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 at @mnakinola and on LinkedIn at @mnakinola Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Traditional economic metrics like GDP fail to capture the actual aspirations and life goals of citizens. Instead of focusing solely on productivity and financial growth, nations should measure "dreams"—the personal ambitions and fulfillment of their people. Research conducted in the Philippines reveals that citizens pr...
Negotiation functions as a method of steering relationships rather than a zero-sum battle over resources. Effective negotiation begins with the "mirror," a self-reflective process of identifying personal priorities and past successes before engaging with others. Curiosity serves as a primary tool, where open-ended ques...
Growth and development require receiving difficult feedback from those who care about us, yet our natural defensiveness often prevents us from hearing it. Leadership expert Chris Wheatley advocates for actively soliciting specific feedback to improve personal and professional relationships. By implementing the TACT fra...
The "messy middle" represents the challenging, often discouraging phase of any significant transformation journey where initial optimism fades and the final goal remains distant. Embracing this period is essential, as it signals bold ambition and progress toward meaningful change. To navigate these transitions, focus o...
Management remains a fundamentally human endeavor centered on judgment, relational nuance, and the ability to articulate what success looks like. While AI can amplify productivity by automating repetitive tasks, it risks creating low-quality "slop" when used without thoughtful human input. Effective managers leverage A...
Creative accomplishment often provides only a fleeting sense of satisfaction, leaving many in a cycle of restless pursuit for the next milestone. This phenomenon stems from an over-reliance on external validation—such as awards, sales, or public recognition—which ultimately fails to sustain long-term fulfillment. True ...
Purpose at work functions as the "why" behind individual choices, serving as a source of resilience and focus rather than a soft, abstract concept. Moving beyond the "proving phase"—where career decisions are driven by external validation or a desire to be remembered—requires shifting toward work that aligns with one's...
Purpose serves as a vital stabilizing force in an era of rapid change and institutional disruption. Rather than relying on traditional career scripts or prestige markers, individuals must cultivate internal agency by aligning their work with specific, meaningful problems. This approach requires investing in "hidden cap...
The global AI race requires more than just technological superiority; it demands a robust human capital strategy to prevent widespread workforce displacement and social instability. Relying on outdated "one-and-done" education models threatens economic progress, as millions of workers face vulnerability to automation. ...
Effective science communication relies on capturing attention before attempting to teach complex concepts. By "hiding the vegetables"—integrating rigorous scientific principles into high-stakes, entertaining experiments like glitter bombs or obstacle courses—educators can bypass the boredom associated with traditional ...
Career excellence stems from continuous, obsessive learning, which functions as an output of deep fascination rather than a forced input. When individuals pursue work that genuinely fascinates them, they acquire knowledge effortlessly, gaining energy rather than depleting it. This artisan mindset distinguishes high ach...
Sedentary behavior in the modern digital era poses significant health risks, including increased susceptibility to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, which cannot be fully mitigated by a single daily workout. Physiologist Keith Diaz, who led the "Body Electric" citizen science study, demonstrates that muscles functio...
Vulnerability in the workplace serves as a critical catalyst for psychological safety and improved team performance. Adam Whybrew, a director at BCG, details his personal struggle with anxiety and depression, demonstrating that sharing these experiences openly dismantles the stigma surrounding mental health. By moving ...
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