TED Business - podcast cover

TED Business

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.


Follow Modupe on Instagram @mnakinola and LinkedIn @mnakinola

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

The magic of a creative career | Michael Sheen

The 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's taking to ...

Sep 25, 202323 min

The most powerful yet overlooked resource in schools | Heejae Lim

“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 Shani Dowell ...

Sep 18, 202314 min

How to quit your job -- without ruining your career | Gala Jackson

Stuck 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Sep 11, 202311 min

Uber, and how to fix things when trust is broken | Fixable

Trust 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 ground. For more ...

Sep 04, 202335 min

A 3-step guide to believing in yourself | Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 28, 202320 min

5 steps to fix any problem at work | Anne Morriss

In 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 21, 202316 min

The power of being yourself at work | Deepa Purushothaman Part 2

In our second episode with corporate inclusion visionary Deepa Purushothaman, she shared how women of color can advocate for themselves in workplace settings where they are undervalued, discriminated against and overlooked. In this continuation of that conversation, Purushothaman shows the importance of bringing your full self to work, and explains how powerful staying true to yourself while climbing the corporate ladder can be. After the interview, Modupe digs into four different ways you might...

Aug 14, 202311 min

The workplace, redefined by women of color | Deepa Purushothaman Part 1

Corporate inclusion visionary Deepa Purushothaman shares how women of color can advocate for themselves in workplace settings where they are undervalued, discriminated against and overlooked -- and how companies can foster working cultures that empower everyone to achieve success. This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member. After the interview, our TED Business...

Aug 07, 202317 min

Hidden connections that transcend borders and defy stereotypes | Aparna Bharadwaj

Global consumer strategist Aparna Bharadwaj shares a fascinating glimpse at under-the-radar affinities that transcend cultures and borders -- from the way people snack in China and Saudi Arabia to how people shop for clothes in the US and Russia. "There are patterns where you least expect them," she says -- and paying attention to them just might bring the world a little bit closer. After the talk, Modupe expands on how data can connect people and help us better understand each other’s needs. Ho...

Jul 31, 202316 min

The link between stress and creativity | Radio Headspace

How can stress enhance creativity? Are there practical ways to use stress for innovation? Modupe guest hosts the podcast Radio Headspace all week. Every weekday morning, Radio Headspace aims to take a few moments to step out of the internal chatter and external noise. It's a podcast that makes space to pause, reflect, and consider how we can live a life that best reflects our limitless potential. Listen to Radio Headspace wherever you are listening to this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Jul 26, 20236 min

A socialist perspective on the pursuit of happiness | Aaron Bastani

Several crises are set to define the next century -- but journalist Aaron Bastani believes we have the technological ability to meet our biggest challenges and create unprecedented levels of prosperity for all. He shows how we could get there by ditching capitalism as the world's economic operating system and adopting "universal basic services," where governments would freely provide life essentials like housing, health care, education and transport. After the talk, Modupe shares thoughts on wha...

Jul 24, 202325 min

TikTok's CEO on its future -- and what makes its algorithm different | Shou Chew | TED Tech

TikTok CEO Shou Chew dives into how the trend-setting video app and cultural phenomenon works -- from what distinguishes its algorithm and drives virality to the challenges of content moderation and digital addiction. In a wide-ranging conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, he tells stories about the TikTok creators he loves and digs into thorny issues like data privacy and government manipulation -- as well as speaking personally about his commitment to inspiring creativity and building ...

Jul 17, 202342 min

The Internet's First Main Character? | The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

There is a fascinating untold story behind one of the highest-grossing media franchises in the world. It's 1999, and sixteen years after its original release, a new Star Wars is finally coming. Fans have been camping out in front of theaters across the country just to be the first to see it. The beloved intergalactic saga is set to debut a slew of brand new characters, one of whom is a revolutionary CGI creation named Jar Jar Binks. Whispers begin to spread about big changes coming to the galaxy...

Jul 12, 202332 min

Climate action's hidden opportunities for women | Zineb Sqalli

Climate 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 10, 202317 min

4 ways to have healthy conversations about race | Afrika Afeni Mills

Learning how to have productive conversations about race is a necessary part of the human experience. Educator Afrika Afeni Mills 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 conversations at work. Hosted on Acast. See a...

Jul 03, 202313 min

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. Social psychologist Azim Shariff 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 26, 202318 min

The rigged test of leadership | Sophie Williams

The glass cliff: an experience of taking on a leadership role only to find that your chances of success have been limited before you've even begun. Equality activist Sophie Williams explores the research-backed reasons behind this workplace phenomenon and how it overwhelmingly affects underrepresented groups, despite a facade of progress and inclusion. Learn more about the biases and behaviors that set people up for failure -- and what can be done to make the path to success in leadership better...

Jun 19, 202319 min

3 money lessons from infamous scam artists | J Mase III

Scam 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 syndrome. H...

Jun 12, 202317 min

How to share public money fairly | Maja Bosnic

"We have the right to demand budgets to be equitable, to be fair," says economist Maja Bosnic. And one of the places where public money often falls short is being inclusive of gender and sex, furthering discrimination. Using examples from around the world that already factor gender into public finance decisions, Bosnic shares how budgets that actively account for gender don't just lead to equality -- they're also more efficient and effective. After the talk, Modupe shares simple yet crucial ways...

Jun 05, 202317 min

A for-profit mindset for nonprofit success | Tolu Oyekan

Can 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. Hosted on Acast. See ac...

May 29, 202318 min

How great leaders take on uncertainty | Anjali Sud and Stephanie Mehta

In 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 practical advice on...

May 22, 202329 min

Fixable: Nai’a - "How do I get the attention of a distracted manager?"

Nai’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 a collaborato...

May 21, 202328 min

The benefits of not being a jerk to yourself | Dan Harris

After 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 can boost yo...

May 15, 202340 min

Fixable: David - “How do I turn my passion project into my career?”

David 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 wherever you are li...

May 12, 202330 min

The one question every aspiring leader needs to ask | Constance Hockaday

Artist 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 goals – both a...

May 08, 202312 min

Fixable: Teresa - "How do I move fast without breaking things?"

Teresa 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 wherever you a...

May 05, 202328 min

May the 4th Be With You: Introducing The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

Love 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 04, 20232 min

Are video calls the best we can do in the age of the metaverse? | Josephine Eyre

Remote 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 workplace. If you'd l...

May 01, 202317 min

The emotions behind your money habits | Robert A. Belle

This 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 learn about ...

Apr 24, 202314 min

How to recognize privilege and what to do with it if you have it | Mariam Veiszadeh

Depending 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 changes that ca...

Apr 17, 202317 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast