. 6. I’m OK to go … did I live? ❤ 🙏🏽 Evy

[@katerinarevinthi1909]

Thank you from Athens Greece

[@EdelweisSusie]

I wish I'd have seen this before I watched the entire (strange) video. Thanks for listing the headings.

[@Abocus404]

❤

[@chicanica64]

@@EdelweisSusieYes, but we miss context.

[@rebecca_stone]

This is how I remember TED talks used to be. She served straight-up awesomeness.

[@slutrooster]

For real

[@salomeyul]

If Evy is on stage, you know it will be great

[@yeebb]

1. You are not that special 2. You are not alone 3. Confidence is overrated 4. Motivation = mediocrity 5. You’re nobody’s prey 6. Your fear is not you 7. You don’t need to heal to be resilient - This will definitely become a million views TedTalks. Very practical and encouraging.

[@Life2theLittleOnes]

Life to the Little Ones 🙂‍↕️

[@FunUrth4All]

Exactly

[@sagegraeve314]

Damn I wasn’t expecting to cry at subway today but here I am, covered in crumbs and tears. Yet filled with sandwich and purpose ♡

[@siphofako1]

I cannot help but laugh at the crumbs and tears, lol. Glad she touched you and left you with what could possibly be a viral pic/video😁.

[@manuelaebensberger2326]

Love this❤felt this❤

[@blessing4758]

"Sandwich and purpose" I'm filled with okra and purpose I can relate 🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@GinniS-p2u]

Haha

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Are you supposed to eat on the subway? It's a nice sentiment, but, crumbs? You're not that Special, ey? 😊

[@Edsrodriguez-tn9fn]

She’s one of those speakers you can’t help but watch and finish the video because of how she constantly grabs your attention with every word she speaks. I hope this video reaches millions of people who need to hear it. Anyway, my favorite part of this TED Talk speech is about confidence: you don’t need confidence to achieve anything. Constantly seeking confidence will only take you further away and waste too much of your time. I will surely bring this with me because I’m the type of person who constantly seeks confidence to do something, and just hearing these words has changed my perspective towards it. Thank u for this beautiful speech Mrs. Evy!

[@nuisance_i_am_a]

"You will be able to withstand more and more and more, so that when your time comes, you will look back and say, I'm okay to go because I lived." Such a wonderful sentence. Thankyou Evy, thankyou TEDx. Also, the new style is impressive.

[@beatricefrask5230]

Until your heal5h goes down because of too much stress bouncing back....Also, by year 2000, after millenia of evolution, you would think that women would be spared a barbaricvaginal birth delivery and get a C section instead. We'll no. The world is OK with letting women suffer.

[@cyberovaries]

What a brilliant woman. She manages to do in a few minutes what so many self-proclaimed "life coaches" don't achieve in their entire career. She is a force of nature and a true leader. All my respect goes out to you, Evy Poumpouras.

[@nuisance_i_am_a]

"I had no confidence in what I did. I did it anyways." I have no confidence if I'm allowed to live, I'm doing it anyways.

[@annabellgrey7657]

☮️🥰🦋

[@MyBeautifulHealth]

Anyways isn’t a word 😝 It’s always been and will only ever be, *anyway* .

[@conniemadesumthin]

That’s called courage

[@PaulaDTozer]

Mobilization over motivation. Just get off your buns and get moving. Labels are for clothing; they are not for people. Love this! I have created the saying, When I label me, I create me. It means, be careful what you declare that you are and what you are not, because you’ll become that. This talk is absolute GOLD! Thanks for the inspiration, Evy. You ROCK!

[@OurSpacewithJuliet]

You just got your 50th subscriber because of this comment 🎉

[@faithellis2010]

"I am nobody's prey.' Thank you so so much Evy. I needed this right now.

