In this talk, Ergin explains how having a son with autism has enabled him to become a calmer, more focused, better planned, and paradoxically more spontaneous person, with those benefits expanding far beyond his personal life. Through countless real-life examples and some serious TEDster research, Ergin shows that rather than a burden, diversity in all its senses offers a competitive edge for every organization. All that is required is that we widen our view of where our society’s superpowers reside. When we think of a superpower, we often turn to flying, x-ray vision, or extreme strength. But what if the unique way someone perceives the world is their superpower? Social entrepreneur and diversity advocate, Ergin Özdemir has a great deal to say about such super powers. As a “love immigrant” in Sweden and the father of a child with autism, Ergin, has experienced the transformative power of diversity first hand, first as an individual and then as a successful businessman. Ergin has assisted some of Sweden’s largest organizations with their diversity initiatives, initiated around 50 internships, set up a tertiary education scholarship program in Turkey, and created the annual Diversity Achievement award of 100,000kr. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
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