
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

Mar 4, 2024 • 16min
Democracy works — we just need better leaders | Lindiwe Mazibuko
Exploring the challenges of political leadership in South Africa, the speaker emphasizes the need for ethical and diverse leaders to revitalize democracy. The importance of voter participation and accountable leadership is highlighted for the effective functioning of a democracy.

Feb 26, 2024 • 17min
Don't be a jerk to your barista — and other thoughts on frontline work | Adriann Negreros
Adriann Negreros discusses the importance of dignity and career growth for frontline workers, introducing the 'handbook of humanity'. Modupe shares tips on avoiding rudeness and practicing grace at work and beyond.

4 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 16min
A playbook on financing climate solutions | Nili Gilbert and David Blood
Sustainable investment leaders Nili Gilbert and David Blood discuss the financial sector's vital role in financing climate solutions, emphasizing the need for global cooperation. They delve into challenges in funding climate initiatives, the evolution of finance towards a net-zero economy, and the urgency in tackling high-emitting sectors like cement and aviation. The conversation highlights the unprecedented opportunity for sustainable growth and the necessity for transformational change.

Feb 12, 2024 • 13min
4 ways to have healthy conversations about race | Afrika Afeni Mills
Educator Afrika Afeni Mills discusses the importance of having productive conversations about race. She shares four actionable lessons to overcome fear and engage in these conversations. The podcast explores navigating conversations across racial differences, teaching children to talk about race, and the benefits of engaging in conversations about race. It also highlights the significance of managing emotions in discussions about race or in the workplace.

Feb 5, 2024 • 14min
What if advertising was honest? | Sylvester Chauke
Sylvester Chauke, a marketing veteran promoting sustainability, shares how advertising could encourage conscious consumer behavior with 'honest ads' that address overconsumption. He reflects on advertising's impact, discusses the challenges faced by the world, and introduces the concept of the honesty squad. The importance of relationships and an MBA program are highlighted in sponsorship messages.

Jan 29, 2024 • 12min
What's your leadership language? | Rosita Najmi
Rosita Najmi, a globe-trotting leader, explains the importance of being a multilingual leader and how it helps in effective communication and contribution. The podcast also explores strategies for promoting equity in philanthropy, international development, and the significance of adapting language in leadership.

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.