TED Business
427 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★ - 875 ratingsWhatever your business conundrum, there’s a TED Talk for that—whether you want to learn how to land that promotion, set smart goals, undo injustice at work, or unlock the next big innovation. Every Monday, host Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School presents the most powerful and surprising ideas that illuminate the business world. After the talk, you'll get a mini-lesson from Modupe on how to apply the ideas in your own life. Because business evolves every day, and our ideas about it should, too.
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Episodes
The problem with being "too nice" at work | Tessa West
July 15, 2024 04:00 - 18.7 MBAre you "too nice" at work? Social psychologist Tessa West shares her research on how people attempt to mask anxiety with overly polite feedback — a practice that's more harmful than helpful — and gives three tips to swap generic, unhelpful observations with clear, consistent feedback, even when you feel awkward. After the talk, Modupe shares useful tips on how to share constructive criticism.
Why the world needs more builders — and less "us vs. them" | Daniel Lubetzky
July 08, 2024 04:00 - 15 MBWe're programmed to think every issue is binary: "us vs. them." But Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND Snacks, says the real enemy isn't a person but a mindset. He introduces a new initiative that aims to bring together "builders" from around the world to replace extremism with practical problem-solving — and shows how you can join the movement. After the talk, Modupe poses critical questions on what it means to build together.
Why the "wrong side of the tracks" is usually the east side of cities | Stephen DeBerry
July 01, 2024 04:00 - 9.99 MBWhat do communities on the social, economic and environmental margins have in common? For one thing, they tend to be on the east sides of cities. In this short talk about a surprising insight, anthropologist and venture capitalist Stephen DeBerry explains how both environmental and man-made factors have led to disparity by design in cities from East Palo Alto, California to East Jerusalem and beyond — and suggests some elegant solutions to fix it.
5 parenting tips for raising self-reliant kids | Tameka Montgomery
June 24, 2024 04:00 - 20.6 MBHow do you raise kids to step outside of their comfort zones and unlock their inner potential? This week we're revisiting a talk by mother and business owner Tameka Montgomery who makes the case for cultivating an entrepreneurial outlook at an early age — and offers five strategies for emboldening young minds to embrace opportunities and solve their own problems, no matter the path they choose. After the talk, Modupe shares practical advice on how to give feedback that helps people ...
The art of persuasive storytelling | Kelly D. Parker
June 17, 2024 04:00 - 15.1 MB"Storytelling is one of the most powerful marketing and leadership tools there is," says communications expert Kelly D. Parker. She explains how stories make proposals of all kinds more memorable — and shows how you can craft a compelling narrative to connect, persuade and drive meaningful action. After the talk, Modupe shares how she uses storytelling at work.
What you can do to stop economic crime | Hanjo Seibert
June 10, 2024 04:00 - 10.9 MBIt might sound like the plot of a movie, but economic crime is all around us — from drug trafficking and fraud to cybercrimes, tax evasion and more. Economic crime fighter Hanjo Seibert breaks down the complexities of money laundering and how we can all wield our collective power to dismantle the underworld economy and turn off the money tap for criminals.
How to make stress your friend (from A Slight Change of Plans)
June 09, 2024 04:00 - 29.1 MBThis is an episode of A Slight Change of Plans, a podcast we think you'll enjoy hosted by former TED speaker Maya Shankar. Modupe shares why a simple change in our mindset can turn short-term stress into a helpful resource -- and offers strategies to better understand, and cope with, stress. If you liked this episode, check out A Slight Change of Plans wherever you get your podcasts.
My epic journey becoming the fastest person to paddle around Australia | Bonnie Hancock
June 03, 2024 04:00 - 12.8 MBWhat challenges lie ahead of a staggering 12,700-kilometer paddle around the entire continent of Australia? Crocodiles and sharks were just the beginning, says Ironwoman Bonnie Hancock. Reflecting on her remarkable feat of becoming the fastest person to paddle around Australia, she shares lessons on perseverance, resilience and finding meaning in life's toughest moments. After the talk, Modupe shares tips on how to keep your spirits high when faced with obstacles.
3 money lessons from infamous scam artists | J Mase III
May 27, 2024 04:00 - 15.7 MBScam artists know something about money that you don't — and artist J Mase III is here to shed some light. He shares examples of infamous scams from Elizabeth Holmes's false medical tech promises to Anna "Delvey" Sorokin's fake trust fund, along with three crucial lessons on how money functions for the wealthy, why it flows in the direction it does and how to start spotting scams in your own life. After the talk, Modupe shares what we can learn from scam artists to overcome imposter...
