TED Business
417 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 8 hours 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
A for-profit mindset for nonprofit success | Tolu Oyekan
May 29, 2023 04:00 - 16.3 MBCan you imagine a world where nonprofits increase their impact and move the needle on the impossible problems they often take on? Looking to bring the urgency of a profit motive to every initiative, inclusive finance promoter Tolu Oyekan shares the mindset that can help any business meet its goals with speed and precision. After the talk, Modupe shares more specific examples of tech that is increasing financial inclusion (and agricultural innovation) across the continent.
How great leaders take on uncertainty | Anjali Sud and Stephanie Mehta
May 22, 2023 04:00 - 27 MBIn a constantly changing world, it's impossible for leaders to provide employees with the assurance they want, says Vimeo CEO Anjali Sud. Her solution: lead with humanity and flexibility. In conversation with veteran journalist Stephanie Mehta, Sud discusses her experience connecting remote employees worldwide, addressing burnout and adapting company practices for the needs of the next generation. After the talk, Modupe shares some tips on embracing the unknown at work -- and practi...
Fixable: Nai’a - "How do I get the attention of a distracted manager?"
May 21, 2023 00:25 - 25.2 MBNai’a is a product operations manager at an education technology company that has gone through a major restructuring. With a shifting team and a brand new manager, she struggles to make sure her colleagues recognize the value of her work and what she needs to continue achieving success in her role. Anne and Frances help Nai’a reframe her mindset to be around approaching the situation with curiosity rather than judgment, effectively communicating her needs, and seeing her manager as ...
The benefits of not being a jerk to yourself | Dan Harris
May 15, 2023 04:00 - 36.7 MBAfter more than two decades as an anchor for ABC News, Dan Harris had a panic attack on-air . After that, he devoted himself to a life of meditation and mindfulness. But then an anonymous survey of his family, friends and colleagues turned up some brutal feedback -- he was still kind of a jerk. In a wise, funny talk, he shares his years-long quest to improve his relationships with everyone (starting with himself) and explains the science behind loving-kindness meditation, and how it...
Fixable: David - “How do I turn my passion project into my career?”
May 12, 2023 04:00 - 27.1 MBDavid and his brother have co-founded a non-profit helping Black youth in Miami… but David still has a full-time job. Wanting to turn his passion project into paid, full-time work, David asks Anne and Frances how he can grow his organization without losing his energy. After, Anne and Frances share strategies for fundraising and approaching non-profit work like an entrepreneur. This is an episode of Fixable, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. You can follow Fixable wherev...
Fixable: Teresa - "How do I move fast without breaking things?"
May 05, 2023 04:00 - 25.7 MBTeresa is the head of strategy at a small food startup, and she's having trouble balancing her desire to think things through with the fast-paced decision-making her role requires. After she shares stories of the collateral damage from the startup’s quick choices, Anne and Frances help Teresa reframe her concerns and discuss how the problem isn’t necessarily about speed, but trust. This is an episode of Fixable, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. You can follow Fixable w...
May the 4th Be With You: Introducing The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks
May 04, 2023 04:00 - 3.42 MBLove him or hate him, ever since his debut in Star Wars Episode 1, Jar Jar Binks has been one of the most divisive characters in movie history. And the backlash against him? It almost destroyed the man who played him. Host Dylan Marron goes back in time to learn what we got wrong about Jar Jar the first time around. Coming June 28 from the TED Audio Collective. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit tedtalks.social/3APozYi
Are video calls the best we can do in the age of the metaverse? | Josephine Eyre
May 01, 2023 04:00 - 15.6 MBRemote work, while redefining the workplace landscape, seems stuck behind endless video conference calls that hinder free-flowing conversation and collaboration. In the 21st century, is that really the best we can do? Digital anthropologist Josephine Eyre makes the case for embracing the metaverse as an immersive meeting place that could help reignite creativity and communication. After the talk, TED Tech host Sherrell Dorsey shares thoughts on the future of big tech in the workplac...
