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Whether you have some downtime right now or are just ready to add to "pep to your step," here are TED talks to inspire you today—and beyond.
Known as “ideas worth spreading,” TED talks are great for busy career women. They’re entertaining, concise, and loaded with valuable information that can be applied to your own life.
Another bonus of watching TED talks? You’ll have something productive to do outside of Netflix —and you’ll be loaded with information you can use in future networking convos. Let’s get started!
The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown
Have you wondered why humans crave connection or why everything in the world can seem right again when you’re with “your people”?
This talk will leave you thinking about the transforming power of being a human being: our ability to empathize, belong, and love.
The Urgency of Intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw
Kimberlé Crenshaw, a professor and a pioneer in critical race theory, coined the term intersectionality in 1989 to describe how race, gender, and sexuality biases, when combined, create even more harm.
As Black women repeatedly are faced with double-exclusion, this TED talk is more important than ever.
10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation by Celeste Headlee
Many of our jobs hinge on how well we communicate with one another. The fact of the matter is that many of us don't converse well. Seasoned radio host Celest Headlee reveals the ingredients of great conversation in this eye-opening talk.
How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek
Most meetings cover the details of decisions, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why the decision was made in the first place?
According to Simon Sinek, asking why is the secret to leadership. His simple model inspires leaders to think deeply about purpose. You’ll never think about why—or leadership—the same way again.
How Our Friendship Survives Our Opposing Politics By Caitlin Quattromani and Lauren Arledge
If you're home over the holidays (or ever) you might find yourself engaged in some... less-than-friendly political discussions.
Learn how these two friends are able to cross the aisle in order to maintain their bipartisan friendship. Instead of getting emotionally fired up, learn how to choose dialogue over the debate.
The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers by Adam Grant
This talk, by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, explores the unexpected habits of original thinkers. Spoiler alert: one of those habits is embracing failure.
Three Ways to Speak English by Jamila Lyiscott
Jamila Lyiscott is a "tri-tongued orator." This spoken-word essay explores and celebrates the three variations of English she speaks—whether with her friends, in the classroom, and with her parents.
The Surprising Science of Happiness by Dan Gilbert
So your life may not be the fairy tale you always imagined—but maybe that’s okay. Maybe it’s even good for you.
Dan Gilbert challenges the fairy tale story with the truth that happiness isn’t found in getting everything we want.
You’ll learn about your powerful inner tool—deemed your “psychological immune system” —which you can utilize to bring true happiness to your life.
Looks Aren't Everything. Believe Me, I'm a Model by Cameron Russell
Ever wonder if the Victoria’s Secret Angels are a different breed of human? It’s easy to feel discouraged when the media bombards us with images of what women “should look like,”.
But remind yourself that you’re not seeing the whole picture. It turns out the models are on our side. Cameron Russell, an accomplished model, confesses to winning “the genetic lottery” in an industry with an unattainable standard of beauty.
She gives inspiration to women everywhere that beauty is more than meets the eye.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth
In this talk, high-powered consultant Angela Lee Duckworth speaks about her theory of "grit" as the number one indicator of future success—and how she learned this in an unexpected place, a seventh-grade classroom.
A Political Party For Women's Equality by Sandi Toksvig
You might recognize Sandi Toksvig from The Great British Baking Show. In this "disarmingly hilarious" talk, Toksvig details how she started a new political party (a whole party!) in Great Britain, the Women's Equality Party. Watch this TED Talk for serious inspiration and learn how to mobilize for something you really care about.
Why 30 is Not the New 20 by Meg Jay
If you’re a 20-something, listen up. Psychologist Meg Jay defines your current decade of life as “the defining decade.”
Her research found that the choices you’re making right now are laying the foundation for your future in big ways—both personally and professionally.
This talk is a wake-up call to 20-somethings everywhere, and it’s one you’ll want to share with friends again and again.
How to Get Serious About Diversity and Inclusion in The Workplace by Janet Stovall
How do we get to a place where people of all colors and races are able to climb every rung of the corporate ladder at work?
How do we create a workplace that transforms the things we do, think, and say outside the office? This TED talk explores how.
Photo courtesy of TED Talks.