A comedian's take on how to save democracy | Jordan Klepper
May 20, 2024 04:00 - 9.26 MBConversation is a battlefield with only one winner. Or is it? Comedian and author Jordan Klepper believes we can get better at talking to each other (and perhaps save democracy) by learning how to lose.
How to live with economic doomsaying | Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak
May 13, 2024 04:00 - 12.5 MBEconomic crises can and do happen. But for every true crisis, there are many false alarms, says economist Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak. He explains how to live with the media's pervasive economic doomsaying, why we should stop treating financial forecasts like a precise science — and what we should embrace instead. After the talk, Modupe shares why she’s a “rational optimist” about economic narratives — and what "rational optimism" means to her.
Why are women still taken less seriously than men? | Mary Ann Sieghart
May 06, 2024 04:00 - 15.6 MBWomen are routinely underestimated, overlooked, interrupted, talked over or mistaken for someone more junior at the workplace. Author Mary Ann Sieghart calls this the "authority gap" — all the ways women are (still) taken less seriously than men, despite proven competence and expertise. She explains how we can close this pernicious gap and why everyone wins when we do so. After the talk, Modupe shares another tool to help close the gap.
How business can improve the world, not just the bottom line | Esha Chhabra
April 29, 2024 04:00 - 14 MB"Sustainability has become more marketing than action," says environmental business journalist Esha Chhabra. Challenging conventional business models solely focused on profit, she shares how regenerative companies that embed purpose into every facet of their operations can drive real change — and make things better for people and the planet. After the talk, Modupe reflects on what it means to run a regenerative business.
How business leaders can renew democracy | Daniella Ballou-Aares
April 15, 2024 04:00 - 21.3 MBHow much should business leaders speak out about threats to democracy? It's a question many corporations are wrestling with these days. Business and democracy leader Daniella Ballou-Aares shows why companies have both the ability and the responsibility to engage in protecting elections and the rule of law — and why their bottom lines may depend on doing so. After the talk, Daniella joins Modupe for a conversation on business, politics and the year ahead.
3 steps to better connect with your fellow humans | Amber Cabral
April 08, 2024 04:00 - 14.5 MBHow can you effectively support people at work and in your community, especially when they're different from you? Inclusion strategist Amber Cabral shares three steps you can take to build connection — emphasizing that even small, everyday actions can make a big difference to those around you. After the talk, Modupe shares questions we can ask to help bridge divides.
6 tips on being a successful entrepreneur | John Mullins
April 01, 2024 04:00 - 17.1 MBSometimes, you need to break the rules to innovate — but which ones? Entrepreneurship professor John Mullins shares six counter-conventional mindsets for entrepreneurs looking to think strategically, navigate challenges and change the world. After the talk, Modupe expands on the value of stepping out of your comfort zone – thoughtfully.
How Bill Gates spends $9 billion a year - The TED Interview
March 30, 2024 04:00 - 45.9 MBThis is an episode of the latest season of The TED Interview, focused on Infectious Generosity. To get a free copy of the Infectious Generosity book, visit ted.com/generosity Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is one of the top ten richest people in the world. But since 2008, he has traded his day-to-day role with Microsoft to focus full-time on his foundation's work to expand opportunity around the world. Chris interview...
The one question every aspiring leader needs to ask | Constance Hockaday
March 28, 2024 04:00 - 11.3 MBArtist and TED Fellow Constance Hockaday shares how the captain of a trans-Atlantic community raft taught her how to voice her hopes and desires, inspiring a vision of possibility for the future. The question from the trip that stuck with her changed everything: What does inclusive leadership look like? Hockaday calls for mentors and aspiring leaders everywhere to answer that crucial question to unlock their agency and power. After the talk, Modupe shares a framework for achieving g...
When you inform women, you transform lives | Paige Alexander
March 25, 2024 04:00 - 12.6 MBAccess to information is the key to unlocking human rights for all, says equality champion Paige Alexander. From educating female entrepreneurs on how to launch life-sustaining businesses to murals, billboards and other creative ways of sharing vital resources, Alexander shares how she and her team at the Carter Center connect people to the information they need — when they need it the most. After the talk, Modupe unveils a surprising and often overlooked source of useful informatio...
Improve your career with this habit | Paul Catchlove
March 21, 2024 04:00 - 14.4 MBPaul Catchlove believes strongly in the power of reflection. Through every career he's held — from priest to opera singer to senior management consultant — he's benefitted from a habit of analyzing his goals, needs and performance. Learn more about how a regular practice of reflection can improve your decision-making, career and relationships. After the talk, Modupe shares actionable ways to incorporate a bit of reflection on the job, every day.
