TED Talks Daily

Piyachart Phiromswad, an economist dedicated to addressing workplace ageism, dives into the innovative technologies that can empower older workers. He discusses the impact of exoskeletons and robotic arms in overcoming physical barriers and highlights the importance of remote work. Phiromswad emphasizes the need to shift societal perceptions of aging, advocating for solutions that not only benefit seniors but enhance the overall workforce. His insights reveal how embracing these technologies can transform the employment landscape for everyone.

Dasha Navalnaya, the daughter of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, shares her powerful narrative shaped by her father's activism against corruption. She recounts the harrowing experience of her father's poisoning and ongoing imprisonment. Dasha highlights the oppressive nature of government surveillance and the need for collective action against authoritarian regimes. Her story emphasizes the importance of courage, resilience, and the fight for democracy, urging listeners to appreciate and defend their freedoms.

Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Director of the Office of Science at the US Department of Energy, focuses on innovative strategies to combat climate change. She introduces the concept of 'Energy Earthshots,' aiming to fast-track groundbreaking solutions, from advancing nature-based solutions to developing new technologies. Berhe emphasizes the critical need for equitable policies rooted in science. With a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, she likens the challenge to a modern moonshot, highlighting the necessity for collective action.

Rebecca Hines, Head of the Work Innovation Lab at Asana, tackles the issue of meeting overload that plagues many workplaces. She shares insights into the science behind improving meetings and combating inefficiencies. The discussion highlights the importance of intentionality—framing meetings around key questions and rotating leadership to boost engagement. The ‘Meeting Doomsday’ initiative from Asana showcases radical strategies to cut down on unnecessary meetings, ultimately fostering a more productive work culture. Tune in to discover actionable solutions to make meetings more effective!

Ian Bremmer, President of the Eurasia Group and a leading voice on global political risks, dives deep into the recent Hamas attacks on Israel. He unpacks the historical roots of the conflict and explores how the current situation could reshape Middle Eastern alliances. Bremmer discusses the critical misinformation in media coverage and highlights the human cost of escalating violence. He also addresses the U.S. role in global responses and the complex dynamics that could impact long-term peace efforts for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Nicos Marcou, an HR leader known for his innovative approach to hiring, challenges the outdated reliance on resumes in recruitment. He uncovers the historical absurdity of these documents and discusses how they can misrepresent candidates' true talents. Marcou highlights the limitations of traditional resumes amidst evolving job markets and advocates for alternatives like online assessments and portfolios. His insights aim to foster a more inclusive hiring process that values skills over static formats.

Carlos Rodríguez-Pastor, the visionary founder of Intercorp, is on a mission to transform Peru through impactful business initiatives. He discusses how his company is building schools and healthcare clinics, addressing the pressing challenges in education and health for the growing middle class. Rodríguez-Pastor highlights the power of public-private partnerships, illustrated by a newly constructed bridge after decades of planning. His inspiring belief is that every individual has the potential to drive meaningful change in their community.

Amy Powney, a visionary fashion designer, shines a light on the dark side of the fashion industry and its environmental toll. She urges a shift towards sustainability, urging listeners to rethink their clothing choices. Powney highlights the exploitation of workers and the importance of ethical sourcing. She champions a circular fashion model, emphasizing that our connection to clothing should extend beyond mere labels. This conversation invites us all to join in protecting the planet while still enjoying fashion.

Tavares Strachan, a conceptual artist renowned for spotlighting overlooked narratives, dives into his latest project, the Encyclopedia of Invisibility. He talks about reclaiming lost histories and his transformative journey from the Bahamas to the North Pole. Strachan emphasizes the importance of documenting untold stories, highlighting figures like Robert Smalls and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. His work challenges us to connect with these hidden tales and recognize their significance in our cultural fabric.

Shankar Vendantam, a journalist and host of Hidden Brain, dives into the concept of the 'illusion of continuity.' He shares captivating stories that reveal how we often wrongly assume our future selves will mirror our current perspectives. Vendantam challenges listeners to embrace the fluid nature of identity, especially after life changes like the pandemic. He emphasizes the power of curiosity and courage in shaping who we will become, and explores the pitfalls of affective forecasting in predicting our emotional futures.