Over the years, TED has been one of my favorite sources of fuel. Whenever I’ve needed a little perspective—or just a dose of good thinking—I’ve found myself turning to these talks. These are the TED Talks I’ve sent to friends, or replayed on long walks. Each one has shifted something in me—how I see the world, or how I move through it.
What ties all these talks together, for me, is the idea that connection—whether to people, to purpose, or to possibility—is what moves the world forward. Each speaker offers a different lens, but they’re all pointing to something deeper: that real change begins when we stop just observing and start engaging. When we allow ourselves to care, to be curious, to take risks, or to simply listen more closely.
These talks don’t just inform—they invite. They ask us to show up more fully in our work, our communities, and in the lives we’re trying to build.
Best TED Talks I’ve seen
I’ve summed up 6 of the best TED Talks out there.
Chris Anderson The Future of Generosity
Chris explores how communication technology isn’t just reshaping our lives—it’s reshaping how we care. He makes a powerful case for generosity as something contagious, scalable, and transformational when amplified online.
👉 Why it stayed with me: It reminded me that seeing someone’s struggle, even across the world, stirs something human in us. And now, acting on that feeling is more possible than ever.
🔗 Watch the talk on TED.com or below:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Danger of a Single Story
I’ve watched this talk more than once—and every time, it reminds me of the quiet power of narrative. Chimamanda shares how limiting perspectives can flatten entire cultures, and how storytelling can liberate.
👉 Why it stayed with me: It’s a beautiful, humble reminder to always ask, “What am I not seeing?”—especially in work that centers people and justice.
Dylan Marron Empathy is Not Endorsement
If you’ve ever struggled to hold space for someone you disagree with, this one is for you. Dylan talks about his experience talking to people who have sent him hate—and what happened when he responded with curiosity.
👉 Why it stayed with me: It’s a masterclass in grace. It helped me separate listening from agreeing—and showed how connection can survive even our biggest differences.
Courtney E. Martin The New American Dream
A heartfelt, honest look at how younger generations are reimagining what success looks like. Courtney’s talk is full of warmth and clarity—she’s asking the right questions.
👉 Why it stayed with me: It felt like someone put language to the tension so many of us feel: wanting to build something meaningful, without burning out or selling out.
Esther Perel Rethinking infidelity … a talk for anyone who has ever loved
This talk is raw, wise, and deeply human. Esther Perel invites us to look at infidelity not with judgment, but with curiosity and compassion—exploring what it reveals about relationships, identity, and desire.
👉 Why it stayed with me: It challenged me to think beyond right and wrong. Esther doesn’t excuse betrayal, but she asks us to understand it. Her talk feels like an invitation to hold more complexity in how we love—and how we forgive.
🔗 Watch the talk on TED.com or below:
Melinda French Gates What Nonprofits Can Learn from Coca-Cola
This talk took me by surprise. Melinda French Gates makes an unexpected—but incredibly smart—comparison between global health programs and Coca-Cola’s success in reaching even the most remote villages. Her core question: If Coke can do it, why can’t we?
👉 Why it stayed with me: It challenged how I think about global impact. It’s not just about good intentions—it’s about listening deeply, measuring what matters, and understanding culture on the ground.
🔗 Watch the talk on TED.com or below:
What These Talks Have in Common
They all leave me better—more open, more curious, more grounded. They challenge me not just to think differently, but to be differently. I hope one or two of them spark something in you, too.
If you have a TED Talk that’s changed the way you see the world, I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment or message me—I’m always adding to the list.
