As I mentioned in a past blog post, TEDtalks remain one of my favorite resources to learn about new things and find inspiration from others.
If you’re unfamiliar with the organization, TEDtalks is a daily video podcast of talks and performances from TED conferences, TEDx events and TED partners. TEDtalk’s motto is “ideas worth spreading,” and they are comprised of the “world’s leading thinkers and doers” giving “the talk of their lives in 18 minutes” (source: TED.com).
TED.com provides highly curated content, and in that spirit, I’ve further narrowed down its lecture offerings. Here are my three personal favorite TEDtalks that inspire and motivate me both professionally and personally.
1.) Simon Sinek: “How great leaders inspire action”
How do you explain why some do well and others do not? In this TEDtalk, author Simon Sinek explores inspirational leadership by looking at the examples of Apple, Martin Luther King and the Wright Brothers.
In his talk, Simon asserts that there is a pattern to great leadership, which he has codified into why, how and what. “What” is what an organization does; “how” is how the what comes to be; and “why” is the purpose and cause behind an organization’s existence.
Typically, people move from what to how to why. However, Sinek argues that inspired leaders work the opposite of the status quo; they think, act, and communicate from why to how to what. Sinek argues that in life, people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
Sinek provides a well-articulated and well-researched argument that resonates with anyone who has worked on branding and messaging. Furthermore, his talk provides educational and informative content about the purchasing choices people make that anyone will find interesting.
2.) Elizabeth Gilbert: “On Genius”
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the famed “Eat Pray Love,” speaks in this TEDtalk about the history of both the concept of “genius” and the perception of creative brilliance throughout time. Incorporating anecdotes from her own career, Gilbert discusses the pressures placed on people to be genius—especially those in creative fields. Gilbert suggests a radical and freeing change in popular opinion on genius – perhaps all of us have genius, at different moments throughout our existence.
The talk is refreshing, personal, and provides a strategy on moving forward in the pursuit of genius without becoming overwhelmed.
3.) Brené Brown: “The power of vulnerability”
Brené Brown is a research professor in social work. In this talk, Brown speaks specific ally about how she came across one of her most poignant discoveries in her work as she attempted to understand human connection: Why do some people feel that they have a strong sense of love and belonging, and some do not? What Brown’s research concludes is that vulnerability appears to be at the core of self-value. However, vulnerability is simultaneously something that people can be apprehensive of and actively work against.
Brown’s discussion will have you rethinking your approach toward and mentality about vulnerability in both your personal and professional life, and is truly stirring.
TEDtalks are a great resource to learn about new material and to hear what experts in particular fields are saying. I look to it when I’m having trouble finding inspiration or looking for something interesting to wrap my mind around. Whatever your purposes, if you have the time to check out a few TEDtalks, I highly recommend the three above.
For more excellent TEDtalks, see:
- Ken Robinson: Schools Kill Creativity
- The 20 Most Watched TEDtalks to Date
- Barry Schwartz: The Paradox of Choice
- Dan Gilbert: Why Are We Happy?
- A Guide to the Best 10 TEDtalks Ever