The emotions behind your money habits | Robert A. Belle
April 24, 2023 04:00 - 12.6 MBThis week we're revisiting a talk all about your money habits -- they reveal a lot about you: your hopes, fears, dreams and other deep personal truths you may not even be aware of, says accountant Robert A. Belle. He shares how taking stock of your transaction history can unlock surprisingly valuable insights about what drives you to spend (and save) -- and provides practical tips on how to perform an "emotional audit" of your expenses. Join our host Modupe Akinola after the talk to...
How to recognize privilege and what to do with it if you have it | Mariam Veiszadeh
April 17, 2023 04:00 - 15.9 MBDepending on where you stand, you may see the status quo as a result of unearned privilege or a simple reflection of merit. Backed by research and personal stories, lawyer Mariam Veiszadeh offers a much-needed perspective shift on the water-downed DEI conversations in business today, calling for real change in workplace diversity and inclusion that routs out biases rather than replicating them. After the talk, Modupe dives deeper into accepting your own privilege and the positive ch...
Fixable: Kelli - “How do I deal with a communication breakdown?"
April 14, 2023 04:00 - 25.6 MBKelli is a nurse at a leading teaching hospital where communication issues are not only leading to resentment – they could also be affecting patient care. After hearing from Kelli about the larger problems at play in the healthcare space, Anne and Frances discuss the link between communication and transparency and guide Kelli into taking matters into her own hands. This is an episode of Fixable, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. You can follow Fixable wherever you are l...
What you can learn from people who disagree with you | Shreya Joshi
April 03, 2023 04:00 - 14.4 MBYouth leader Shreya Joshi shows why having "uncomfortable conversations" with people you disagree with is crucial to bridging the political divide. "When we are able to recognize what unites us, it becomes so much easier to have conversations about what divides us," she says. Join Modupe after the talk for some useful tips on navigating difficult conversations at work.
We need leaders who boldly champion inclusion | June Sarpong
March 27, 2023 04:00 - 17.8 MBDiversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) boost creativity and profits, but progress has been slow: Today, nearly 90 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are white males. It's time for leaders to become "rock stars" of inclusion -- and that starts with pushing through discomfort says veteran broadcaster and diversity leader June Sarpong. "When it comes to diversity and inclusion, we need bold disruptors who are uncomfortable with the status quo, even if the status quo benefits them," Sarpong say...
5 parenting tips for raising self-reliant kids | Tameka Montgomery
March 20, 2023 04:00 - 20.6 MBHow do you raise kids to step outside of their comfort zones and unlock their inner potential? Mother and business owner Tameka Montgomery 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 step out of their comfort zones -- and f...
"A seat at the table" isn't the solution for gender equity | Lilly Singh
March 13, 2023 04:00 - 23.2 MBWomen and girls are conditioned to believe success is "a seat at the table." Creator, actress and author Lilly Singh thinks we need to build a better table. In this hilarious, incisive talk, Singh traces the arc of her career from up-and-coming YouTuber to history-making late-night talk show host, offering four ways to build a more inclusive society where girls are encouraged and empowered to do great things. After the talk, our host Modupe shares telltale signs a workspace isn’t bu...
The Truth About "The Zone" | Good Sport
March 06, 2023 05:00 - 31 MBWhen it comes to sports, is there anything more evocative –and elusive– than “the zone”? That mythical place an athlete goes to where focus is laser-sharp, nothing can go wrong, and time just vanishes. In this episode, Jody talks to NBA All-Star great Steph Curry about what “the zone” means for him – and whether or not it even exists. Then Jody works on his mental game with sports psychologist Dr. Nicole Detling, and follows Olympic biathlete Clare Egan in a step-by-step guide on ho...
Climate action's hidden opportunities for women | Zineb Sqalli
February 20, 2023 05:00 - 15.8 MBClimate action has historically had a gender-neutral lens, but this lack of intentionality has actually negatively impacted women, says gender and climate researcher Zineb Sqalli. Using real-world, gender-equal programs as examples Sqalli offers solutions for advancing both sustainability and gender equality – at the same time. After the talk, Modupe shares ways organizations can increase gender diversity and promote inclusion.
