WorkLife with Adam Grant podcast

WorkLife with Adam Grant

·

  TED  

You spend a quarter of your life at work. You should enjoy it! Organizational psychologist Adam Grant takes you inside the minds of some of the world’s most unusual professionals to discover the keys to a better work life. From learning how to love your rivals to harnessing the power of frustration, one thing’s for sure: You’ll never see your job the same way again. Produced in partnership with Transmitter Media.

You spend a quarter of your life at work. You should enjoy it! Organizational psychologist Adam Grant takes you inside the minds of some of the world’s most unusual professionals to discover the keys to a better work life. From learning how to love your rivals to harnessing the power of frustration, one thing’s for sure: You’ll never see your job the same way again. Produced in partnership with Transmitter Media.

 

#186

How to design teams that don’t suck

Too many teams are less than the sum of their parts, and building a great team requires more than just picking an all-star roster or doing trust falls. Adam dives into the hard-hitting research on what makes teams work — with members of the “Miracle on Ice" Olympic hockey team and organizational behavior professor Anita Woolley. You’ll also hear some special tape from Adam’s late mentor Richard Hackman, a leading expert on teams. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at [go.ted.com/WLtranscripts] (http://go.ted.com/WLtranscripts)   ... Read more

19 hrs Ago

37 MINS

37:43

19 hrs Ago


#185

The wrong way to think about culture fit

Many workplaces hire, reward and promote on culture fit. But that can come with real costs to individuals and organizations. In this episode, Adam dives into the evidence on why overemphasizing fit can overlook promising people — and shows how organizations can fight conformity and support self-expression. Guests include Ellevest founder Sallie Krawcheck, IDEO innovators Jim Yurchenco and Diego Rodriguez, and organizational behavior expert Patricia Hewlin. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts ... Read more

01 Oct 2024

33 MINS

33:45

01 Oct 2024


#184

John Legend on the creative process and "mumbling" his way to a hit

Before John Legend was coaching The Voice and winning Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys, he was a twenty-something consultant living in Boston. In this episode, John sits down with Adam to share how he hustled from the boardroom to the studio and crafted the creative career that led him to the top of the entertainment industry. John also talks about how he maintains creative vision at the core of his business, and why family and advocacy work are vital to his artistic mission. Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

27 Sep 2024

35 MINS

35:23

27 Sep 2024


#183

The secret to success isn't power — it's status

Many people believe that success depends on gaining power, but it turns out that status is a more sustainable path to accomplishment and impact. Adam is joined by Survivor star Parvati Shallow, organizational psychologist and author Alison Fragale, and Chynna Clayton — former special assistant to Michelle Obama — to break down the best strategies for gaining and maintaining status at work, building stronger relationships, and getting promoted. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts ... Read more

24 Sep 2024

32 MINS

32:45

24 Sep 2024


#182

Sarah Silverman on being wrong — and treating trolls with kindness

Sarah Silverman is a comedian, actor and writer who doesn;t shy away from saying what she thinks. Her bold, distinctive voice has taken her from Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld to Broadway plays, late-night TV and Disney animated movies. Sarah shares surprising stories about turning haters into fans, and she and Adam discuss strategies for defusing anger, finding courage and forging connections when we don't see eye-to-eye. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

17 Sep 2024

30 MINS

30:00

17 Sep 2024


#181

How to stop doom scrolling — and have a better experience online with Jay Van Bavel

Jay Van Bavel is an award-winning professor of psychology and neural science at NYU — and he's an expert on the causes of and cures for division. Adam and Jay discuss the science of virality, why bad news often commands our attention, and how we can find common ground around more uplifting content. Jay's latest book, [The Power of Us] (https://www.powerofus.online/) , is out now. ... Read more

10 Sep 2024

33 MINS

33:56

10 Sep 2024


#180

Fixing college campuses with political scientist Danielle Allen

Danielle Allen thinks and writes about the institutions that hold society together. As a professor of public policy and political philosophy at Harvard, she's one of the most insightful voices on improving education and renovating democracy. Danielle and Adam discuss the current culture of college campuses, steps for promoting critical thinking and vigorous debate, and avenues for enriching the lives of students and the world that surrounds them. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

03 Sep 2024

35 MINS

35:49

03 Sep 2024


#179

Trevor Noah on the importance of context

Trevor Noah is widely admired for his quick wit. He's hosted The Daily Show and the Grammy Awards, sold out huge arenas around the world, had numerous hit comedy specials on Netflix, and published a bestselling memoir, Born a Crime. One of the keys to his success is his ability to read people and communicate clearly. In a lively discussion with Adam, Trevor dives into the importance of context in everything from personal relationships to global politics. The two also debate the best way to improve American politics — and Trevor does a few impromptu impressions, including one of Adam. Trevor's new podcast, What Now?, is available on all platforms. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