[@afsanamimi2636]

Wow! So inspiring!! 👏 ❤ 1) You're not special. 2) You share the common pains and sorrows like others, so you're not alone. 3) You don't need confidence or motivation to do anything! Do it anyway! 4) You're nobody's pray, not a victim. You can create anything you want. Illuminate that vibe. 5) Try everything you wanted to do, so that when death comes, you can surrender to death with peace knowing you've lived your life. ❤

[@Theoverthinker81]

Take action, get more confidence, take bigger action, get bigger confidence.

[@yanis80]

I love Evy Pompadouras. She is the freaking boss

[@markuswunsch]

Definitely, one of the best Ted talks!

[@cristinap4635]

100% YES!!!

[@elena-251]

Yes 🙏

[@zzzbhdshjer]

the point about not chasing confidence and motivation to actually do things in life is such a refreshing take i've never seen anyone else talk about. usually its just about how to attain confidence and all that, but as someone who has and still struggles with this, my perspective really changed

[@Sineadshineslight]

My motivation to keep going was my daughter. Since she died by suicide I have struggled with much of what you talk about. I agree with much of what you say though and will try and take it on board. Thankyou. I think I needed to hear this today

[@workingmom48889]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It's amazing that you are here and trying to feel better.

[@femalebusinessacademy]

My dear, may you have a piece in your heart. Please, be strong for your daughter's memory. I know you will heal and bring light and kindness to this world.

[@susieisms]

Hi, I'm dealing with the same issue. Sometimes, I get angry that my son killed himself, and took himself away from me. And to love him, is to love his murderer. It gets complicated and all offering of help doesn't matter anymore because it's too late. It's such a tragedy to lose a child by suicide. It is important not to turn it into an identity and be resilient. Being in awareness of the present moment helps a lot.

[@Baronesssa]

I'm so sorry for your loss. A hug if you accept it

[@kellyannsoucie7978]

I make it a point to pay attention to Evy's speech whenever I get the opportunity to do so since she is so forthright. We are not alone in this world because she and I are not unique. It is clear that this woman has been through a lot. On this journey through life, we are here to provide support and encouragement to one another. Sincere admiration, Evy. I am able to get more information whenever I have the chance to listen to you speak.

[@remazeldagirl2673]

This woman is so inspiring and tough. I could listen to her speak alllllll day long!

[@TheReynaRey]

This is one of the best TED Talks I have ever heard in my life. Wow. I am speechless and by the looks of it, the audience was too. Well done, Evy.

[@LesserKnownInfo]

Damn! I've seen a lot of silly TED Talks but this woman is incredible and wise. I'm still soaking it all in and wiping the tears away. Amazing.

[@2ndwavestrength]

Such a powerful message from an amazingly strong resilient person. I believe your life was spared twice and you were sent back because you still have so much light and knowledge to share with the world. Thank you!

[@annabellgrey7657]

EMPATH, aren’t you ? Love it.⭕️

[@AnjaliSharma-gf8mu]

God, I hope this Ted talk goes on forever 😭

[@nagangks7486]

She is very practical, she is different from all other speakers in the world. I liked 🎉

[@linhluu565]

1. Confidence is overated. No you just do it anyways. You actually find confidence wasting time 2. Motivation is mediocrity. Keep things disciplined 3.Youre nobody's prey. You are not victim of any situation. Manifest what you mind to become❤❤😊 4. Fear is just emotion. It comes and goes. Fear is not you🎉

[@1966Svea]

The work of Evy Pompouras speaks for itself. But I would like to add one thought. For me, resilience is not a return to the status quo before the stressor came, but a growth in the face of stress and a newfound self.

[@Trdundee]

I have heard many talks/ discussions on this topic. You made those look like waste of time. Thank you for the best ever approach to a very important issue.

[@Amelianz]

Wow this is one of the best ted talk ever! Heart and Mind touching, what a Woman!!!