Introducing Good Sport
February 13, 2023 05:00 - 3.27 MBThis week on TED Business we’re excited to introduce TED’s newest podcast, Good Sport, hosted by veteran sports producer Jody Avirgan. What can sports teach us about life – and each other? Good Sport brings you invigorating stories from on and off the field to argue that sports are as powerful and compelling a lens as any to understand the world – from what happens when you age out of a sport, to how we do or don't nurture talent, to analyzing how sports arguments have become the mo...
How to outthink your competition -- with a lesson from sports | Rasmus Ankersen
February 06, 2023 05:00 - 15.6 MBDoes success come from luck or skill, and how do you tell the difference? One way to find an answer: think like a pro gambler does, says football executive Rasmus Ankersen. Using sports analytics to emphasize his point, Ankersen digs into the reasons why successful companies often hesitate to change until it's too late, offering data-driven lessons on how to stay ahead of your competition. This week, the TED Audio Collective is releasing a bunch of great episodes about sports, in c...
You don't actually know what your future self wants | Shankar Vendantam
January 30, 2023 05:00 - 18.5 MB"You are constantly becoming a new person," says journalist Shankar Vendantam. In a talk full of beautiful storytelling, he explains the profound impact of something he calls the "illusion of continuity" -- the belief that our future selves will share the same views, perspectives and hopes as our current selves -- and shows how we can more proactively craft the people we are to become. Stay tuned after the talk as Modupe shares a clear-eyed and empowering perspective on your future ...
Why having fun is the secret to a healthier life | Catherine Price
January 16, 2023 05:00 - 16 MBHave you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price. She proposes a new definition of fun -- what she calls "true fun" -- and shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulness, flow and connection into your everyday life. After the talk, TED Health host Shoshana R. Ungerleider dives into what happens to your body when you play. This is an episode of TED Health, another podcast ...
Where on Earth will people live in the future? | Parag Khanna
January 09, 2023 05:00 - 19 MBFrom the return of nomadic living to a climate-disrupted world, author and global strategist Parag Khanna has some predictions for humanity. Get a fascinating glimpse at the future as he tackles an urgent question: Where on Earth will eight billion humans live in the uncertain times ahead? This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. After the interview, TED Tech host Sherrell Dorsey highlights th...
How to escape the cynicism trap | Jamil Zaki
January 02, 2023 17:51 - 22 MBSome days, it's hard to be optimistic. But cynicism -- the idea that people are inherently selfish, greedy and dishonest -- is making humanity lonelier and more divided, says psychologist Jamil Zaki. In this episode of TED Business, we are revisiting fascinating research on cooperation, empathy and trust, as Zaki makes the scientific case for optimism and shows us how to break out of the cynicism trap. Stay tuned after the talk to hear Jamil Zaki and our host Modupe Akinola delve in...
How to take charge of your money | Wendy De La Rosa
December 26, 2022 05:00 - 35.5 MBWe hardly ever talk openly about our money. Wendy De La Rosa thinks that’s a costly mistake. She is a behavioral scientist who helps people understand and rewire their relationship with money. A former researcher at The Wharton School and a private equity investor at Goldman Sachs, Wendy is now the co-founder of Common Cents Lab, which works to improve financial well-being for low- to moderate-income people. In this episode, Wendy shares actionable insights on how to prepare and inv...
My secret to creating real magic | Christina Tosi
December 12, 2022 17:00 - 17.3 MBThis week on TED Business we are revisiting an infectiously joyous talk. Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi shares the sugary jolt of her first food memory and behind-the-scenes stories of her bakery's famously inventive cakes, cookies and treats. This talk may make you hungry -- but it'll also leave you a resonant message about how breaking the rules and challenging your assumptions can make for a sweet life. Stay tuned to hear from our host Modupe Akinola on how we can all be inspire...
