8. Know why you do what you do
“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” This is the message author Simon Sinek provides in this talk. He explains the ins and outs of being an impactful leader, discussing how we form connections and gain trust from others. This talk redefines what it means to be a successful leader, using examples that can benefit us at work and enlighten us. Watch it here.
7. Vulnerability is power
Brene Brown is a researcher focused on shame and vulnerability. In this talk, she discusses how we mistake our own vulnerability as weakness, while simultaneously revering the vulnerability of others. From both a personal and professional perspective, Brown uses humor to approach this delicate topic. She outlines how we can transform shame as a society and recognize the strength in being vulnerable. Watch it here.
6. Change obstacles into opportunities
Nick Vujicic was born to a Serbian immigrant family in Australia. A rare condition caused him to be born without arms or legs, creating significant hardships and severe depression early in his life. Vujicic’s poignant talk describes how to appreciate what you have instead of longing for what you lack. Watch it here.
5. Go with your gut feeling
Magnus Walker, driver and self-proclaimed urban outlaw, discusses his winding life journey in this TED talk. Following his passions, as well as his gut feelings, eventually led him to turn his dreams to reality — but it wasn’t immediate or easy. He discusses the importance of taking a leap of faith, and how passion can transform you. Watch it here.
4. Stop sabotaging yourself
Mel Robbins is a lawyer, syndicated radio show host, and a career/relationship expert. In this talk, she cuts to the chase, giving a no-nonsense talk on why we don’t get what we want and how to stop the pattern. She discusses what it takes to push ourselves past discomfort and start doing the things we want. Watch it here.
3. Ask what you can do for others
Adam Leipzig is a movie producer, executive, and cofounder of the Los Angeles Theatre Center. He gives a revealing account of his Yale college reunion, where he discovered that most of his outwardly successful classmates were not actually happy in their lives. This led him to the realization that there are 5 simple questions that satisfied professionals can answer themselves — including “who do you help?” Watch it here.
2. You are what you think
Perhaps one of the best quotes of all time, “you are what you think” has a wealth of meaning behind it. Valerie Mason-John is an award winning author and an expert on bullying. In this powerful and direct talk, she pinpoints why we’re mean to each other, and explains why mentally bullying ourselves can lead to bullying others. She lays out a plan of action detailing what we can do to slow the epidemic of bullying and treat ourselves with respect. Watch it here.
1. Have the guts to make a change
Most of us are familar with being fed up in our careers. Fed up with her monotonous desk job, Dianna David made a radical change to become a performer — more specifically, a movement storyteller. She describes the challenges faced during her transition, like judgement, uncertainty, financial difficulties, and a fear of being her true self. Watch it here. Featured photo credit: Tony Frantz via flickr.com
