TED Talks Daily The 7 pillars of unlocking potential | Anirudh Krishna
85 snips
Mar 10, 2025 
Anirudh Krishna, a public policy professor focused on economic inequality, dives into the concept of 'talent ladders'—structured pathways designed to unlock individual potential. He shares compelling stories, like a gifted young boy from India, illustrating the disparities between talent and opportunity. Krishna outlines seven essential pillars for nurturing potential, emphasizing the vital role of role models, supportive systems, and local engagement. His insights reveal how investing in talent across socio-economic backgrounds can lead to a thriving society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Chandru's Untapped Potential
- Anirudh Krishna met Chandru, a boy with a talent for math, in India.
- Despite his brilliance, Chandru's father believed he had no chance of becoming an engineer due to their circumstances.
Talent vs. Opportunity
- Krishna discovered that no one in Chandru's village had achieved high-level professions.
- This sparked his research into why talent often goes unrecognized and unrewarded despite being widespread.
Talent Ladders
- Krishna introduces the concept of "talent ladders" to address the inequality of opportunity.
- He uses Jamaican sprinters, including Usain Bolt, as an example of how talent ladders can nurture potential.