A simple way to inspire your team | David Burkus
March 18, 2024 04:00 - 12.9 MBUsing paychecks, perks and carefully worded mission statements plastered on posters, companies are on a never-ending quest to find what drives morale at work. An underappreciated solution lies in the answer to one simple question, says management researcher David Burkus. With notable examples backed by decades of success, he presents a clear path to inspiring your team — and finding your purpose at work. After the talk, Modupe reveals how she motivates herself.
Work is not your family | Gloria Chan Packer
March 14, 2024 17:00 - 19.4 MBYou may need to hear this (if you haven't already): your job is not your family. While you can develop meaningful relationships with your colleagues, calling work your family can actually breed burnout and be detrimental to your mental and emotional health. Mental wellness educator Gloria Chan Packer walks through the exercises you need to shift your perspective and redraw the boundaries between your work and personal life, so you can feel freer and more empowered. Join Modupe after...
Why businesses need a dreamer's magic and a doer's realism | Beth Viner
March 11, 2024 04:00 - 13.3 MBAt work, the dreamers often get credit for the big ideas, but they can also sometimes seem untethered to reality to the doers, who are trying to ... get things done. It's when these two types of humans work in harmony that business magic happens, says culture strategist Beth Viner. She lays out a practical blueprint for harnessing the dreamer's out-of-the-box thinking and the doer's practicality, showing why it's the key to building, growing and innovating in any relationship or org...
Democracy works — we just need better leaders | Lindiwe Mazibuko
March 04, 2024 05:00 - 14.6 MBSouth Africa transitioned to democracy in the 1990s with a visionary constitution, but the promises of that constitution are largely unfulfilled to this day. Public leader Lindiwe Mazibuko explores how poor leadership failed to deliver a better life for the country's citizens — and shares her mission to cultivate a new generation of ethical leaders who can revitalize democracy in South Africa and beyond. After the talk, Modupe shares her hopes for US democracy.
Don't be a jerk to your barista — and other thoughts on frontline work | Adriann Negreros
February 26, 2024 05:00 - 15.7 MBAll jobs, especially those held by frontline workers, should have dignity and the ability to turn into great careers, says change management expert Adriann Negreros. From shift flexibility to ending work on time, he outlines what he calls the "handbook of humanity" — people-centered ideas for change, rooted in empathy — that, when implemented, can redefine the nature of frontline work. After the talk, Modupe shares how she avoids being a jerk — and gives advice on how to give yourse...
A playbook on financing climate solutions | Nili Gilbert and David Blood
February 19, 2024 05:00 - 14.8 MBTackling climate change costs a lot of money — and the financial sector is key to getting that money flowing. In a wide-ranging conversation, sustainable investment leaders Nili Gilbert and David Blood discuss where progress is being made on climate solutions, where capital still needs to move faster and why this is an unprecedented opportunity for sustainable growth.
4 ways to have healthy conversations about race | Afrika Afeni Mills
February 12, 2024 05:00 - 12.2 MBLearning how to have productive conversations about race is a necessary part of the human experience. We’re revisiting a talk by educator Afrika Afeni Mills, who says the best place to start is in the classroom -- because the earlier these skills are taught, the fewer biases there are to unlearn. She shares four actionable lessons to help people overcome their fear and take on these conversations at any age. After the talk, Modupe shares questions to ask ourselves to have more open ...
What if advertising was honest? | Sylvester Chauke
February 05, 2024 05:00 - 12.5 MBAfter years of brand building, marketing veteran Sylvester Chauke realized that his industry had sold the world on overconsumption, with devastating consequences. He shares how marketers could instead promote sustainability with "honest ads" that do right by the planet and encourage people to think twice before buying.
What's your leadership language? | Rosita Najmi
January 29, 2024 05:00 - 11 MBIn a globe-trotting career that has spanned corporations, governments, nonprofits and philanthropy, Rosita Najmi has often found herself translating among them. Instead of focusing on leadership style, she makes the case for becoming fluent in the languages of leadership, explaining how it can help you adapt to audiences across industries and collectively achieve your goals. After the talk, Modupe shares tips on being a successful communicator.
The secret perks of driving electric | Cynthia Williams
January 22, 2024 05:00 - 14 MBElectric vehicles need to be more than just eco-friendly — they have to be more chic, convenient and affordable than their gas-powered alternatives, says sustainability leader Cynthia Williams. She explores what it'll take for an electric revolution to succeed in the US, calling on corporations, policy leaders, investors and more to collaborate in unprecedented ways. After the talk, Modupe shares her own approach to encouraging change that sticks.