27 Aug 2024

44 MINS

44:40

27 Aug 2024


#178

Fighting against the status quo with filmmaker Jon M. Chu

Before becoming the director of major films like Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights and the upcoming Wicked, Jon M. Chu wondered if he missed his chance to make it big. After a great deal of trial and error, his path to success is its own cinematic hero's journey. Jon and Adam discuss what it takes to reach your own potential, the creative process, and how to find the courage to tell new stories. His new book [Viewfinder] (https://tedtalks.social/3MdDa5K) is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

20 Aug 2024

35 MINS

35:06

20 Aug 2024


#177

How to fight prejudice with Betsy Levy Paluck

How can we reduce hostility between people and groups? Social psychologist Betsy Levy Paluck has done groundbreaking work on an approach to fighting prejudice that's faster than trying to change institutions and more feasible than trying to change individuals. Betsy and Adam explore the origins of animosity, discuss her experiments in Rwanda and in schools, and unpack strategies for bridging our divides. ... Read more

13 Aug 2024

35 MINS

35:22

13 Aug 2024


#176

How to build a great culture with restaurateur Danny Meyer

At 27, long before he gained acclaim as the restaurateur behind Shake Shack and Gramercy Tavern, Danny Meyer launched his first venture, Union Square Cafe. More than 20 James Beard Foundation awards later, Danny shares the strategies and insights that fueled his restaurant empire. He and Adam discuss how to build a culture of excellence and care, how to hire people who treat others well, and how to bring values to life. Danny is the author of the New York Times bestseller [Setting the Table] (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/setting-the-table-danny-meyer?variant=32122420363298) .Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

06 Aug 2024

33 MINS

33:35

06 Aug 2024


#175

The art and science of trash talk with Rafi Kohan

Journalist Rafi Kohan says talking trash can do more than spice up a sport. His latest book, [Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total Garbage] (https://tedtalks.social/3zRyGyw) , is a fascinating look at the art and history of competitive insults. From women's basketball to the Olympics to the TED stage, Adam and Rafi dissect the mind games that fuel performance — and dive into the science of why a little banter can go a long way.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

30 Jul 2024

37 MINS

37:09

30 Jul 2024


#174

Beyond breaking the glass ceiling with Julia Gillard, Australia’s first female prime minister

Julia Gillard served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013. During her tenure as the first woman to hold that role, she gave an electrifying speech about sexism and how it impacts all women, even those in power. Since then, she has continued to fight for gender equality. In this interview, she opens up about the challenges faced by women in leadership positions and the reactions to her viral speech. She also talks about the causes of deepening gender divides, how feminism also benefits men, and the qualities great leaders should embody regardless of how they identify.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts An excerpt from Julia Gillard's 2020 speech was used in this episode. The clip was sourced from the Commonwealth of Australia, and is used under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 AU. ... Read more

23 Jul 2024

47 MINS

47:27

23 Jul 2024


#173

Explaining the Dunning-Kruger effect and overcoming overconfidence with David Dunning

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a rare psychological concept that has achieved pop culture fame. David Dunning -- the lead author and one of the world’s most-cited psychologists -- joins Adam to discuss his famous findings about the arrogance of ignorance, the challenges of knowing what you don’t know, and the dangers of “doing your own research.” Then David and Adam uncover strategies for overcoming overconfidence among amateurs as well as experts.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at [go.ted.com/RWAGscripts] (http://go.ted.com/RWAGscripts)      ... Read more

16 Jul 2024

37 MINS

37:51

16 Jul 2024


#172

Mellody Hobson on taking tough feedback (re-release)

Criticism rarely comes wrapped in a shiny gift box, tied with a bow. As a trailblazing leader, one of Mellody Hobson’s gifts is finding the diamond in the rough. She and Adam unpack how to look for the grain of truth in any critique, when to discount feedback, and what it takes to be honest without being brutal. Find the full text transcript at go.ted.com/T4G7 ... Read more

09 Jul 2024

37 MINS

37:18

09 Jul 2024


#171

Decoding Gen-Z slang and grammar pet peeves with linguist Anne Curzan

Anne Curzan is a professional word nerd. As a linguist and English professor, Anne studies the history of the English language — and how public attitudes about words shift over time. Adam and Anne geek out over whether the grammar rules you learned in school are justified, why some language peeves are (or aren't) worth holding onto, and confess what they're learning from Gen-Z slang. Anne's latest book, Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide For Everyone Who Cares About Words, is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

02 Jul 2024

37 MINS

37:23

02 Jul 2024


#170

How novelist Gabrielle Zevin learned to enjoy failure

Gabrielle Zevin wrote the runaway bestseller Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, but she doesn’t expect anyone to know most of her other nine books. The acclaimed novelist joins Adam to discuss how to face failure, find inspiration, make sure success doesn't hinder creativity, and stay motivated when your goals don't align with your skills. Then, they riff on the most important elements of a story and several mic drop moments in her work. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

