Andrew Scott delivers powerful TEDx Talk
On November 8th, 2025, I had the honour of stepping onto one of the most recognised stage sets in the world, the red circle that is TEDx.
Andrew Scott on stage at TEDxBristol before delivering his TEDx Talk, Purpose – The Power to Rise Again.
To be asked to deliver a TEDx Talk was an incredible and humbling experience, following in the footsteps of some of the most impactful speakers in the world, from Simon Sinek to Brenè Brown. Very few people ever get the opportunity, and it’s one I’ll never forget.
But it was also daunting. There are no notes, no autocue, no comfort monitors. Just you, your story, and hundreds of faces waiting to be moved or inspired. It requires hundreds of hours of preparation – writing, refining, rehearsing, and rewriting again until every word feels authentic, every pause carries meaning, and every story connects.
My talk, “Purpose: The Power to Rise Again,” explored the pivotal role purpose plays in rebuilding your life after failure or adversity. I shared my own journey, from growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, to losing everything when my business collapsed, to rebuilding from the ashes and creating multiple successful companies. The core message was simple but profound: purpose is what gives us the power to rise again.
Andrew Scott delivering his TEDx Talk on the red circle at TEDxBristol.
For over 20 years I’ve been on stages across the UK and Europe, to audiences of thousands of people. But delivering a TEDx Talk wasn’t just another public-speaking engagement – with over 180 million subscribers across the TED platforms it was a defining moment. Standing on that red circle forced me to strip everything back: the business successes, the titles, the brand, and speak from the heart. Because purpose is what gives our life meaning.
Through the talk, I introduced my PURPLEX framework: Purpose, Plan, Execute – a powerful process that has shaped every chapter of my comeback story. It’s the formula I’ve used to transform failure into growth, uncertainty into clarity, and dreams into measurable results. My hope was that those listening would leave asking themselves one question: What is my purpose, and am I truly living it?
View from the stage during Andrew Scott’s TEDx Talk at TEDxBristol, showing the red circle and the audience area before the event began.
If even one person who watches my TED Talk finds the courage to rediscover their purpose, rise from a setback, or take the first step towards a better life, then every hour of preparation was worth it.
The team who operate TEDx in Bristol are fantastic, led by the inspiring Paul Wiseall, and the day-long event took place at We The Curious, with 15 speakers across morning, afternoon and evening sessions in front of a live audience.
The full Andrew Scott TEDx Talk, Purpose: The Power to Rise Again, will be released globally on the official TEDx channel in March 2026.