TED Business

Adriana Galván, a neuroscientist specializing in adolescent brain development, shares insights into why embracing a teen mindset can enrich adult life. She reveals three key lessons from teenagers, such as their remarkable ability to take strategic risks and challenge the status quo. Adriana highlights the strengths of adolescents, like resilience and creativity, encouraging listeners to embrace uncertainty as a pathway to personal growth. With a mix of science and anecdotes, she inspires everyone to channel their inner teen for a bolder, more adventurous life.

Margaux Miller, a networking expert, shares her expertise on making genuine connections online. She emphasizes quality over quantity in digital interactions, providing six practical tips to enhance relationship-building. Learn how to engage meaningfully through personalized outreach, like thoughtful emails, instead of just focusing on follower counts. Margaux highlights the importance of reciprocity and intentionality in networking, ensuring that listeners leave with actionable advice for both personal and professional growth.

Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation, dives into revolutionary business practices that prioritize impact over profit. He discusses how salad dressing symbolizes the power of consumer choices to reshape capitalism. With a focus on the pitfalls of greenwashing, Amouyel stresses the importance of researching corporate missions. The conversation highlights the foundation's commitment to donating all profits and advocates for social responsibility as a key component of successful business models.

In this engaging session, leadership coach Amy Shoenthal shares her insights on navigating setbacks, drawing from her personal journeys. She introduces the 'setback cycle', illustrating how challenges can lead to reinvention and success. Amy discusses the importance of trust, both in personal growth and healthcare, and emphasizes transforming hardships into learning opportunities. With actionable strategies, she encourages listeners to embrace obstacles as catalysts for resilience and community support.

Raja Rajamannar, CMO at Mastercard and author of 'Quantum Marketing,' is a trailblazer in purpose-driven marketing. He shares innovative initiatives like 'touch cards' for the visually impaired and new debit cards for name customization, showcasing how businesses can merge profit with positive societal impact. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of marketing when it aligns with a greater good, inspiring listeners to rethink traditional marketing strategies and encourage inclusivity in branding.

Jenny Chase, a researcher with two decades in the solar industry, reveals how solar power is rapidly displacing fossil fuels worldwide. She discusses the dramatic drop in costs and the surprising rise of solar energy in unexpected markets. Chase shares insights into the transformative effect of affordable solar solutions, particularly in developing countries like Rwanda and Pakistan. She urges a rethink of renewable energy's role in fighting climate change, encouraging listeners to envision a sustainable future powered by the sun.

Aaron Perzanowski, a legal scholar focused on the right to repair, sheds light on how companies hinder consumer efforts to fix their products. He discusses the detrimental effects of planned obsolescence and its role in driving waste. The restrictive practice of parts pairing limits repairs, leaving consumers frustrated and reliant on expensive new purchases. Perzanowski also emphasizes the emergence of community repair movements, urging listeners to advocate for transparency and repair-friendly policies in a world dominated by consumerism.

Dare to be bad! The hosts discuss embracing mediocrity to fuel growth in more important areas. They dive into the courage needed to prioritize and say no while highlighting how strategic underperformance has led to innovation, citing Steve Jobs as an example. Financial awareness and the challenges of executing straightforward ideas are explored, alongside the balancing act of work and motherhood, emphasizing conscious trade-offs for a fulfilling life.

Simone Stolzoff, a writer and author of "The Good Enough Job," dives into the dilemma of letting work define our identities. She discusses the importance of creating 'time sanctuaries' for personal interests, arguing that hobbies can nourish our sense of self. The conversation touches on finding balance through experiences like meditation retreats, which offer clarity on personal values beyond professional roles. Modupe shares her insights on how meditation enriches her identity outside of work, making for a compelling exploration of work-life dynamics.

Molly Graham, a dynamic company and community builder, emphasizes the importance of risk-taking in career growth. She challenges the traditional corporate ladder, advocating for embracing vulnerability and exploring unconventional paths. Molly shares three key skills to cultivate confidence and foster healthy professional relationships. Additionally, Modupe reflects on her transition from consulting to academia, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship in her journey. This conversation inspires listeners to redefine success and embrace their unique journeys.