Staying Human in a World That Moves Too Fast | Drashtant Varma | TEDxUNB

Quick Overview

Drashtant Varma argues that staying human in a fast-paced world requires focusing only on what is within one's control, such as one's own perspective and actions, rather than external pressures or perceived failures, emphasizing that true leadership involves humility and connection, not just seriousness or achievement.

Key Points: The speaker, Drashtant Varma, spoke at TEDxUNB on January 15, 2026, with the theme 'REBORN X'. He was the 122nd President of the UNB Student Union, overseeing a $2.5 million budget and staff. A key piece of advice received was to draw a picture of oneself and list the main things one controls versus what one does not. The speaker learned three simple lessons: the inner child keeps one grounded, young leaders are often not taught humility, and what seems like an end (like job completion or political turmoil) is often just a transition. He stresses that while external things like politics and daily chaos move fast, the reality is that focusing on one's own perspective and actions—what is controllable—is what matters. He advocates for honesty and transparency in dialogue, even if it means saying things that are not politically correct, because focusing on what you control prevents others' perceptions from stealing your joy. The speaker concludes that leadership is less about being serious all the time and more about remembering who you are before titles and expectations.

Context: Drashtant Varma delivers his TEDx talk at the TEDxUNB event themed 'REBORN X' on January 15, 2026. Dressed in a suit and tie, Varma draws on his experience as the 122nd President of the University of New Brunswick Student Union, a role that involved managing a significant budget and working across various levels of government and community stakeholders. His central message revolves around maintaining perspective and humanity amidst fast-paced, often chaotic environments like politics.

Detailed Analysis

Drashtant Varma opens his talk by acknowledging the audience and immediately establishing his credibility through his past role as the 122nd President of the UNB Student Union, managing a $2.5 million budget and liaising with various government levels. He recounts a moment of feeling lost after his presidency ended, leading him to seek advice. A mentor suggested he draw a picture of himself and list what he controls versus what he does not. Varma realized that many things he worried about—political turmoil, deadlines, the feeling of uselessness—were external and often fleeting. He emphasizes that the things within one's control are fundamental: one's own perspective, actions, and how one makes others feel. He shares that young leaders are often not taught humility, and that transparency requires being honest even if it sounds politically incorrect. The core lesson he imparts is to focus only on what is controllable, as this prevents external chaos from stealing internal joy. Varma concludes by stating that leadership is not about constant seriousness but about remembering one's core self before titles and expectations complicate things.