Rediscovering Deri Latimer's TEDx Talk: Reflections on Connections, Play, and Purpose

3 days ago

3 min read

In 2013, I had been managing my agency, Vantage, and we just happened to sponsor TEDx Manitoba. It was an inspiring event where innovative ideas collided with passionate people. Deri Latimer delivered one of the talks. Her exploration of play, woven into the heavy topic of suicide, was both impactful and transformative. Yet, as the years rolled on, that moment faded into the background of my memory—until now.

Recently, a spark reignited when Deri herself commented on a colleague’s post about Pop CoLAB (Thank you by the way, Janelle). She reminded me of her TEDx journey and how it had transformed her career. “Super cool, Donovan!” she wrote, “I delivered a TEDx talk in 2013 (then, TEDx Manitoba) when their theme was 'play'; in preparing for that talk (in which I was addressing the heavy topic of suicide), I dove deep into the research on play. It transformed the rest of my speaking career, to this day!”

That comment led me to ask her to share the link back to her talk, and the first few seconds the old Vantage Studio logo appeared as a sponsor and I realized I had watched this talk over 10 years ago. As I rewatched it, I was struck by how much it resonated with my own journey.

A Journey of Connections and Purpose

Life often feels like a series of disconnected dots—a mix of triumphs and failures, moments of clarity and periods of doubt. Yet, looking back, it’s often the connections we make, the seemingly small interactions, that subtly nudge us toward our passions and purpose. My own path has been shaped by such moments.

Check out my Podcast - Konect the Dots, which takes us on a journey to connect the dots of passionate entrepreneurs

In 2013, my focus was on managing and growing the agency. Sponsoring TEDx Manitoba felt like a natural fit for our values—championing creativity, innovation, and connection. Little did I know, I was planting seeds for what would become Pop CoLAB, a space dedicated to nurturing creativity, play, and community.

Failures along the way taught me resilience. Moments of doubt reminded me to lean on others. And those fleeting connections—with colleagues, speakers, and visionaries like Deri—proved to be the silent architects of my purpose.

Play: A Serious Tool for Mental Health

Deri’s TEDx talk centers on the profound role of play in fostering mental health. She delves into research that demonstrates how play not only alleviates stress but also strengthens our psychological resilience. In her words, developing positive mental health is “seriously easy” when we embrace play.

That theme resonated deeply with me because it’s at the core of what Pop CoLAB stands for. Play isn’t just for children; it’s a tool for adults to reconnect with joy, tap into creativity, and build community. Revisiting Deri’s message reminded me why I’m so passionate about creating spaces where play and innovation intersect.

Looking Back to Move Forward

Rewatching Deri’s talk wasn’t just a walk down memory lane; it was a reminder of how far I’ve come. The failures, the doubts, the small victories—they were all necessary.

Most importantly, the connections I’ve made along the way—whether through sponsoring events, collaborating with colleagues, or simply engaging with people—have been the guiding force behind my journey.

To anyone reading this, I encourage you to pause and reflect on your own path. Look back at the connections you’ve made and the moments that shaped you. They might reveal a thread that’s been quietly weaving your story all along.

As for Deri’s TEDx talk, it’s more than just a presentation; it’s a testament to the power of play and connection. I’m grateful to have rediscovered it and to have been reminded of the importance of sharing ideas and creating joy in the world.

After all, life’s journey is better when we share it with others.

I am motivated by connecting with people, exercising my mind, and sharing ideas to create more joy in the world. I am a professional speaker specializing in psychological strength training ... because strength = resilience = health = life. I am honoured to be a part of a forum for sharing ideas and engaging people in a purposeful way. Mental health is a serious subject; developing positive mental health is seriously easy.