Breaking Societal Norms

Simphiwe Petros, a speaker, radio personality, and TV presenter, considers how so many people are governed by preconceived societal norms that hinder their success, as well as how they can break out of them in his talk on influence.

He starts out his talk by asking his audience to raise their hands if they've even found themselves feeling unqualified. He continues to explain that society tends to dictate what people should be, and what they should do in their lives to be considered "qualified." Although the world seems to tell everyone that they should conform to a rigid set of expectations, what it truly needs is for people to be different.

Throughout his talk on influence, Petros shows his audience that at the end of the day, it's their opinions of themselves that truly matter, and that they shouldn't allow societal norms to prevent them from forming confidence.

In order to do this, Petros explains the three levels of "living unplugged and in charge," which means living life on one's own terms. The first step is taking charge, believing in one's ability, and getting rid of the victim mentality. The second step is about change, which surrounds one's acceptance of the fact that the world doesn't revolve around them. The last step is about striving to create the future, and understanding that life should be lived on an individual's terms, and that each has the capability of being immensely influential.