TED Business

Marielle Remillard, a climate strategist, discusses the looming material shortages for the future energy grid. She identifies that the demand for billions of solar panels and millions of wind turbines presents both critical challenges and massive business opportunities. Remillard emphasizes the transition to net-zero emissions and the importance of innovation in materials. She urges entrepreneurs to get involved in climate solutions, highlighting successful strategies from companies paving the way for sustainable growth.

Dawn Burrell, an Olympic athlete turned celebrated chef and James Beard Award semifinalist, shares her inspiring journey of career transformation. She discusses redefining success, finding joy in cooking, and the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth. Dawn reflects on the emotional connections food fosters, the challenges of transitioning from athletics to culinary arts, and the vital role of self-belief in pursuing new passions. Her journey highlights resilience and the power of personal reinvention.

Davonte Green, a youth advocate and leadership coach, redefines masculinity by challenging traditional stereotypes. He emphasizes that emotional intelligence and self-control are crucial for modern men. During the discussion, he highlights the importance of vulnerability and articulating feelings to foster personal growth. Davonte shares insights from his work in a men's prison, where participants confront their past actions, showcasing the significant consequences of manhood driven by aggression. Listeners are encouraged to embrace emotional awareness and community for deeper connections.

Fenton Lutunatabua, a passionate storyteller working with climate activists across the Pacific, emphasizes the urgent need for new narratives in the climate movement. He shares powerful stories of communities on the front lines, fighting against climate change rather than remaining passive victims. Lutunatabua discusses how personal experiences shape these narratives and the role of youth groups like the Pacific Climate Warriors in empowering resilience. He advocates for narrative leadership to amplify the voices of those affected, inspiring collective action toward a sustainable future.

In this enlightening discussion, healthcare leader Sarah Crawford-Bohl shares her insights on overcoming the fear of speaking up. She offers a compassionate framework for engaging in difficult conversations, emphasizing empathy and accountability. Listeners learn about the transformative power of advocacy, especially in healthcare settings. Through personal anecdotes, Sarah illustrates how leaders can foster open dialogue and navigate tough topics with clarity and heart, ultimately driving stronger teams and genuine connections.

Lamin Jassey, an environmental activist and community leader from The Gambia, reveals the catastrophic effects of industrial fish meal factories on local waters and livelihoods. He illustrates how these factories have led to the depletion of fish resources, devastating community health and economic stability. Lamin shares powerful stories of community activism in the fight against overfishing and corporate practices, stressing the importance of governmental engagement and sustainable fishing to reclaim their futures.

In this engaging discussion, management consultant Rosie Sargeant shares her insights on creating joyful workplace cultures. She emphasizes that companies will thrive when employees enjoy their work, offering innovative tips like playful check-ins to boost morale. Rosie also highlights how embracing both joy and frustration fosters meaningful coworker connections, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction. With examples from successful companies, she reveals how fun at work isn't just a perk—it's a path to higher retention and better customer experiences.

Daniella Ballou-Aares, Founder of the Leadership Now Project, champions the role of business leaders in protecting democracy. She discusses the critical need for companies to engage in civic activities, especially in an era of rising authoritarianism. The conversation highlights how proactive involvement not only safeguards democratic values but also benefits business sustainability. Ballou-Aares emphasizes the power of public-private partnerships in fostering trust and calls for inclusivity among leaders to uphold democratic principles.

Kristy Ellmer, a change leader and executive known for her work on motivating people through transitions, shares her insights on embracing change. She highlights how even difficult transitions like layoffs can lead to unexpected opportunities. With tools from behavioral science, she encourages shifting mindsets to navigate uncertainty. Kristy underscores the importance of discussing personal motivators within teams to foster resilience and adaptiveness during change, emphasizing that embracing uncertainty can pave the way for growth.

Amanda Schneider, a researcher specializing in workplace design and Gen Z insights, discusses how young professionals are reshaping the future of work. She reveals that Gen Z favors flexibility over traditional career paths, aiming for a more inclusive work culture. Schneider shares data-driven insights, debunking myths about this generation while highlighting their values of transparency and innovation. Modupe adds that exploring the question, 'what's the point?' can lead to exciting new opportunities in today's evolving work landscape.