How to solve the world's biggest problems | Natalie Cargill
January 15, 2024 05:00 - 16.6 MBSometimes the world's biggest issues can seem so intractable that meaningful change feels impossible. But what if the answer has been right in front of us all along? What if the answer is actually throwing money at the problems? In this thought-provoking talk, philanthropic advisor Natalie Cargill shares what might happen if we came together to spend 3.5 trillion dollars on fixing the world. And, yes, she also has a plan for where to get the money from. (Followed by a Q&A with Anna ...
How business can drive solutions to social problems | Carlos Rodríguez-Pastor
January 08, 2024 05:00 - 18.5 MBDriven by the belief that businesses can — and should — invest in the communities around them, Intercorp founder and philanthropist Carlos Rodríguez-Pastor has built schools, pharmacies and a literal bridge to better serve Peru's growing middle class. In conversation with TED business curator Corey Hajim, he explores the immense possibility behind private-public partnerships — and his conviction that any individual can step up to create change. After the interview, Modupe talks abou...
What does "wealth" mean to you? | Aisha Nyandoro
December 18, 2023 05:00 - 14.9 MBFor people living in poverty, a guaranteed income can mean finally having the space to dream of a comfortable life. Sharing the stories of single moms who participated in a first-of-its-kind program that offered them $1,000 per month with no strings attached, poverty disrupter Aisha Nyandoro calls for us to redefine what it means to be wealthy — putting aside lavish vacations and fancy cars in favor of paid bills and a well-fed family — and to listen when people tell us what they ne...
How to fix fashion and protect the planet | Amy Powney
December 11, 2023 05:00 - 12.2 MBFrom the field to your closet, your clothes go on a long journey before they enter your life. Designer Amy Powney explores the fashion industry's brutal impact on the environment and human health, modeling what ethical, planet-friendly clothing can look like — and inviting us all to think beyond the label. After the talk, Modupe dives into a whole category of fashion that we can all do without.
Does more freedom at work mean more fulfillment? | Sarah Aviram
December 04, 2023 05:00 - 14.3 MBThe flexibility to work from anywhere won't necessarily make you love your job, says HR leader Sarah Aviram. Sharing practical wisdom from research conducted while working remotely in 12 different countries, she reveals the real challenges that hybrid work policies can't fix — and shows how to truly thrive at your job no matter where you get it done. After the talk, Modupe shares tips on staying engaged at work.
The secret ingredients of great hospitality | Will Guidara
November 27, 2023 05:00 - 16.1 MBRestaurateur Will Guidara's life changed when he decided to serve a two-dollar hot dog in his Michelin-rated restaurant, creating a personalized experience for some out-of-town customers craving authentic New York City street food. The move earned such a positive reaction that Guidara began pursuing "unreasonable hospitality" full-time, seeking out ways to create extraordinary experiences and give people more than they expect. In this funny and heartwarming talk, he shares three ste...
Work has changed. Why haven't resumes? | Nicos Marcou
November 20, 2023 05:00 - 12.9 MBResumes are a mainstay of the job application process — despite little evidence that they actually help job-seekers or employers get what they want. So why are we still so preoccupied with them? HR leader Nicos Marcou dives into the absurdity of these one-page documents (or can they be two pages?) and offers an update on how companies should think about hiring qualified candidates. After the talk, Modupe shares research on reducing discrimination in the hiring process.
Your 3-step guide to setting better boundaries at work | Nedra Glover Tawwab
November 13, 2023 05:00 - 9.53 MBKnow you should establish clear limits at work but not sure how to do it? Here are a few strategies from relationship therapist and author Nedra Glover Tawwab that can help you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed, both on and off the job. After the talk, Tawwab joins Modupe for a chat about how to set your own boundaries in the workplace.
How your company can gain a global talent advantage | Johann Daniel Harnoss
November 06, 2023 05:00 - 21.2 MBIf a diverse workforce makes a better company, why don't more businesses hire internationally? Innovation and migration strategist Johann Daniel Harnoss details the advantage of global talent and how to best build the systems and culture to welcome immigrants to your staff. After the talk, leadership expert Tsedal Neeley joins Modupe for a conversation on what successful hiring practices can look like.
How to help employees with disabilities thrive | Tiffany Yu
October 30, 2023 04:00 - 8.15 MBWhat can we do to make workplaces more welcoming to people living with disabilities? Representation advocate Tiffany Yu shares three ways that employers can change and tap into every worker's skills and gifts. After the talk, Modupe discusses how she embraces flexibility in her own teaching practice.
