TED Business

Valerie Montgomery Rice, the president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to a leadership role in medicine. She discusses vital qualities like vigilance, grit, and resilience, learned from her childhood in Georgia. Valerie emphasizes turning fear into empowerment, advocating for women's rights, and fostering diversity. Her personal anecdotes encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences and realize the transformative power of embracing courage in their leadership journeys.

Marion Campan, an entrepreneur focused on corporate cultures, shares her insights on evaluating company environments before accepting job offers. She emphasizes the critical importance of culture over salary, providing practical tips to assess alignment with personal values. The discussion highlights alarming engagement statistics and introduces strategies to combat quiet quitting. Listeners learn how to ask the right questions during interviews to uncover the true essence of a company's culture, ultimately fostering joy and satisfaction at work.

Michael Timms, a leadership expert specializing in self-accountability, delves into the power of personal responsibility in this insightful discussion. He outlines three key habits that not only foster self-accountability but also empower others, promoting positive change at home and work. Timms highlights the pitfalls of the blame game and the importance of viewing mistakes as learning opportunities. Alongside Modupe’s guidance on self-acceptance, this conversation inspires listeners to rethink their approach to leadership and collaboration.

Join Paolo Gaudiano, a social entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, as he dives into the pitfalls of current DEI strategies. He explains how many companies misstep by focusing too narrowly on one aspect of DEI, leading to backlash and turnover. Gaudiano advocates for a holistic approach that balances all three elements to foster thriving workplaces and boost profits. He also highlights the crucial role of inclusion for team performance and retention, urging leaders to create environments where every voice matters.

Kathleen McAuliffe, a biologist delving into gut bacteria's influence on personality and neurological disorders, shares fascinating insights. She discusses how gut microbes may shape our emotions and cravings, prompting a rethink of choices. The connection between gut health and mental well-being is explored, highlighting innovative treatments like Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Additionally, McAuliffe uncovers links between gut bacteria and Parkinson's disease, shedding light on new approaches to brain health and disease management.

Nicole Rycroft, a biodiversity champion and 2023 Audacious Project grantee, discusses the urgent need for sustainable supply chains. She highlights how everyday items, like pizza boxes, contribute to environmental degradation. Rycroft shares innovative solutions that Canopy is implementing to shift industries towards eco-friendly materials, including a Swedish mill transforming old textiles. The conversation also touches on the importance of collaborative efforts among competitors to create a more sustainable ecosystem for both textiles and food packaging.

Freada Kapor Klein, a trailblazing venture capitalist dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for low-income communities, shares her transformative approach to investing. She discusses how her firm supports entrepreneurs tackling real-world issues and emphasizes the importance of tangible impact over mere profit. Freada also highlights the need for diverse teams in venture capital and urges a rethinking of success that values relationships and collective journeys. Her insights inspire a more inclusive and socially responsible investment landscape.

In a candid conversation, Adam Whybrew, a depression truth-teller and mental health advocate, shares his personal journey with anxiety and depression. He emphasizes the surprising benefits of discussing mental health openly at work, creating safer environments for vulnerability. Adam highlights a pivotal moment that changed his perspective on workplace support. He also discusses the importance of fostering community and institutional initiatives for mental well-being, encouraging everyone to advocate for better conversation about these critical issues.

Skill-building strategist Sagar Goel discusses the impact of AI on jobs and the importance of reskilling. He shares success stories from a digital reskilling program in Singapore, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the face of technological advancements.

Social psychologist Tessa West discusses the downsides of being 'too nice' at work and the importance of clear, consistent feedback. Modupe provides tips on sharing constructive criticism for effective communication in the workplace.