[@deanstownhall]

We’ve been blessed! A new Evy TED talk 🙏🙏🙏 she’s the best

[@faniliakouki6147]

I was there...and I remember hearing the rain which made Evi's speech even more powerful and emotional

[@shapecommunicationsworldwi4749]

Incredible Evy.... you just saved a lot of people. I also lost my dream in 9/11...... just loved what you said.

[@abreeanderson]

I’ve been flowing this special woman for years and everytime I see a new video I leave with something new, something inspiring and most importantly some new tricks up my sleeve 😊

[@EmerInspires]

Food for thought re resilience and RECOVERY! 👀 That's the bit I've not given myself permission to do, recover! I was the queen of burnout. Today's society doesn't reward down time, only go time..... This was what I needed to hear today ❤️

[@etelke]

just a reminder/short summary of the key/main points. but watch it anyway, bcoz it's very good! 🙂🙃 0:00 introduction common patterns/inhibitors in way of thinking/behavior/trait > cause to be stuck 2:08 1. 🦋 you are not that special "im so unique, special" become self-focused "my problem, pain, suffering is special, nobody understands" > depression, anxiety > you feel alone 3:42 3:54 2. 🤗 you are not alone (in the world) i'm not that special in my pain. > if they could get through it, i could get through it 4:50 3. 🐅 confidence is overrated you don't need it. "once i have confidence, i can do what i want" looking for confidence to start instead of just doing. then you forget, get distracted, loose faith, .. > never achieve your goal 6:03 4. 🐒 motivation = mediocrity you do not need motivation either. if you need motivation/wait to be motivated in life to do sg, you will do the bare minimum.. 🍇 .. had no motivation.. i did it anyway.. you never finish what you start, if you need motivation. these just rob you of time and success. 🍊 when you do things, that's when confidence and motivation come in! 7:50 5. 🦓 you are nobody's prey the mindset of me being a victim or feeling like a pray. when we think of ourselves as being attacked, victimized by others.. when we develop that mindset, we become that. seems even in how you walk.. 🍓 we become what we think of ourselves! 10:02 6. 🦬 your fear is not you fear.. is an emotion.. sg that comes and goes. 🐈‍⬛ but we made it our identity. labeled themselves as being fearful.. labels are not for people. do not label yourself. when you feel fear, it's supposed to come, pass through you and be released. fear is not your identity. don't let it make a home in your head! 11:24 7. 🐘 you don't need to heal to be resilient resilient = i go through sg hard/traumatic/tragic/... i go through it, but then i recover from it. able to function as before, day to day. (i go back who i was, but not make it go away, forget about it what happened) the more difficult things you get to do in life, the more resilient you become. you get faster in it how quickly i can recover, i can move on and live. 13:10 8. ☀️ summary these keep us from moving forward achieving our goals. make sure to live.. 🌺 don't let these keep you from living your life. really think about, how you live and how you show up in the world, what message you are sending to the world. 🦧 very nice and authentic speech. 🍒 good teacher also, because at the end repetead all the main things with a good logical connection too. and now go, do something useful! 🐜

[@snoopcow]

She hit all the points. Outstanding speech.

[@yuh6749]

I love the way she closes her speech and how she explained that when it’s our time to leave, did we really live? Will we regret anything? I think that’s so empowering & how we don’t need confidence or motivation to achieve what we want to achieve. Although, her statements are a different perspective, I needed to hear it. Im very grateful this came across my feed. Such a strong, beautiful woman & story.

[@Mycescos]

I read her book, watched her speak and she never disappoints. Always learning something from her. Thank you

[@soniag8743]

Thank you Evy and thank you TedX, This was hugely helpful, I am just at a juncture right now. Wondering how I can get the confidence to start. No confidence needed. Just do. Stop thinking or over thinking and just do.

[@Sophialfa]

This was great

[@CoachKarin]

Evy, really. It takes guts, conviction, confidence, and yes healing! This is your journey and you made yourself special by telling people they don’t need to be special.

