Michaela Bakala Urges Us to “Follow Your Dreams to Shift the World” at TEDx

On October 9th, Michaela Bakala took the stage at the “Shift Happens” TEDx in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. As part of this powerful platform, Michaela shared her vision of the American Dream, inspiring the audience with her belief that by sharing our dreams, never giving up on them, and pursuing them with courage, we can transform not only our own lives but our countries and the world.

In her talk, titled "How to Change the World by Living Your Dreams," Michaela reflected on her personal story and the influence of the American Dream. "I was born and raised during the communist regime without freedom or many opportunities for a better future. But my life's journey has been inspired and influenced by the American Dream," she began. She then posed an important question: is the American Dream still alive? As she told the audience at the Hilton Head Arts Center, this dream has been her beacon, and without it, her life would have taken a very different path.

Michaela also explored what drives change: "The change, the shift, doesn't come from comfort, doesn't come when we feel safe or successful. Nor does it come when we are unprepared for the change, when we are unwilling to take risks. Without the pain, without the struggle, there may be no reason to change ourselves, to affect the world we live in. I believe that change comes when we feel fear, anger, maybe pain," Michaela told the audience. She continued: "I believe that sharing our own visions, dreams, and success stories is one of the solutions. This is why the American Dream is so important, not only for Americans, but for the rest of the world. The dream is still alive and needs to be protected, explained, and shared.”

To learn more about Michaela’s personal journey — from growing up under communism to becoming a global philanthropist dedicated to "Courage, Freedom, Education"— you can watch her full talk on the TEDx YouTube channel.