The Evolution of a Creator

TED* Team · April 25, 2025

By Donna Zajonc

As I write this week’s post, my thoughts continue to rest on David’s life and legacy. Today I want to share with you more about him and his evolution as a Creator.

David left this earth on April 16 in the most peaceful and gentle way. He simply went to sleep and never woke up, resting comfortably in his favorite easy chair. He had a history of heart issues and passed suddenly from a heart attack. You can read more about David in the announcement of his passing, posted in the previous blog post.

David and I were partners in both life and work for 22 years—17 of those as a married couple. Earlier this week, I shared how we first met and how I encouraged him to take seriously his early epiphanies that eventually became TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic).

For more than 12 years, I’ve been the primary author of this Friday blog. Each week after I finished the draft, I would send it to David for his edits. We would talk about it, and he would offer final thoughts. His contributions were often subtle suggestions or word choices that helped more clearly express the ideas I was trying to convey. One of David’s many gifts was his ability to translate complex ideas into accessible and meaningful language. He had a rare talent for naming deep truths in ways that anyone could understand.

Before TED*, David’s business was called Evolutionary Management. We often talked about spiritual teacher Michael Beckwith, who framed in simple terms, four stages of the evolution of human consciousness:

• To Me – This is the victim consciousness stage. Life is happening to you, and you give your power to external circumstances, often feeling powerless.
• For Me – You begin to recognize that life is happening for you and start taking responsibility for your thoughts and personal choices.
• Through Me – You understand that a greater power flows through you — what we call your Creator essence. When you fully understand this truth, you become a conduit for something greater.
• As Me – You experience no separation between yourself and the divine nature of the universe.

These four stages aptly describe David’s journey from Victim to Creator.

In his early adult years, David faced profound personal losses when his father died at an early age and when he discovered he would not be able to have children of his own. He felt like a Victim to these events.

As a young adult, he was drawn to learning and deeper spiritual questions of existence. He began to see his struggles not just as tragedies, but as life events happening for him. Challenges became teachers.

Then came the epiphany and insight that later became TED*. He often described it as an insight that came through him, not of him. The work he brought into the world was not just his own—it was a gift he was stewarding. He honored it, nurtured it, and shared it with unwavering purpose.

Having anchored TED*’s future through new partnerships that will carry the company forward for generations to come, David knew life was happening as him. With a peaceful heart and his legacy secured, David gently left his body.

I will continue writing each week, and in the coming months, I will share more about David—his journey, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in human potential. As the owner and now primary leader of the Center for The Empowerment Dynamic, I feel both humbled by the responsibility and truly inspired to carry forward David’s legacy.

David had a special passion for supporting youth and emerging leaders. In his memory, we have established a scholarship fund to continue that legacy. If you feel called to contribute, you can do so here.

We’ve also created a memorial board where you can share your sentiments and memories. We invite you to read the many heartfelt messages and see the wonderful photos of David, family, and friends here.

Thank you for the hundreds of beautiful notes, emails, phone calls, texts, flowers, financial contributions, and more—your kindness and reflections have been deeply moving.

Until next time, here’s to the Creator in you!Donna