TEDxPortland / Be Well Initiative

The TEDxPortland core team, overwhelmed by the demanding aftermath of the pandemic, found themselves grappling with unprecedented burnout and stress levels. As they faced the daunting task of recovery, their sense of connection to the work began to wane, exacerbating their struggles while their available bandwidth steadily diminished.

Jordan’s Role + Services

Freelance Director of Wellness + Organizational wellness consulting and coaching 

Jordan’s Approach

Strategized and executed a year round health and wellness initiative called Be Well, that embodied the commitment for TEDxPortland as an organization to cultivate more resilience, balance and wellbeing within their internal culture and community at large.

Be Well Initiative

Objectives

  • Mitigate, prevent and support burnout of employees and community members of TEDx Portland 

  • Cultivate and normalize organizational wellbeing

  • Provide tangible tools and resources to support balance, empowering individuals with education and resources 

  • Cultivate community and camaraderie centered on wellbeing

Execution &

Results

  • Planned and executed a 12 month, year-round program under the Be Well initiative servicing core team and community members with the following:

    • Conducted over 15 private Strategic Wellness events and trainings centered around burnout prevention and increasing overall health and wellbeing 

    • Hosted quarterly wellness events such as private yoga classes and spa days for team members to help build community while reducing stress 

    • Offered dedicated wellness coaching and mentorship for core team and speakers 

  • Secured two primary brand sponsors for the initiative donating over $100k in products and services, financially supporting the initiative as well as increasing resources for employees with yoga memberships and spa treatment access 

  • Planned, executed and facilitated a 3-day annual planning leadership retreat with a core TEDx team with a strong focus on wellness and building camaraderie (more info on retreat here) 

  • Served 200+ people within the first 9 months of programming across all in-person events

  • Evaluated several processes and experiences of employees, speakers and volunteers and created new protocols to reduce burnout and increase wellbeing 

  • Cultivated greater connection and support within internal team centered around the value of taking care of yourself while doing the best possible work

What People Are Saying

“I had the privilege of working with Jordan during the Tedx Portland Event, and I must say, she was an absolute superstar! Her unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm made the entire experience much easier. Jordan's commitment to my success was truly commendable, and I couldn't have asked for a better partner to navigate the event with.”

-David Lucas , Founder | Executive Director
Maurice Lucas Foundation, Former TEDx Speaker

  • "Personally, her teachings of breathwork and meditation were balm to my over-worked and over-stimulated soul. There’s something unique about her tenderness and kindness, something assuring from her steadiness and confidence, that has elevated our community this year.

    Jordan’s professional and nurturing guidance through the Be Well initiative at TEDxPortland has brought a necessary and refreshing layer of support to our organization! When we become laser focused on work, deadlines, and policies, Jordan’s trainings pulls us back into healthy relationships and inner peace. Anyone needing a firmer footing, both for internal wellness and external in practices/systems, Jordan is the resource.”

    - Amy Wolf, Professional Speaker Coach / Former TEDx Speaker / Core TxP Team Member for over 8+ Years

  • "Jordan's Be Well initiative for TEDx Portland has been an enormous benefit to the core team and speakers. Because of her work and who she is, we are more connected, open and therefore productive as a team. Jordan's light and warmth, coupled with a seriousness about the work is her special sauce and is a joy to be with and learn from

    Her expert grounding work in mindfulness, meditation and yoga has been an enormous gift, shepherding us through a challenging and demanding process.”

    - Pam Lloyd, Core Volunteer + Team Member for TEDxPortland for 12+ years

  • "Jordan’s work through the Be Well initiative really brought our community together. I found it to be a special way to get to know myself and my TxP team members on a more vulnerable level. I know it’s contributed to us creating a healthier work environment while strengthening our connection to one another.

    I was pleasantly surprised that I genuinely found each event fun and filled with valuable tools and resources.”

    - Henry Crommett, Core TEDxPortland volunteer

  • "Partnering with TedXPortland (through the Be Well Initiative) has been, and continues to be, an honor that we are so grateful for. It has forged relationships with people that has strengthened the ties to our immediate community, which will be long-lasting and mutually impactful."

    - Jen Reed, Owner of Modo Yoga + Brand Sponsor of Be Well

“Having Jordan support me during my TEDx process was a such a beautiful bonus that not only was I not expecting, but undoubtedly made the entire experience a dream come true. Jordan is one of the most grounded, empathetic , sincere, and warm women I have ever met. Having her hold my hand, both literally and figuratively, gave me the mental and spiritual support that I needed to write and deliver my talk. I can’t thank her enough.

- Sarah Edmondson, TEDxPortland Speaker 2023 /

Author /Actress / Speaker / Podcaster (A Little Bit Culty) ”

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TEDxPortland is a locally organized nonprofit licensed by TED, with year round programming that features an annual event with a diverse lineup of speakers, performers, and artists who share their ideas and experiences on a wide range of topics. The mission of TEDx is to create a platform for people to share ideas that can change the world.

TEDxPortland is noted as one of the most high caliber produced TEDx events and is officially the largest TEDx indoor event in the world.