5 steps to building a personal brand you feel good about | Marcos Salazar
October 23, 2023 04:00 - 9.74 MBWhether you realize it or not, you have a personal brand, says social entrepreneur Marcos Salazar — and you have the power to shape what it is. Here's how you can create a brand that captures who you are, who you'd like to be and how you want to make an impact on the world. This episode is part of the Way We Work, a TED original video series. Then Modupe shares how she’s crafted her own online identity in a way that feels authentic.
Why are we making pizza boxes out of endangered trees? | Nicole Rycroft
October 16, 2023 04:00 - 11.7 MBIf we're going to solve the climate crisis, we need to talk about supply chains, says biodiversity champion and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Nicole Rycroft. Her organization, Canopy, partners with key industry leaders to overhaul their base materials in favor of more sustainable alternatives. Learn more about how they're shifting production of everything from T-shirts to the Harry Potter book series out of the world's ancient and endangered forests — and how solutions for every se...
What the fossil fuel industry doesn't want you to know | Al Gore
October 02, 2023 04:00 - 24.6 MBIn a blistering talk, Nobel Laureate Al Gore looks at the two main obstacles to climate solutions and gives his view of how we might actually solve the environmental crisis in time. You won't want to miss his searing indictment of fossil fuel companies for walking back their climate commitments — and his call for a global rethink of the roles of polluting industries in politics and finance. After the talk, Modupe shares her own hot take on global warming and how it’s impacting every...
Why Meetings Suck and How to Fix Them | WorkLife with Adam Grant
October 01, 2023 04:00 - 30.6 MBWorkLife with Adam Grant, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective is back! This season, Adam takes a look at how to find meaningful work and how to make jobs more energizing. In this first episode: meetings. Meetings often drain our joy and sap our focus — and meeting overload kills productivity. So why do we have so many of them — and is a better world possible? Adam investigates the science of improving meetings and explores how workplaces are fighting meeting bloat. Availab...
The magic of a creative career | Michael Sheen
September 25, 2023 13:34 - 21.3 MBThe city of Port Talbot in South Wales is known for a few things: a steel mill, a proudly working class population and a passionate commitment to the arts that produced Hollywood superstars Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. In this sweet, personal talk, actor Michael Sheen shares how he was also able to take advantage of all the city had to offer, why he's worried that a change in approach to arts education means that kids now don't get the same kind of chances -- and the steps he...
The most powerful yet overlooked resource in schools | Heejae Lim
September 18, 2023 04:00 - 12.4 MB“When teachers and families work together, everyone wins,” says education technology entrepreneur and TED Fellow Heejae Lim. In this episode of TED Business, we’re revisiting a talk that shines a light on an underutilized resource in US public education -- a family's love for their children -- and shows that, with the right tools and tech, schools can remove language barriers, foster meaningful connections and help every student thrive. After the talk, educational tech entrepreneur ...
How to quit your job -- without ruining your career | Gala Jackson
September 11, 2023 04:00 - 10 MBStuck in an unfulfilling or stagnant job? To achieve a smooth departure without burning bridges, try this three-step exit strategy from career coach Gala Jackson. She'll help you move on to your next position with courage, confidence and clarity. After the talk, Modupe shares her own experience breaking the news to a former employer.
Uber, and how to fix things when trust is broken | Fixable
September 04, 2023 04:00 - 32.4 MBTrust issues at work? This week, we’re sharing an episode from Fixable, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective, that dives deep into trust and how we can cultivate it at work. In this episode, Frances Frei recounts when she was brought in to help Uber with their massive trust breakdown. Using Uber as a case study, she and co-host Anne Morriss explain the three pillars of trust – authenticity, empathy, and logic – and solutions to strengthen each leg when they’re on shaky grou...
A 3-step guide to believing in yourself | Sheryl Lee Ralph
August 28, 2023 04:00 - 18.6 MBSheryl Lee Ralph is a force, delivering iconic performances both on stage and screen. But she didn't always know if she'd make it big. In a lively talk sparkling with actionable advice, she shares how her struggles taught her what it takes to believe in herself -- and how we can all find the self-confidence to keep moving forward. After the talk, Modupe shares some tools that you can use to encourage yourself and those around you.
5 steps to fix any problem at work | Anne Morriss
August 21, 2023 04:00 - 14.9 MBIn a practical, playful talk, leadership visionary Anne Morriss reinvents the playbook for how to lead through change -- with a radical, one-week plan to build trust and fix problems by following a step per day. After the talk, Modupe shares tips on how to communicate in a way that empowers others to become problem solvers.