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

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Episodes

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows ...

Dec 02, 202418 min

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. Want to help shape...

Nov 25, 202416 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Membe...

Nov 18, 202417 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a ...

Nov 11, 202419 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward?...

Nov 04, 202414 min

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...

Oct 28, 202415 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our ...

Oct 21, 202419 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join L...

Oct 14, 202417 min

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. Want to ...

Oct 07, 202417 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member to...

Sep 30, 202416 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member to...

Sep 23, 202416 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Learn more abou...

Sep 16, 202416 min

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 ...

Sep 09, 202418 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at http...

Sep 02, 202415 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED...

Aug 26, 202417 min

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 episod...

Aug 19, 202413 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. 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 -- a...

Aug 12, 202413 min

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. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out...

Aug 05, 202418 min

Why you should talk about your anxiety at work | Adam Whybrew

We can't get rid of anxiety and depression, so we might as well talk about it, says depression truth-teller Adam Whybrew. Sharing his own experience with mental illness, he reveals the surprising benefits of opening up about stress at work — and why being vulnerable creates a safe space for everyone. After the talk, Modupe discusses why we all need to advocate for important causes on an institutional level — and how to start. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Be...

Jul 29, 202416 min

An optimist's take on reskilling in the age of AI | Sagar Goel

One in three workers globally will see their jobs disrupted by AI and tech advancements this decade — but there's a way to stay ahead of the curve. Skill-building strategist Sagar Goel shares practical examples from a partnership with the Singaporean government that helped thousands of workers transition into new careers, offering a lesson on the importance of reskilling and becoming a lifelong learner. After the talk, Modupe opens up about embracing big change. Want to help shape TED’s shows go...

Jul 22, 202413 min

The problem with being "too nice" at work | Tessa West

Are you "too nice" at work? Social psychologist Tessa West shares her research on how people attempt to mask anxiety with overly polite feedback — a practice that's more harmful than helpful — and gives three tips to swap generic, unhelpful observations with clear, consistent feedback, even when you feel awkward. After the talk, Modupe shares useful tips on how to share constructive criticism. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https:...

Jul 15, 202420 min

Why the world needs more builders — and less "us vs. them" | Daniel Lubetzky

We're programmed to think every issue is binary: "us vs. them." But Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND Snacks, says the real enemy isn't a person but a mindset. He introduces a new initiative that aims to bring together "builders" from around the world to replace extremism with practical problem-solving — and shows how you can join the movement. After the talk, Modupe poses critical questions on what it means to build together. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ...

Jul 08, 202416 min

Why the "wrong side of the tracks" is usually the east side of cities | Stephen DeBerry

What do communities on the social, economic and environmental margins have in common? For one thing, they tend to be on the east sides of cities. In this short talk about a surprising insight, anthropologist and venture capitalist Stephen DeBerry explains how both environmental and man-made factors have led to disparity by design in cities from East Palo Alto, California to East Jerusalem and beyond — and suggests some elegant solutions to fix it. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fi...

Jul 01, 202411 min

5 parenting tips for raising self-reliant kids | Tameka Montgomery

How do you raise kids to step outside of their comfort zones and unlock their inner potential? This week we're revisiting a talk by mother and business owner Tameka Montgomery who 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 t...

Jun 24, 202422 min

The art of persuasive storytelling | Kelly D. Parker

"Storytelling is one of the most powerful marketing and leadership tools there is," says communications expert Kelly D. Parker. She explains how stories make proposals of all kinds more memorable — and shows how you can craft a compelling narrative to connect, persuade and drive meaningful action. After the talk, Modupe shares how she uses storytelling at work. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Learn more about T...

Jun 17, 202417 min

What you can do to stop economic crime | Hanjo Seibert

It might sound like the plot of a movie, but economic crime is all around us — from drug trafficking and fraud to cybercrimes, tax evasion and more. Economic crime fighter Hanjo Seibert breaks down the complexities of money laundering and how we can all wield our collective power to dismantle the underworld economy and turn off the money tap for criminals. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Learn more about TED Ne...

Jun 10, 202412 min

How to make stress your friend (from A Slight Change of Plans)

This is an episode of A Slight Change of Plans, a podcast we think you'll enjoy hosted by former TED speaker Maya Shankar. Modupe shares why a simple change in our mindset can turn short-term stress into a helpful resource -- and offers strategies to better understand, and cope with, stress. If you liked this episode, check out A Slight Change of Plans wherever you get your podcasts. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/...

Jun 09, 202432 min

My epic journey becoming the fastest person to paddle around Australia | Bonnie Hancock

What challenges lie ahead of a staggering 12,700-kilometer paddle around the entire continent of Australia? Crocodiles and sharks were just the beginning, says Ironwoman Bonnie Hancock. Reflecting on her remarkable feat of becoming the fastest person to paddle around Australia, she shares lessons on perseverance, resilience and finding meaning in life's toughest moments. After the talk, Modupe shares tips on how to keep your spirits high when faced with obstacles. Want to help shape TED’s shows ...

Jun 03, 202414 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. Wa...

May 27, 202417 min

A comedian's take on how to save democracy | Jordan Klepper

Conversation is a battlefield with only one winner. Or is it? Comedian and author Jordan Klepper believes we can get better at talking to each other (and perhaps save democracy) by learning how to lose. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 20, 202410 min
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