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
4 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 56min
What 2025 Taught Us—And Where 2026 Is Taking Us
The discussion kicks off with unique party ideas, like foot massages and sound baths. Experts delve into rethinking growth and sustainability, highlighting innovations that cut carbon emissions. A fascinating debate emerges over AI's role in education and emotional support. The chat turns to urban wildlife, spotlighting Singapore's otters and their coexistence with humans. Predictions on CRISPR advancements and the urgent need for climate-conscious tech choices cap off a thought-provoking exploration of future challenges and solutions.
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 25min
Stephen J. Dubner | from Design Matters
Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning journalist and co-creator of Freakonomics, dives into the origins of his curiosity-driven storytelling. He shares memories from his childhood on a farm that shaped his perspective and recounts the journey of reclaiming his Jewish identity. Dubner reflects on the role of courage in creativity and contrasts reputation with character through personal anecdotes, like his interactions with childhood hero Franco Harris. He also teases new projects, including a radio series on horses and a TV show debuting in 2026.
7 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 15min
Why we need to know our lives matter | Jennifer Wallace
In this engaging discussion, journalist Jennifer Wallace explores the vital concept of 'mattering.' She shares poignant stories from her research with firefighters and caregivers, illustrating how a lack of recognition can harm morale and mental health. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of small acts of acknowledgment, like checking in on others, to rebuild our sense of purpose. She also highlights how supportive relationships are crucial for resilience and offers a practical formula to help individuals reclaim their purpose in life.
4 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 14min
Most countries fail at clean energy. Here’s how mine succeeded | Sebastián Kind
Sebastián Kind, an energy expert who led Argentina's impressive shift to nearly 40% renewable energy, shares his insights from this remarkable journey. He reveals how the success wasn't just about technology but about smart legal and financial frameworks that attracted billions in investments. Kind discusses the importance of bipartisan support in crafting renewable laws, the strategic measures that protected investors, and the game-changing savings for the economy. He also shares how other countries can replicate Argentina's breakthrough approach to clean energy.
15 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 13min
What sex, soap and alcohol taught me about making an impact | Myriam Sidibe
Myriam Sidibe, a public health expert and founder of Brands on a Mission, shares insights from her work on large-scale hygiene campaigns. She challenges businesses to shift from superficial philanthropy to sustainable social impact, using Lifebuoy's hygiene program as a model. Myriam discusses an innovative campaign by Carling Black Label tackling toxic masculinity and highlights the AI voice project 'Fatima' to amplify girls' voices. She emphasizes that lasting change comes from commitment and strategic alignment in business.
16 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 12min
Tax the rich — and save the planet | from TED Talks Daily
Esther Duflo, a Nobel Prize-winning economist renowned for her work on poverty, tackles the urgent climate crisis with a bold proposal: taxing the ultra-wealthy. She reveals that rising temperatures disproportionately impact poorer nations, costing them approximately $1.7 trillion annually due to greenhouse gas emissions. Duflo suggests a 3% wealth tax on the richest individuals to raise vital funds and emphasizes public support for such measures. She advocates for direct cash transfers to affected communities, promoting resilience and social safety nets.
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.
17 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.
