TED Business

Nikolaus S. Lang, an international business consultant known for his insights on a multipolar world, discusses how leaders can navigate shifting global geopolitics. He shares five essential strategies to enhance geopolitical awareness, emphasizing the need for adaptability and resilience. Lang highlights the importance of understanding emerging coalitions and the rise of middle powers like India and Indonesia. He underscores the necessity for businesses to prioritize areas such as cybersecurity and supply chains to thrive in an evolving landscape.

Daniel Hallak, an executive coach, shares refreshing insights on networking that emphasizes relationship investment over transactions. He advocates for a mindset shift, focusing on giving rather than taking, which can make connections feel authentic. Hallak discusses the anxiety of networking post-graduation and how fostering generous relationships can lead to better opportunities. He encourages listeners to nurture their networks like gardens, reflecting on how to broaden professional circles for inclusive growth.

In this discussion, Saamra Mekuria-Grillo, a CEO passionate about uplifting emerging Black entrepreneurs, challenges the stereotype of the typical entrepreneur. She emphasizes the necessity for young Black individuals to envision entrepreneurship as attainable. Saamra shares her personal journey into entrepreneurship at 39 and highlights the importance of representation and mentorship. She also underscores how social networks can impact entrepreneurial success, advocating for more inclusive support systems to empower future innovators.

Agnes Kalibata, an agricultural scientist and policymaker, advocates for empowering smallholder farmers to combat hunger and climate change. She shares personal experiences from Uganda, emphasizing the pivotal role of improved seed varieties. Kalibata discusses how climate resilience and market access can transform farmers' lives, reduce poverty, and enhance food security in East Africa. Her insights highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices that not only nourish communities but also protect the planet.

Mark Abraham, a senior partner at BCG and founder of their personalization business, shares his expertise on the transformative power of personalization in the AI era. He discusses the crucial difference between true personalization and mere customization, highlighting successful examples from Netflix and Starbucks. Abraham emphasizes a 'less is more' approach that enhances customer satisfaction and trust. He also explores how effective personalization can strengthen leadership and foster meaningful connections within teams, promoting a positive workplace culture.

Henna Pryor, a workplace performance expert, emphasizes the importance of embracing awkward moments for personal and professional growth. She discusses overcoming the 'cringe chasm,' the gap between self-perception and others' views, and how taking risks can lead to success. Henna shares strategies to overcome the fear of seeking approval, promoting self-advocacy and authenticity in the workplace. She encourages listeners to lean into discomfort and vulnerability, making small risks a path to enhancement in both work and life.

In this engaging conversation, negotiation expert Alex Carter, a United Nations trainer, shares transformative strategies for effective discussions. She emphasizes the importance of approaching negotiations as relationship-building rather than conflict. With humor, she recounts a kayaking adventure to illustrate teamwork's role in successful outcomes. Alex highlights the art of asking open-ended questions, using silence strategically, and the power of curiosity to uncover needs. Her insights make negotiating for what you deserve feel more approachable and collaborative.

Zeynep Ton, a professor at MIT Sloan and co-founder of the Good Jobs Institute, champions the transformative power of fair wages for essential workers. She argues that categorizing every job as a 'good job' enhances employee satisfaction and productivity. Highlighting examples like Costco, Ton illustrates how investing in employee well-being leads to sustainable business success. Moreover, she calls for a shift in focus from just recruiting new talent to nurturing existing staff, promoting growth through fair compensation and meaningful training.

Jay Bailey, an advocate for Black-owned businesses, discusses the problem of belonging in entrepreneurship. He shares how a chance encounter ignited his own journey and emphasizes the importance of belief in unlocking potential. Through childhood stories, Jay highlights the role of ownership and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in underserved communities. He also focuses on resilience, authenticity, and the need for supportive spaces that foster creativity and self-discovery. His inspiring insights encourage listeners to overcome self-doubt and explore their true talents.

Mohan Sivaloganathan, a youth empowerment advocate and nonprofit CEO, passionately discusses the essence of leadership as action rather than a title. He emphasizes the importance of listening to young voices in shaping effective leadership and educational discourse. Sivaloganathan shares insights from his early career, highlighting how young leaders are combating censorship and driving change through innovation and empathy. Modupe also reflects on evolving leadership styles post-pandemic, underscoring the need for intergenerational dialogue.