In anticipation for the TEDxToronto 2015 Conference (October 22nd), each day this week Shedoesthecity will post top-notch career and life advice from some of the powerhouse women that will be speaking at the conference this year. Innovative, gutsy, groundbreaking: a lot can be learned from these phenomenal women.

For this installment, we spoke to Talli Osborne. Osborne was born missing her arms and bones in her legs, but she was raised with the belief that she could do anything she wanted to. At 13, she started volunteering with the War Amps of Canada’s CHAMP program. So began Osborne’s passion for inspiring others. She speaks at seminars and shares her experiences with fellow amputees and their families, showing them that they, too, can live whatever life they want.

What life lesson that you learned as a young adult do you often refer to?

To always be true to myself, no matter what others may think or say.

What have you recently learned about yourself?

Although I’ve always been a team player, I truly love working for myself and being independent.

What motivates you?

Knowing that I can inspire people to love themselves & live life to its fullest just by being me! How cool is that?

When/where do you do your best thinking?

On a hot summer afternoon, sitting on my back deck, surrounded by nature, with the sun on my back and a breeze in the air.

Do you remember the moment where you recognized that you were on the right path? How did you know?

The first time I spoke to a group of teens, this girl came up to me after my talk and said that she’s been bullied because she’s a tomboy and she’s been made to feel bad about it, but because of me, she now feels more confident being herself. This gave me the greatest feeling of “hell yeah!!” I knew then that I was put on this earth to share my story and inspire more people to be themselves and love themselves, no matter what.

What change do you hope to bring to the world?

To open peoples’ eyes and minds to what their standard of beauty is in themselves and others. To inspire people to appreciate everything they have and live life to its fullest. Positive change!

What are you most proud of?

My independence. I have always lived with the idea that if you really want something, you can make it happen. I didn’t want to have someone dress me, cook for me, care for me, so I just figured it out. I am 100% independent and proud of it. It was a lot of hard work, but well worth it.

What’s your best advice for individuals who are feeling uncertain of their next step? 

Always follow your heart. You can do it if you really set your mind to it!

Professionally speaking, what impresses you? What qualities in a colleague or boss do you admire most?

Someone who thinks outside of the box and never assumes before asking.

What are you striving for right now?

To reach a broader audience. I want to eventually tour the world and inspire as many people as I can.

TEDxToronto is Canada’s largest TEDx event, a platform for exceptional ideas, and a catalyst for profound change.