How to revitalize a neighborhood -- without gentrification | Bree Jones
December 05, 2022 16:34 - 10.8 MBThe housing market can be vexing: while some neighborhoods get ridiculously expensive and price out longtime residents, others have historic homes sitting vacant without demand. Equitable housing developer and TED Fellow Bree Jones shares how she found a way to revitalize neighborhoods experiencing hyper-vacancy while preventing gentrification -- supporting home buyers and transforming communities along the way. After the talk, Modupe shares some more organizations uplifting communi...
What capitalism gets right -- and governments get wrong | Katherine Mangu-Ward
November 27, 2022 14:00 - 15.1 MBIs capitalism a good thing? Journalist Katherine Mangu-Ward makes the case that "weirdos" left alone to innovate and explore far-out ideas in a free market system are our best hope for the future. She asks us to reconsider our qualms about capitalism, failure and corporate death, analyzing the recent history of General Motors and Facebook to illustrate why we're better off with a lot less government intervention. After the talk, our host Modupe Akinola introduces an organization tha...
Do you have what it takes to freelance?
November 21, 2022 14:00 - 9.66 MBA 2016 survey of freelancers in six countries found that those who freelance by choice– 70% of respondents– were happier than people in traditional jobs, specifically when it came to things like independence and flexibility in terms of where and when they work. So what does it take to be a successful freelancer? Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the gig economy. This was originally an animated TED-Ed lesson. It was directed by Christoph Sarow, AIM Creative Studios, narrated b...
How to lead in the new era of employee activism | Megan Reitz
November 14, 2022 16:00 - 20.8 MBWhat does it mean to lead in this new age of employee activism? Megan Reitz offers a four-point crash course on what employees want from their organizations and how leaders can rise to the challenge of building proactive and productive workplaces where every voice and perspective has the chance to make a difference. After the talk, Modupe shares lessons for leaders -- from activists.
What if women built the world they want to see? | Emily Pilloton-Lam
November 07, 2022 14:00 - 14.2 MBOnly four percent of construction workers are female -- that's totally unacceptable, but it's also a huge opportunity both for women and for the trades, says youth educator and builder Emily Pilloton-Lam. She makes the case for putting power (and power tools) into the hands of young women and gender-expansive youth, dreaming of inclusive construction sites and daring to ask: What if women built the world they want to see? (The power tool sounds you are hearing are Pilloton-Lam shari...
How to support and celebrate living artists | Swizz Beatz
October 31, 2022 13:00 - 19.4 MBLegendary hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz is on a mission to revolutionize the way artists do business. In this glorious talk, he shares some of the ways he's helping fellow creatives thrive, including a roving art fair that gives artists 100 percent of their sales, a new commission system for galleries to fund living visual artists and Verzuz, online musical celebrations that bring joy to fans -- and sales to musicians. "If we're not protecting the arts, we're not protecting our futur...
7 tools for building a business people trust | Marcos Aguiar
October 24, 2022 13:00 - 15.2 MBWhy do we trust some companies and not others? Using real-world examples, digital trust advisor Marcos Aguiar decodes this make-or-break quality -- and offers seven tools to help leaders design a foundation of trust into their business ecosystems in order to achieve long-term success. After the talk, Modupe shares how to weave trust-building tools into company culture (even after damage has been done).
How to write less but say more | Jim VandeHei
October 17, 2022 13:00 - 18.1 MBAs the saying goes, less is more. The same goes for words. Listen as Politico and Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei shares what he's learned leading two media companies -- and how to radically rethink the way you write to keep people's attention in a distracted digital world. After the talk, our host Modupe Akinola dives into how brevity can get you ahead in your work life.
What Wikipedia teaches us about balancing truth and beliefs | Katherine Maher
October 10, 2022 13:00 - 18.4 MBEven with public trust at an all-time low, Wikipedia continues to maintain people's confidence. How do they do it? Former CEO of Wikimedia Foundation Katherine Maher delves into the transparent, adaptable and community-building ways the online encyclopedia brings free and reliable information to the public -- while also accounting for bias and difference of opinion. "The seeds of our disagreement can actually become the roots of our common purpose," she says. After the talk, Modupe ...
