TED Business podcast

TED Business

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Whatever 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.

Whatever 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.

 

#239

Will the end of economic growth come by design — or disaster? | Gaya Herrington

What if solving poverty, caring for nature and fostering well-being were the ultimate goals of the economy, instead of growth for its own sake? Environmentalist and economist Gaya Herrington proposes a shift in thinking from "never enough" to "enough for each," asking us to contemplate whether the end of exponential growth on a finite planet will come by design — or disaster. After the talk, Modupe discusses what this mindset shift can unlock for humanity.  ... Read more

09 Dec 2024

14 MINS

14:48

09 Dec 2024


#238

Does working hard really make you a good person? | Azim Shariff

Around the world, people who work hard are often seen as morally good — even if they produce little to no results. In this episode, we're revisiting a talk by social psychologist Azim Shariff, in which he analyzes the roots of this belief and suggests a shift towards a more meaningful way to think about effort, rather than admiring work for work's sake. After the talk, Modupe delves deeper into Shariff’s research – and what our focus should actually be on at work.  ... Read more

02 Dec 2024

18 MINS

18:28

02 Dec 2024


#237

5 ways leaders can adapt to shifting geopolitics | Nikolaus S. Lang

What will the world look like in 2030? International business consultant Nikolaus S. Lang predicts the evolution of a multipolar world, with multiple emerging coalitions of countries acting in new ways to achieve their economic, technological and military goals. He dives into what this will mean for the global economy, offering five tips for business leaders to prepare for the coming geopolitical landscape. After the talk, Modupe shares tips on how to train for the unexpected. ... Read more

25 Nov 2024

16 MINS

16:00

25 Nov 2024


#236

Networking doesn't have to feel gross | Daniel Hallak

Networking doesn’t always have to feel like a self-serving transaction, says executive coach Daniel Hallak. Highlighting the importance of focusing on giving rather than taking when it comes to making connections, he outlines a mindset shift to help you build better relationships — in a way that doesn't feel gross. After the talk, Modupe highlights the value of extending your support beyond your usual network.  ... Read more

18 Nov 2024

16 MINS

16:41

18 Nov 2024


#235

Yes, you can be an entrepreneur too | Saamra Mekuria-Grillo

Who gets to be an entrepreneur? Saamra Mekuria-Grillo says the image we most commonly see — a guy in a hoodie — is a limiting representation of entrepreneurial success. She highlights the importance of young Black people seeing entrepreneurship as a possibility for themselves and explains the key to making the field more inclusive. After the talk, Saamra joins Modupe for a conversation about how she got into this work. ... Read more

11 Nov 2024

18 MINS

18:33

11 Nov 2024


#234

How to empower farmers — and nourish the planet | Agnes Kalibata

Africa's smallholder farmers feed millions of people and uplift economies, yet they often lack the basic resources needed to thrive, says agricultural scientist and policymaker Agnes Kalibata. She outlines how to empower these farmers with better tools, climate resilience strategies and market access — so they can continue to nourish humanity while caring for the planet. After the talk, Modupe paints a picture of what these ideas look like in action.  ... Read more

04 Nov 2024

14 MINS

14:26

04 Nov 2024


#233

The power of personalization in the age of AI | Mark Abraham

With all that spam clogging your inbox, a more personalized experience with the brands you interact with would be a refreshing change of pace. Sharing insights from his research into what brands can do to improve the experience of the people they want to reach, personalization pioneer Mark Abraham highlights a key mindset that can help companies boost their growth (and delight their customers) in the era of AI. After the talk, Modupe dives into what this could mean for the rest of your life — on and offline.  ... Read more

28 Oct 2024

15 MINS

15:07

28 Oct 2024


#232

Want to get ahead at work? Risk the awkward moments | Henna Pryor

When we avoid feeling awkward, we often miss an opportunity for growth, says workplace performance expert Henna Pryor. She shares tips on embracing discomfort for the sake of self-betterment and shows how pushing past the "cringe chasm" — the gap between how we perceive ourselves and how others see us — can open up chances to get ahead at work and in life. After the talk, Modupe shares wisdom on how to get over the fear of being cringe. ... Read more

21 Oct 2024

18 MINS

18:40

21 Oct 2024


#231

How to ask for more — and get it | Alex Carter

How do you get what you want out of a negotiation? United Nations negotiation trainer Alex Carter says the best methods center on recruitment, not rivalry. Whether you're asking for a raise or resolving a family dispute, she offers five simple tips for a successful discussion — starting with one powerful question. After the talk, Modupe shares tips on starting the conversation.  ... Read more

