Next up in the 2014 Featured Presenter Q & A Series, we zoom in on the fascinating Kimi Werner, a Maui born and raised champion spearfisher and freediver, artist and chef-hunter
In this blog series, we ask all of our presenters the same questions, allowing their individuality and passions to shine through.
What drives you to do the work you do?
Both the past and the future drive me to do what I do. My past was a magical childhood spent in the beautiful underwater world. This time truly made me who I am today, taught me my values and reminds me what pure joy really is. Whenever I dive, I go back to my roots and feel the same happiness I’ve felt as little girl diving with my dad on Maui. The future of Hawaii and it’s culture and natural resources also drives me to do what I do. I think it’s so important that we start living more sustainably and taking care of our natural resources. I have a passion for helping merge the worlds of hunting and conservation because both of these worlds coexist so strongly within me and I feel that in order for change to be made, both of these concepts need to work together hand in hand.
What is one personal experience or relevant anecdote that informs your TEDx talk?
I will be talking about my connection to nature as a young child and how I was taught to respect and take care of it. I will also tells stories of how connecting with nature (plants, animals, rocks) was easier for me than connecting to people and how that has come full circle for me.
How are you or your topic connected to Maui or Hawaiʻi?
I was born and raised on Maui and will be talking about my childhood in Haiku.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust yourself, the things that make you different are the same things that make you special. Other people will eventually get it – and maybe some won’t. Either way, be you, for you and for everything that you love. Be happy.
What advice would your younger self give to the older you?
I know you want to do your best and make people happy and always do a good job. I know that’s why you spend so much time on the computer emailing people and why you wake up thinking about stuff before you even get out of bed. I know you need to make money because you are a grownup now and sometimes you struggle and feel behind. I’m proud of you for trying so hard but don’t forget how much fun you have when you take the time to sit in the sun, pick some fruit, climb and lay under trees, meet and play with animals, and go diving in the ocean. That’s what makes you happy.
What do the TED Talks mean to you? Do you have a favorite talk that speaks to you?
To me, TED Talks mean a community of people who are brave and generous enough to put themselves out there. I love TED Talks because I love listening to and watching others share what’s inside of them. I feel it takes true courage and vulnerability to share with others your ideas, dreams and how you feel. I love listening to ted talks because it feels intimate and enlightening to me. My favorite TED Talk is Elizabeth Gilbert’s on the creative process and the inner genius. (See below)
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Kimi Werner will be giving a presentation at TEDxMaui 2014, coming up on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Would you like to join us in the audience? Become a supporter? We welcome you to do it!