The Best One Yet

💡 “Ideas = Currency” — TED Talks’ CEO audition. Costco’s girl math. ‘Musking’ the US Gov’t.

Feb 10, 2025

The search for a new CEO for TED Talks reveals its transformation into a media giant. Elon Musk's latest disruptive innovations introduce the term 'Musking' for his approaches to government. Costco enhances employee compensation, doubling average wages to boost employee loyalty and customer satisfaction. Meanwhile, a staggering 22 million Americans called in sick for Super Bowl Mondays, highlighting quirky trends in workforce attendance. Dive into these intriguing discussions that mix economics, business strategies, and a bit of fun!

22:47

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Quick takeaways

TED Talks' evolution from an exclusive event to a prominent media enterprise illustrates the significance of ideas as a valuable currency.

Costco's strategic wage increase to $30 an hour exemplifies their commitment to employee retention and improved customer service.

Deep dives

TED Talks: Evolving into a Media Business

TED Talks is currently seeking a new CEO, opening up applications to anyone with a vision for its future. Originating from a simple idea, TED has transformed from an exclusive event for wealthy patrons into a significant media enterprise, generating around $100 million annually. The history of TED Talks illustrates its dual focus on idea-sharing and revenue generation, leveraging a variety of formats including the annual conference and TEDx franchises. This evolution highlights the power of ideas as a currency in the professional world, where engaging and insightful content fosters social and professional value.

Intro

3min

Innovation and Impact: The TED Talks Evolution

14min

Costco's Remarkable Employee Pay Strategy

4min

Economic Insights and Quirky Trends

2min

Celebrating Community and Travel Insights

3min

TED Talks needs a new CEO… but TED is actually the deepest media biz we’ve ever seen.

Elon’s mission to disrupt the government hit a new level, that requires a new term… “Musking.”

Costco is now paying workers 2x the average… it’s the cost that pays for itself.

Plus, a record 22M Americans called in sick today (got a case of the Super Bowl Mondays).

$COST $WMT $SPY

Want more business storytelling from us? Check out the latest episode of our new weekly deepdive show: The untold origin story of… Monopoly 🎩. Subscribe to The Best Idea Yet: Wondery.fm/TheBestIdeaYetLinks to listen.

“The Best Idea Yet”: The untold origin stories of the products you’re obsessed with — From the McDonald’s Happy Meal to Birkenstock’s sandal to Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers to Sriracha. New 45-minute episodes drop weekly.

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