25 Jun 2024

38 MINS

38:36

25 Jun 2024


#169

Richard Branson on saying yes now and figuring it out later

Sir Richard Branson has spent his lifetime taking dreams and making them reality. As the founder of the Virgin Group, he's built more than 400 businesses spanning from retail to music to transport. In his spare time, he’s advocated for human rights and sustainability — and set world records for hot air ballooning and kitesurfing. Richard talks with Adam about what he’s learned about courage and risk-taking in more than half a century of entrepreneurship, unveils his distinctive view of competition, and shares what he thinks great leaders have in common. Richard’s new audiobook, " [Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story] (https://tedtalks.social/45v1jgA) ," is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

18 Jun 2024

29 MINS

29:46

18 Jun 2024


#168

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on facing impostor syndrome and taking criticism

Justin Trudeau has served as the Prime Minister of Canada since 2015. And there’s a lot to dig into from his years in office — and from his life before, as well. Adam sits down with him to discuss lessons learned about leadership. The Prime Minister opens up for the first time about his early struggles with impostor syndrome and how he maintains his motivation in the face of disapproval and criticism today. He also shares how he encourages people to speak truth to power, where his team is challenging him to improve right now, why he considered quitting, and what keeps him awake at night. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

11 Jun 2024

39 MINS

39:24

11 Jun 2024


#167

The internet doesn't need your opinion on everything with Rebecca Solnit

American writer Rebecca Solnit thinks deeply and writes evocatively about our world. Her must-read essays and award-winning books span hope, history, art, leadership, and sustainability. Adam and Rebecca reflect on what we lose when public discourse is diluted to fit into social media, debate how to bring back good conversations online, and share why being able to recalibrate our opinions is crucial in our increasingly digital world.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

04 Jun 2024

31 MINS

31:35

04 Jun 2024


#166

John Green wants you to pay attention to your attention (bonus)

Do you pay attention to your attention? John Green is the beloved author of The Fault In Our Stars, and when he started tracking his attention, he realized he was obsessed with evaluating human progress. He decided to start rating everything — from the capacity for human wonder to Canadian geese — on a five-point scale. In this deeply thoughtful conversation with Adam, John shares what he learned from his series of Yelp-style reviews, the gift of a great book, and the unexpected life lessons found in the last lap of Mario Kart. Read the full text transcript at go.ted.com/T4G8This episode previously aired June 22, 2021. ... Read more

28 May 2024

53 MINS

53:14

28 May 2024


#165

A company is not a family with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky

Brian Chesky, the CEO and cofounder of Airbnb, is firmly in the trust business. His focus isn't only on building a trusted platform for people to rent their homes to strangers — it's on earning the trust of his employees. Adam and Brian discuss how to lead with care in tough times, why it's better to overcommunicate than undercommunicate, what to expect for the future of work, and why a company should be treated as a community rather than a family. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

21 May 2024

38 MINS

38:06

21 May 2024


#164

Reimagining technology – and talking to animals – with Aza Raskin

Years ago, Aza Raskin invented the infinite scroll – and yes, he regrets it. Today, Aza is the co-founder of the Center For Humane Technology and the Earth Species Project. Aza’s work focuses on creating and advocating for ethical technology that benefits collective well-being. For his latest project, he’s looking beyond humanity, using artificial intelligence to decode whale communication and see what lessons we might learn from the animal world. In this expansive conversation, Adam and Aza discuss ways to improve social media, how communicating with other species could change our world, and why everyone – including our governments – needs to upgrade our thinking about an AI world. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

14 May 2024

42 MINS

42:40

14 May 2024


#163

The art of failure with David Duchovny

David Duchovny knows a lot about success — he’s a Golden Globe-winning actor who has had iconic roles from The X-Files to Californication. But as a literature PhD dropout turned director turned songwriter and novelist, David is more interested in failure and what it can teach us. Adam and David discuss the value of falling short of our goals, the perils of success, and whether nice people really finish last. David’s new podcast Fail Better is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

07 May 2024

30 MINS

30:33

07 May 2024


#162

The art of vulnerability and connection with comedian Mae Martin

Mae Martin is a comedian, improviser, screenwriter, and podcast host. Their work on Netflix includes the stand-up special Sap and the aptly named TV series Feel Good. Adam and Mae chat about the value of vulnerability in connection, snapping out of procrastination, shame spirals, and life lessons from the art of improvisation. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

30 Apr 2024

35 MINS

35:07

30 Apr 2024


#161

Kara Swisher on speaking truth to power

Kara Swisher made her name by being disarmingly direct with the who’s who of tech – from Steve Jobs to Bill Gates to Elon Musk. So why doesn’t she like the phrase “speak truth to power?” The journalist, author, and host of the popular podcasts Pivot and On joins Adam to discuss her history of assertiveness and her strategies for challenging authority. Then, they dive into Silicon Valley’s favorite status symbols, the difference between being demanding and being demeaning, and the future of technology and accountability. Kara’s latest book, [Burn Book: A Tech Love Story] (http://tedtalks.social/4aSI1Dn) , is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts ... Read more

23 Apr 2024

32 MINS

32:37

23 Apr 2024