
TED Business
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.
Latest episodes

Jan 22, 2024 • 15min
The secret perks of driving electric | Cynthia Williams
Cynthia Williams, sustainability leader, discusses the perks of driving electric vehicles, including being eco-friendly, chic, convenient, and affordable. She calls for collaboration among corporations, policy leaders, and investors to ensure the success of the electric revolution in the US. The podcast also explores the benefits of electric cars and the need for infrastructure and policy support to accelerate their adoption.

Jan 15, 2024 • 18min
How to solve the world's biggest problems | Natalie Cargill
Philanthropic advisor Natalie Cargill discusses the impact of spending 3.5 trillion dollars on fixing world problems and presents a plan for funding. Topics include improving crop yields, success stories of philanthropy like the Green Revolution, and the need for better pandemic preparedness and clean energy advancements.

Jan 8, 2024 • 20min
How business can drive solutions to social problems | Carlos Rodríguez-Pastor
Carlos Rodríguez-Pastor, founder of Intercorp, discusses the immense possibilities of private-public partnerships and the importance of individual action in driving social change. Topics include challenges in Peru's education system, creating affordable and academically excellent schools, the meaning of 'C Pédo', and the power of partnerships for driving sustainable change.

Jan 1, 2024 • 20min
You don't actually know what your future self wants | Shankar Vendantam
Shankar Vendantam, a journalist, discusses the impact of the "illusion of continuity" on our future selves. He challenges the belief that our future selves will have the same views and hopes as our present selves. Modupe offers an empowering perspective on future self's feelings.

10 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 20min
How to write less but say more | Jim VandeHei
Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Politico and Axios, shares insights on the importance of brevity in writing and communication in a distracted digital world. He discusses the perils of information overload, the benefits of concise language, and the impact of excessive jargon on communication and status.

Dec 18, 2023 • 16min
What does "wealth" mean to you? | Aisha Nyandoro
Aisha Nyandoro, a poverty disrupter, shares the stories of single moms in a guaranteed income program. She calls for redefining wealth as paid bills and a well-fed family. Reflecting on childhood perceptions of wealth and seeking financial advice are explored. The transformative power of financial stability and the importance of agency, freedom, and collective well-being in defining wealth are highlighted. Redefining success and empowering individuals to determine their own definitions of success are discussed.

Dec 11, 2023 • 13min
How to fix fashion and protect the planet | Amy Powney
Designer Amy Powney explores fashion's impact on the environment and human health. She discusses the negative environmental consequences of the industry, the reliance on natural resources, and the need for sustainable and ethical practices. Powney emphasizes the importance of questioning everything and taking responsibility as business leaders to protect the environment. She also highlights the value of minimizing waste and reimagining success in the fashion industry.

5 snips
Dec 4, 2023 • 16min
Does more freedom at work mean more fulfillment? | Sarah Aviram
Sarah Aviram, HR leader, shares challenges of remote work, emphasizing that more freedom does not necessarily lead to more fulfillment. She emphasizes the importance of joy, impact, and growth in finding fulfillment, and suggests exploring hidden opportunities and staying in an organization where trust is built.

Nov 27, 2023 • 18min
The secret ingredients of great hospitality | Will Guidara
Restaurateur Will Guidara shares his journey of creating extraordinary moments through human connection in the hospitality industry, starting with serving a two-dollar hot dog in his Michelin-rated restaurant. He emphasizes the importance of genuine hospitality, creating unique experiences, and the power of unreasonable hospitality. Guidara also explores the impact of small actions and gestures in creating joyous experiences and fostering connection among people.

Nov 20, 2023 • 14min
Work has changed. Why haven't resumes? | Nicos Marcou
HR leader Nicos Marcou delves into the absurdity of resumes and offers an update on how companies should think about hiring candidates. Alternative evaluation methods include online skills assessments, portfolios, video testimonials, problem-solving simulations, and gamification. The chapter also highlights biases in the hiring process and suggests alternative approaches.
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