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 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...

Mar 28, 202412 min

When you inform women, you transform lives | Paige Alexander

Access 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 information. Hosted on ...

Mar 25, 202414 min

Improve your career with this habit | Paul Catchlove

Paul 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

Mar 21, 202416 min

A simple way to inspire your team | David Burkus

Using 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

Mar 18, 202414 min

Work is not your family | Gloria Chan Packer

You 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 the talk, as...

Mar 14, 202421 min

Why businesses need a dreamer's magic and a doer's realism | Beth Viner

At 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 organization. Af...

Mar 11, 202414 min

Democracy works — we just need better leaders | Lindiwe Mazibuko

South 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

Mar 04, 202416 min

Don't be a jerk to your barista — and other thoughts on frontline work | Adriann Negreros

All 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 yourself and others...

Feb 26, 202417 min

A playbook on financing climate solutions | Nili Gilbert and David Blood

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

Feb 19, 202416 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. 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 conversations...

Feb 12, 202413 min

What if advertising was honest? | Sylvester Chauke

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

Feb 05, 202414 min

What's your leadership language? | Rosita Najmi

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

Jan 29, 202412 min

The secret perks of driving electric | Cynthia Williams

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

Jan 22, 202415 min

How to solve the world's biggest problems | Natalie Cargill

Sometimes 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 Verghese,...

Jan 15, 202418 min

How business can drive solutions to social problems | Carlos Rodríguez-Pastor

Driven 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 about how to buil...

Jan 08, 202420 min

You don't actually know what your future self wants | Shankar Vendantam

"You are constantly becoming a new person," says journalist Shankar Vendantam. This week we’re revisiting a talk full of beautiful storytelling, where Vendantam 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 persp...

Jan 01, 202420 min

How to write less but say more | Jim VandeHei

As the saying goes, less is more. The same goes for words. This week we're revisiting a talk by Politico and Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei, where he 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 dives into how brevity can get you ahead in your work life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Dec 25, 202320 min

What does "wealth" mean to you? | Aisha Nyandoro

For 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 need most. Afte...

Dec 18, 202316 min

How to fix fashion and protect the planet | Amy Powney

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

Dec 11, 202313 min

Does more freedom at work mean more fulfillment? | Sarah Aviram

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

Dec 04, 202316 min

The secret ingredients of great hospitality | Will Guidara

Restaurateur 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 steps to craftin...

Nov 27, 202318 min

Work has changed. Why haven't resumes? | Nicos Marcou

Resumes 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast...

Nov 20, 202314 min

Your 3-step guide to setting better boundaries at work | Nedra Glover Tawwab

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

Nov 13, 202310 min

How your company can gain a global talent advantage | Johann Daniel Harnoss

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

Nov 06, 202323 min

How to help employees with disabilities thrive | Tiffany Yu

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

Oct 30, 20239 min

5 steps to building a personal brand you feel good about | Marcos Salazar

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

Oct 23, 202311 min

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. 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 clos...

Oct 16, 202313 min

Work is not your family | Gloria Chan Packer

You 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 the talk, as...

Oct 09, 202321 min

What the fossil fuel industry doesn't want you to know | Al Gore

In 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 everyone — from st...

Oct 02, 202327 min

Why Meetings Suck and How to Fix Them | WorkLife with Adam Grant

WorkLife 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. Available transcript...

Oct 01, 202333 min
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