How labor unions shape society | Margaret Levi
October 03, 2022 16:00 - 22.1 MBThe weekend. Social Security. Health insurance. What do these things have in common? They all exist thanks to the advocacy of labor unions. Political economist Margaret Levi explains how these organizations forge equality and protect worker rights, calling for a 21st-century revival of the labor movement in order to build a more equitable future. After the talk, Listen to our host Modupe dive into the role of affinity groups (or groups that are united by a common purpose) and how th...
Is the war for talent real? | After Hours
September 26, 2022 13:00 - 50.2 MBAre we witnessing the slow death of Facebook? Does Adam Neumann (WeWork) deserve a second chance? Is the War for Talent real? Plus, thoughts on everything from Serena, to Kim Kardashian, to House of the Dragon, and more. This is an episode of After Hours, a weekly chat show about the intersection of business and culture hosted by Harvard professors Youngme Moon, Mihir Desai, and Felix Oberholzer-Gee.
Mark Cuban doesn’t believe in following your passions | ReThinking with Adam Grant
September 19, 2022 13:07 - 41.5 MBMark Cuban has gone from selling garbage bags door-to-door to selling internet companies for billions, acquiring an NBA team, and becoming a beloved “Shark” on Shark Tank. Mark reveals to Adam how he turns problems into opportunities in entrepreneurship, basketball, and investing. They discuss his latest venture–disrupting the healthcare industry with an online pharmacy and a price-slashing philosophy that makes hundreds of drugs affordable–and why following your passion is not the ...
A creator-led internet, built on blockchain | Adam Mosseri | TED Tech
September 12, 2022 13:00 - 17.8 MBAs digital assets like cryptocurrency and NFTs become more mainstream, design thinker and head of Instagram Adam Mosseri believes that creators are uniquely positioned to benefit. These blockchain-enabled technologies could remove the need for a "middleman" in the form of large social media platforms, allowing creators to more freely distribute their work and connect with their audiences. He explains how this new age of the internet will give way to "the greatest transfer of power f...
Why people and AI make good business partners | Shervin Khodabandeh
August 22, 2022 14:00 - 14.7 MBWhat happens when the data-driven capabilities of AI are combined with human creativity and ingenuity? Shining a light on the opportunities this futuristic collaboration could bring to the workplace, AI expert Shervin Khodabandeh shares how to redesign companies so that people and machines can learn from each other. Listen to the end of the talk to hear our host Modupe explore how to make the most out of our work-relationships with machines.
Juliet Schor wants a four-day work week
August 19, 2022 14:00 - 34.9 MBBefore labor unions fought for them, society didn’t have weekends as we know them. In the 13th century, the average male peasants in the UK only worked 135 days a year. In a post-pandemic and increasingly virtual world, what is the future of labor? Juliet Schor is an economist and sociologist whose research focuses on work and consumer society. In this episode, she shares her thoughts on modern working practices and how her current research on the four-day work week could help addre...
The funding gap in start-up investing | Temie Giwa-Tubosun
August 15, 2022 15:40 - 11.7 MB"It is time to close the funding gap for Black female-led start-ups the world over," says entrepreneur Temie Giwa-Tubosun, whose company LifeBank delivers life-saving medical supplies to remote areas in Africa. Today, LifeBank operates successfully across the continent, but Giwa-Tubosun knows that barriers to funding prevent many other brilliant business ideas from blossoming. She highlights examples of impactful women-led ventures around the world -- and challenges investors to hel...
The power of purpose in business | Ashley M. Grice
August 08, 2022 14:00 - 13.6 MBWhat's a company's purpose? It's not the same as mission or vision, which change when leadership changes. Strategist Ashley M. Grice explains the power of purpose to push boundaries of innovation and bring clarity to every aspect of an organization, from the top floor to the shop floor. After the talk, our host Modupe shares wisdom on how to bring a fresh sense of purpose to our work lives.
What if you could help decide how the government spends public funds? | Shari Davis
August 01, 2022 13:45 - 13.8 MBWhat if citizens got more of a say in how public funds are spent? That's the idea behind participatory budgeting, a process that brings local residents and governments together to develop concrete solutions to real problems close to home. In this inspiring call to action, community leader Shari Davis shows how participatory budgeting can strengthen democracy, transform neighborhoods and cities -- and give everyone a seat at the table. "We've got to open the doors to city halls and s...
How to make yourself more human in an automated world | Kevin Roose
July 25, 2022 14:00 - 31.9 MBHumans can have a complex relationship with technology: tools like smartphones make our lives easier, but they can also be a source of anxiety or dependence. The internet can be an amazing place, or it can be a doom scrolling nightmare. And then there’s the always looming threat that our jobs–even the ones we thought only humans could do, like making art–could be lost to automation. Kevin Roose is a tech journalist who writes about the intersection of tech, business, and culture. In...
The link between menopause and gender inequity at work | Andrea Berchowitz
July 18, 2022 04:00 - 13 MBHot flashes, joint pain, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping -- these unforgiving menopause symptoms directly impact work but often go overlooked and under-discussed as a taboo topic, says entrepreneur Andrea Berchowitz. She gives practical advice on how to create a menopause-friendly work culture that supports gender equity and diversity retention in the workplace. Stay tuned after the talk for more tips on how organizations can support employees as they age.
Why are drug prices so high? Investigating the outdated US patent system | Priti Krishtel
July 04, 2022 04:00 - 14.2 MBBetween 2006 and 2016, the number of drug patents granted in the United States doubled -- but not because there was an explosion in invention or innovation. Drug companies have learned how to game the system, accumulating patents not for new medicines but for small changes to existing ones, which allows them to build monopolies, block competition and drive prices up. Health justice lawyer Priti Krishtel sheds light on how we've lost sight of the patent system's original intent -- an...
3 steps to getting what you want in a negotiation | Ruchi Sinha
June 27, 2022 10:00 - 15.5 MBWe negotiate all the time at work -- for raises, promotions, time off -- and we usually go into it like it's a battle. But it's not about dominating, says organizational psychologist Ruchi Sinha. It's about crafting a relationship, and understanding both your needs and the other person's. Her three key steps will help you master this essential skill. After the talk, hear author and academic Linda Babcock and our host Modupe Akinola discuss navigating these challenging conversations ...
Do you really need 8 hours of sleep?
June 06, 2022 04:00 - 30.4 MBWe all know a good night’s sleep is essential, but for many people, sleeping well (or falling asleep at all) can be difficult and even stressful - and there’s no shortage of tales about what prevents people from catching their ZZZs. In this episode, Dr. Jen digs into "how to sleep" culture - from blue light blockers to sleep hygiene enthusiasts, to the 8 hours a night rule to… witches?! Don’t sleep on this episode - because it might just have you skipping the melatonin supplements a...
How great leaders innovate -- responsibly | Ken Chenault
May 23, 2022 04:00 - 32.8 MBIn times of uncertainty, leaders have a responsibility to inspire hope. Sharing hard-won wisdom, business leader Ken Chenault talks about what it takes to enact positive, enduring change -- and why it's more important than ever to invest in responsible innovation that uplifts people and centers equality and fairness. A quick favor! We love making TED Business, and we want to make it better. So if you have a few minutes, share your thoughts at surveynerds.com/ted
The Not-So-Great Resignation | WorkLife with Adam Grant
May 16, 2022 04:00 - 34.9 MBOver the past year, the Great Resignation has been all over the news. Many people are celebrating quitting their jobs… but it’s a decision some will come to regret. So when’s the right time to leave? How do you quit without burning bridges? And how can workplaces encourage people to stay? This is an episode of WorkLife with Adam Grant, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. To hear more episodes on the science of making work (and life) not suck, follow WorkLife wherever you'...