Talks at Google

Asma Khan, an Indian-born British chef and advocate for social change in the food industry, shares her culinary journey from academic to restaurateur. She discusses her book 'Monsoon', revealing the modular nature of Indian cooking and the communal joy it fosters during seasonal festivals. Asma emphasizes the vital role of women in culinary traditions while tackling societal biases. She also highlights the emotional connections food creates, showcasing how it strengthens community ties and cultural identity in the ever-evolving landscape of the culinary world.

Bert Jacobs, co-founder of Life is Good, shares his inspiring journey from street vendor to a $150 million brand promoting optimism. He reflects on how his mother's positivity shaped their family's resilience. Bert discusses the transformative power of humor and hope in t-shirt design during challenging times, and the importance of nurturing personal relationships within a business. He also delves into navigating optimism after trauma, emphasizing a genuine outlook that balances challenges with positivity.

Join behavioral economist Richard Thaler, Nobel Prize winner and professor at the University of Chicago, as he dives into the nuances of decision-making. Discover how our choices are influenced by the presentation of options and the idea of 'nudging' to improve decisions without limiting freedom. Thaler discusses the evolution of behavioral economics, new workplace strategies like 'nudge' and 'sludge,' and even the importance of teaching probability in schools. His insights bridge economics and human behavior, revealing innovative ways to navigate life's choices.

Join Sahil Bloom, an entrepreneur and author of the bestselling book, 'The 5 Types of Wealth,' as he delves into the true meaning of wealth beyond money. He emphasizes the importance of time, social connections, and mental health, urging listeners to redefine success on their terms. Sahil shares intriguing stories contrasting the lives of an investment banker and a fisherman, and discusses finding balance in work and life. He also explores the role of AI in creative storytelling and reflects on meaningful relationships and mortality.

In this engaging conversation, Josh Peck, actor known for his role in Drake & Josh and author of *Happy People Are Annoying*, opens up about the darker sides of childhood fame. He shares his battle with self-worth, addiction, and the struggles of transitioning from a duo to a solo artist. Peck also humorously reflects on the comfort of ice cream during the pandemic and discusses the challenges of social media identity. With authenticity, he emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships and personal growth in finding true happiness.

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, an award-winning behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor, dives into the intricate world of conversations. She discusses her book, revealing how little adjustments can strengthen relationships. Topics include the balance of preparation and spontaneity in dialogue, the essentials of her TALK framework, and strategies for fostering lightness in communication. Dr. Brooks also explores navigating disagreements, the role of technology in social interactions, and tips for engaging those with diverse interests.

Gretchen Rubin, a leading voice on happiness and author of 'Life in Five Senses,' shares her journey into sensory engagement. She discusses practical ways to reconnect with our surroundings to enhance daily life. The conversation dives into mindfulness through all five senses, personal identity evolution, and the art of listening for deeper connections. Rubin also highlights neglected senses for personal growth and the impact of taste on memories. Listeners are encouraged to embrace seasonal sensations to enrich their experiences.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an award-winning neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, discusses her book, "Tiny Experiments." She challenges the conventional linear notion of success and proposes a circular model of growth. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing curiosity and experimentation in both personal and professional life. Anne encourages self-observation for enhanced emotional understanding and introduces the concept of self-anthropology to help individuals track their experiences and foster meaningful change.

In her 18 years at Google, Jenny Wood grew from entry-level to executive and ran a large operations team that helped drive billions of revenue per year. She is the founder of Own Your Career, one of the largest career programs in Google’s history with over 50,000 people benefitting in nearly 100 countries. Jenny's work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Forbes. Now, Jenny’s back at Google to discuss her book, “Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It.” "Wild Courage" coaches you to smash through your fear of discomfort, failure, and the judgement of others, and to embrace your boldest self. The book is an empowering and energizing guide to embracing your ambition and chasing after what you want. Watch this episode at youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle.

Marcus Collins, a Professor at the University of Michigan and former Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden & Kennedy, dives into how cultural subscriptions drive our purchasing choices and shape personal identity. He discusses the evolution of branding, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the digital age. Collins also explores the intersection of technology and culture, predicting future cultural influencers and advocating for a personal brand rooted in genuine service. His insights reveal the critical role culture plays in both consumer behavior and societal norms.