14 Oct 2024

17 MINS

17:17

14 Oct 2024


#230

The case for good jobs — and why they're good for business too | Zeynep Ton

Many of the jobs that keep the world running — like cleaning bathrooms, picking up trash, caring for the elderly — pay so poorly that workers can barely make ends meet. Nonprofit leader Zeynep Ton is intent on changing that, showing why everyone wins when companies pay their people livable wages and offer opportunities for growth. After the talk, Modupe digs into why money shouldn’t be spent solely on recruiting, training and hiring new talent — but also investing in existing employees.  ... Read more

07 Oct 2024

17 MINS

17:14

07 Oct 2024


#229

How entrepreneurs can unlock their full potential | Jay Bailey

Jay Bailey says so many ideas never see the light of day because entrepreneurship has a problem of belonging. He shares how a chance encounter kicked off his own journey to becoming an entrepreneur and advocate for Black-owned businesses — and shows how anyone can unlock untapped potential. After the talk, Modupe reflects on how having space to explore your talent can actually help you realize your dreams. ... Read more

30 Sep 2024

16 MINS

16:08

30 Sep 2024


#228

The breakthrough power of young leaders | Mohan Sivaloganathan

Leadership isn’t a title; it’s a verb that requires action, says youth empowerment advocate Mohan Sivaloganathan. Drawing on his experience as the CEO of a nonprofit, he shares surprising lessons on adaptability and accountability, showing why truly effective leaders listen to the voice of younger generations. After the talk, Modupe reflects on how her classroom leadership style changed after the pandemic.  ... Read more

23 Sep 2024

16 MINS

16:25

23 Sep 2024


#227

How to break through fear and become a leader | Valerie Montgomery Rice

Vigilance. Grit. Resilience. Valerie Montgomery Rice, the president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, shares where she learned these key qualities of successful leadership, offering three lessons for anyone who wants to overcome their fears, stand up for what’s right and build opportunity for all. After the talk, Modupe urges us all to tell our own stories. ... Read more

16 Sep 2024

16 MINS

16:18

16 Sep 2024


#226

The secret to finding your ideal workplace | Marion Campan

What's the most important thing to look for when applying for a new job? Entrepreneur Marion Campan advocates for a focus on company culture above all else. She offers practical strategies for evaluating companies before accepting a new position — including how to ask the right questions about values, feedback and expectations — to help job seekers find positions where they can thrive. After the talk, Modupe models some questions to ask that help reveal what it’s like to work at an organization — before saying yes to a new job.  ... Read more

09 Sep 2024

17 MINS

17:30

09 Sep 2024


#225

How to claim your leadership power | Michael Timms

When faced with challenges, do you often seek someone else to blame? Leadership expert Michael Timms shows why this instinct is counterproductive, highlighting three effective habits of self-accountability that will empower you and others to make positive change — whether at home or at work. After the talk, Modupe shares crucial questions to ask yourself on balancing self acceptance and honesty.  ... Read more

02 Sep 2024

15 MINS

15:10

02 Sep 2024


#224

What DEI gets wrong — and how to do it right | Paolo Gaudiano

Social entrepreneur Paolo Gaudiano explains why many companies are taking the wrong approach to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives — by overly focusing on one thing. To avoid backlash and costly turnover, he shows the key change leaders can make to create thriving, equitable workplaces while also increasing profits. After the talk, Modupe shares how she incorporates these learnings into the classroom.  ... Read more

26 Aug 2024

17 MINS

17:23

26 Aug 2024


#223

Do gut microbes control your personality? (from TED Health)

Biologist Kathleen McAuliffe dives into emerging research that explores how certain gut bacteria can influence major parts of who you are, from your personality to life-changing neurological disorders. Learn more about how this ongoing clinical medical and pharmaceutical research might change how we treat disease — and discover the impact of your internal microbial makeup on your mood, weight and more.This is an episode of TED Health, another podcast in the TED Audio Collective. For more episodes, follow the podcast wherever you're listening to this.  ... Read more

19 Aug 2024

12 MINS

12:44

19 Aug 2024


#222

Why are we making pizza boxes out of endangered trees? | Nicole Rycroft

If 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. This week we're revisiting talk where we 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 sector are closer than we think. After the talk, Modupe shares some tips on transforming simple pleasures (like buying clothes or ordering takeout) so they’re a bit better for the planet.  ... Read more

12 Aug 2024

12 MINS

12:47

12 Aug 2024


#221

How to use venture capital for good | Freada Kapor Klein

Freada Kapor Klein isn't your typical venture capitalist. She's thrown out the standard investment playbook in order to close the opportunity gap for low-income communities. She explains how her firm is investing in entrepreneurs and startups solving real-world problems — and the measurable difference it's already making. After the talk, Modupe urges us all to rethink success  — so the focus is on tangible impact and meaningful relationships. ... Read more

05 Aug 2024

17 MINS

17:31

05 Aug 2024