[@pidchayaninchutipattana7612]

I'm recently trying to find the passion for finishing a project I don't feel passionate about, but I know I need to do it. Thank you for your talk.

[@Calcifurr]

This was hands down one of the best talks. What a wonderful message and well delivered.

[@strikeback1080]

I felt a certain way when listening to this. And the emotion was familiar. Took a look at the presenter's name and realized I read her book a couple of years ago. Her words of wisdom are so inspiring - in the book, on the stage, and I'm certain for those luck enough to attend, within her mentor sessions as well. This was fantastic!

[@НатальяНаталья-ь6и8ц]

You really inspire, you make people trust yourself and have a happy life. Your speech is great!

[@konita654]

this podcast is saving my journey to the will of success. Thank you so much Evy. I really love this modest approach away from the absolute need of feeling special, motivated, confident, and healed to reach anything we want.

[@baibi1988]

One of the times I thanked the algorithm for showing this to me. I needed this. Thank you, Evy! 💚💖

[@whilethevossisaway]

Evy is right on all points. She empowers us to move forward. I have the utmost respect for her. I have her book, it’s a great read. 💪

[@saadetalkan3270]

I was praying every morning like '' I release everything that is holding me back''. I would never thought seeking for motivation, confidence were the holding me back. Also she is so right when she said the movitation and the confidence is coming when you got there...

[@Solin-kr5qf]

OMG That was soooooo Powerful, her words full of emotions I felt it deeply. One of the best speeches, thank you Evy Poumpouras.

[@angiejones6985]

Thank you evy! I cannot thank you enough for what you shared in this Ted talk.

[@AndaMihai-o1i]

She is incredible!👏👏👏

[@kevinwilliams3272]

Amazing!!! So much intelligence in this talk, so much food for thought. Every single word counted here, whereas in a lot of these TEDx talks you get a certain amount of self-congratulating when the speaker has "coached people from Fortune 500 companies" or "international organizations". In fact the only thing that was a shame was that with your breathtaking experience, Evy, the talk would have merited more time (rather 90 minutes). ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@ChurikMarak-n1t]

I have already learnt before in release the spyce anime

[@annabellgrey7657]

We gain a lot of thought for ourselves. Then get much better than that so I was happy with the time. I had no doubt, but you’re right I would love to go to a two or three hour thing with her.☮️

[@cristinap4635]

She‘s GREAT!❤❤❤

[@empower4you972]

Powerful 18 minutes and compete facts!!!! Motivation, confidence and desire are buzzwords thrown around like they have some power over us. The truth is we don't need jack $hit to accomplish what we want to achieve. We have been duped into this stereo type that leaves us feeling small and inadequate. Just start doing!

[@parianasehi8214]

Way better than I expected. It’s one of my favorites now

[@Tyla6]

Thank you Evy.

[@Ritaaw1]

Prior to my diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, I truly did think I was special and no one could understand me. It was isolating. I now know it’s toxic to spend that much time alone and think the way I did. It caused me a great deal of harm. Novadays I try my best to make connections and share my experience with others.

[@lifestyleREI]

One of the best TEDx Talks! 💯💯💯

[@clarahernandez5307]

oooohh Every time I listened to her I'm in awe........... She's such a Wonderful and wise woman 🤩

[@alexbreit25]

She's amazing ! 💯 👏🏻

[@victoriamutafya3634]

The most realistic advice ever!

[@Health-Creativity]

Evy Poumpouras, you are phenomenal.

[@samanthamarie4019]

Evy Poumpouras is always very inspiring.

[@JjBianca]

I love her! Clear, honest and precise ❤

[@kuroko_summer379]

One of the best Ted talks ever!!

[@mllepanga152]

the way that she kept my attention thru eery single words from the minute she started !!!! I need to read her book!!! What a unbelievable message!!! thank you for the lesson

[@CharmJD]

Evy thank you from the bottom of my heart. From an (used to be) eternal seeker of confidence to do things that I deep down know I am more than capable of. The way you delivered the message with conviction and no nonsense way just struck me like nothing I’ve ever heard before. I am not special and because of that I am not alone. Thank you.

