TED Business
TED
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 @mnakinola and LinkedIn @mnakinola Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 10, 2025 • 24min
Tech Solutions (#1): The affordable tech that will revolutionize farming (with Samir Ibrahim and Josephine Waweru)
Samir Ibrahim, CEO of SunCulture, discusses how the company develops affordable solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. He highlights the importance of listening to farmers' needs and navigating early funding challenges. Josephine Waweru, a smallholder farmer from Kenya, shares her transformative experience after installing a solar pump. She reveals how it eliminated diesel costs, expanded her farm, and inspired neighbors to adopt the technology, all while encouraging young people to see farming as a viable opportunity.
9 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 12min
A bold idea to rebuild the working class | Molly Hemstreet
Molly Hemstreet, a TED Fellow and co-founder of the Industrial Commons, is revolutionizing rural economies in Southern Appalachia through worker ownership and sustainable textiles. In this engaging talk, she discusses transforming textile waste into valuable yarn and emphasizing the importance of empowering local workers. Molly also highlights her journey in founding Opportunity Threads, an employee-owned textile company, and shares inspiring stories of worker leadership. Her vision for generational change focuses on deep community care as the foundation for economic power.
9 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 13min
The world's first "nature superpower" | Ilona Szabó de Carvalho
Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, a civic entrepreneur dedicated to combating deforestation, shares her vision of Brazil as a 'nature superpower.' She reveals how Brazil seeks to profit from protecting its environment, addressing the massive illegal deforestation crisis and its connections to global crime. Ilona discusses innovative solutions like satellite forest mappings and community-driven bioeconomies. Her initiative, Greenbridge, inspires a future where nature is central to national identity, aiming to turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
19 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 42min
Brené Brown on courageous leadership | from ReThinking with Adam Grant
Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author, dives into the heart of courageous leadership and her new book, Strong Ground. She shares powerful insights on identifying core values and the essential role of vulnerability in leadership. Listeners will learn about the value of hard conversations, how to replace gossip with direct dialogue, and the importance of self-awareness. Brené also draws lessons from FBI negotiators to enhance emotional resonance in communication, making this discussion a treasure trove for aspiring leaders.
47 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 14min
A traditional job isn’t the only path to success | TED Talks Daily
Anuj Tanna, a social entrepreneur and cofounder of Mesh, dives into the transformative potential of Africa's informal economy. He challenges the stereotype of the 'jobless generation' by highlighting how young entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the economy. Tanna discusses shifting identity from 'jobless' to 'entrepreneur' and emphasizes the importance of trust and community in peer-to-peer commerce. He also argues for real-world learning tailored to informal sectors, presenting Mesh as a vital platform for fostering economic growth and resilience.
Oct 9, 2025 • 27min
How Texas became America’s biggest producer of wind energy | Speed & Scale
Join Pat Wood, former chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission, as he shares how Texas transitioned from an oil powerhouse to the leading wind energy producer in the U.S. He discusses the critical role of innovative policies and public support in transforming perceptions about renewables. Wood recounts pivotal moments, like Governor Bush's influence and the 1999 Renewable Portfolio Standard. The conversation highlights how strategic transmission investments not only made wind energy feasible but also reduced emissions significantly.
10 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 16min
How to get people to do what you want | Barry Sonnenfeld
Barry Sonnenfeld, renowned director of hits like Men in Black and The Addams Family, shares insights from his impressive 40-year career. He discusses how embracing pessimism helps enhance creativity and the art of subtle comedy. Sonnenfeld emphasizes the importance of punctuality and advises against traditional career paths. He recounts playful strategies to handle bullies and advocates for clear communication in decision-making. Through humor and wisdom, he illustrates the power of adaptability in filmmaking and life.
16 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 16min
Why good people become bad bosses | Jamie Woolf and Christopher Bell
In this insightful discussion, leadership experts Jamie Woolf and Christopher Bell explore why even good people can morph into bad bosses. Jamie, renowned for her work on power dynamics, shares her personal journey of realizing her shortcomings as a manager. Christopher tackles the concept of power blindness, illustrating how authority distorts perceptions and silences feedback. Together, they offer practical strategies for nurturing vulnerable leadership and actionable self-reflection exercises to help prevent toxic behaviors in the workplace.
23 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 19min
The most powerful predictor of team success | Rafael Chiuzi
Rafael Chiuzi, an organizational psychologist and TEDx speaker, dives into the concept of psychological safety in teams. He discusses how childhood fears of speaking up can resurface in the workplace, stifling creativity and communication. Chiuzi outlines three actionable steps to create an environment where curiosity thrives: leadership role-modeling, monitoring silence signals in meetings, and fostering safety in personal lives too. With real-world examples from Chernobyl and Boeing, he makes a compelling case for breaking the silence barrier.
Sep 15, 2025 • 22min
A story of moral imagination and bold entrepreneurship | Sitoyo Lopokoiyit in conversation with Jacqueline Novogratz
Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CEO of M-PESA, and Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO of Acumen, dive into the transformative power of moral imagination in entrepreneurship. They discuss how M-PESA became a fintech giant, handling a vast portion of Kenya’s GDP and promoting financial inclusion. Their conversation highlights the importance of empathy and ethical decision-making, illustrating how innovative platforms can uplift underserved communities. They also touch on integrating technology with local needs, emphasizing the role of social entrepreneurship in creating sustainable success.