[@mairengmosheledi2710]

This just put so much I. Perspective for me. Thank you 🙏

[@amosnsofwa8440]

What a massive talk👏 i gave my undivided attention to it till the end

[@joaopa8545]

Wow, It is so so inspiring, that's absolutely everything I needed to hear today. Thank you Evy Poumpouras for that.

[@rashmi4397]

Thank you.

[@pharm0426]

Evy you summed up life in most thought provoking and empowering way. I was not expecting this as I clicked on your video. So many nuggets you shared. Your perspective is fresh and resonates. All the best to you and your family!

[@mehribansrifi351]

how perfect how beautiful she spoke i'm obsessed with her accent, her advices anything about her

[@AlexGolimbievsky]

Gave me chills! So good!

[@JCat111]

that is very true, you get recovered faster and faster and faster after the trauma, and now I know it can be called resilience, thanks for the sharing of your deliberate wisdom, it resonates so much with me ❤❤❤

[@melliecrann-gaoth4789]

Thank you 🙏

[@1GoodWoman]

The best! Thank you Eve, TED X and KZbin. On to being and doing. 😊

[@wishi-princess]

Literally sobbing.. so good

[@АнастасияЯкимова-ч5р]

Many thanks! It's one of the best speeches from Ted ❤

[@milomazli]

She is sooooo amazng! Every word should be written in STONE

[@ummejoynob4549]

So well spoken ❤

[@lsimon3568]

Adding this to my replay list....I need this reminder til it sticks

[@hellofriendsoftheworld]

This is FABULOUS and so real. At last somebody with truth within. THANK YOU

[@NicolaBanks-h8x]

You are in my view the wisest person on the planet right now. I think you are a like Ghandi, Lincoln or a Martin Luther King. They were all humble too. Id vote for you. Thankyou

[@AndreeaGabriel-h1t]

Thank you! 😊

[@Bacheee]

Love this version of Evy. 👏🏻

[@mariadevilliers4863]

Just one word....WOW!

[@abigailmartin5815]

I had the same 2 time NDE feelings. First one was epic, did not want to go even said fu to God. Then the next time after I had my first comfortable living situation I said I think I could die happy now. I've learned to not comment about that topic any longer. I really appreciate your wisdom. Thank you for sharing

[@juanfelixapazayucra]

Awesome message.

[@rebeccaly]

Thank you so much Evy!! So powerful ❤

[@TheBellaMartini]

She is so good, I’m happy I listened to the whole thing. This was amazing.

[@cristinap4635]

This WOMAN IS ABSOLUTELY GREAT !!!! ❤❤❤

[@Aerial33_Drone_Pix]

Thank you for this talk Evy! “I am not special and I will not be the world’s prey!!”💪🇬🇷

[@chrysatheodoropoulou9927]

Thank you, Evy, for such a powerful speech!

[@Kim-kw7fo]

Superb. Evy is an incredible woman. Her book is fabulous too.

[@fatima-b6q8s]

i am amazaed by this woman iam shocked that this person told us something that we should all know she cleared the cloud and the fog that surrounded our brain

[@rubyslippers6716]

My mind is blown. Amazing talk.

[@aashrithakotagiri3116]

Powerful ❤

[@bvallerina]

👀 I wish my ADHD symptoms allowed me to live this way. Must be absolutely amazing. I’m listening while I clean my closet at night because my day was busy and emotionally draining. I only received this motivation because I gave myself the time to decompress beforehand.

[@MalohatSodiqova-bl6ou]

Beautiful speech

[@a.m.access]

I love you Evy ❤️❤️❤️ all women should know what you know 💚💜 Thanx for this awesome speech🌞

[@nuranur4093]

Each point resonates 💛