Worklife with Adam Grant

Before becoming the director of major films like Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights and the upcoming Wicked, Jon M. Chu wondered if he missed his chance to make it big. After a great deal of trial and error, his path to success is its own cinematic hero's journey. Jon and Adam discuss what it takes to reach your own potential, the creative process, and how to find the courage to tell new stories. His new book Viewfinder is out now.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we reduce hostility between people and groups? Social psychologist Betsy Levy Paluck has done groundbreaking work on an approach to fighting prejudice that's faster than trying to change institutions and more feasible than trying to change individuals. Betsy and Adam explore the origins of animosity, discuss her experiments in Rwanda and in schools, and unpack strategies for bridging our divides.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 27, long before he gained acclaim as the restaurateur behind Shake Shack and Gramercy Tavern, Danny Meyer launched his first venture, Union Square Cafe. More than 20 James Beard Foundation awards later, Danny shares the strategies and insights that fueled his restaurant empire. He and Adam discuss how to build a culture of excellence and care, how to hire people who treat others well, and how to bring values to life. Danny is the author of the New York Times bestseller Setting the Table.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist Rafi Kohan says talking trash can do more than spice up a sport. His latest book, Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total Garbage, is a fascinating look at the art and history of competitive insults. From women's basketball to the Olympics to the TED stage, Adam and Rafi dissect the mind games that fuel performance — and dive into the science of why a little banter can go a long way.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Gillard served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013. During her tenure as the first woman to hold that role, she gave an electrifying speech about sexism and how it impacts all women, even those in power. Since then, she has continued to fight for gender equality. In this interview, she opens up about the challenges faced by women in leadership positions and the reactions to her viral speech. She also talks about the causes of deepening gender divides, how feminism also benefits men, and the qualities great leaders should embody regardless of how they identify.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts An excerpt from Julia Gillard's 2020 speech was used in this episode. The clip was sourced from the Commonwealth of Australia, and is used under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 AU.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a rare psychological concept that has achieved pop culture fame. David Dunning -- the lead author and one of the world’s most-cited psychologists -- joins Adam to discuss his famous findings about the arrogance of ignorance, the challenges of knowing what you don’t know, and the dangers of “doing your own research.” Then David and Adam uncover strategies for overcoming overconfidence among amateurs as well as experts.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Criticism rarely comes wrapped in a shiny gift box, tied with a bow. As a trailblazing leader, one of Mellody Hobson’s gifts is finding the diamond in the rough. She and Adam unpack how to look for the grain of truth in any critique, when to discount feedback, and what it takes to be honest without being brutal.Find the full text transcript at go.ted.com/T4G7For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Curzan is a professional word nerd. As a linguist and English professor, Anne studies the history of the English language — and how public attitudes about words shift over time. Adam and Anne geek out over whether the grammar rules you learned in school are justified, why some language peeves are (or aren't) worth holding onto, and confess what they're learning from Gen-Z slang. Anne's latest book, Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide For Everyone Who Cares About Words, is out now.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabrielle Zevin wrote the runaway bestseller Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, but she doesn’t expect anyone to know most of her other nine books. The acclaimed novelist joins Adam to discuss how to face failure, find inspiration, make sure success doesn't hinder creativity, and stay motivated when your goals don't align with your skills. Then, they riff on the most important elements of a story and several mic drop moments in her work. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Richard Branson has spent his lifetime taking dreams and making them reality. As the founder of the Virgin Group, he's built more than 400 businesses spanning from retail to music to transport. In his spare time, he’s advocated for human rights and sustainability — and set world records for hot air ballooning and kitesurfing. Richard talks with Adam about what he’s learned about courage and risk-taking in more than half a century of entrepreneurship, unveils his distinctive view of competition, and shares what he thinks great leaders have in common. Richard’s new audiobook, "Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story," is out now.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Trudeau has served as the Prime Minister of Canada since 2015. And there’s a lot to dig into from his years in office — and from his life before, as well. Adam sits down with him to discuss lessons learned about leadership. The Prime Minister opens up for the first time about his early struggles with impostor syndrome and how he maintains his motivation in the face of disapproval and criticism today. He also shares how he encourages people to speak truth to power, where his team is challenging him to improve right now, why he considered quitting, and what keeps him awake at night.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American writer Rebecca Solnit thinks deeply and writes evocatively about our world. Her must-read essays and award-winning books span hope, history, art, leadership, and sustainability. Adam and Rebecca reflect on what we lose when public discourse is diluted to fit into social media, debate how to bring back good conversations online, and share why being able to recalibrate our opinions is crucial in our increasingly digital world.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you pay attention to your attention? John Green is the beloved author of The Fault In Our Stars, and when he started tracking his attention, he realized he was obsessed with evaluating human progress. He decided to start rating everything — from the capacity for human wonder to Canadian geese — on a five-point scale. In this deeply thoughtful conversation with Adam, John shares what he learned from his series of Yelp-style reviews, the gift of a great book, and the unexpected life lessons found in the last lap of Mario Kart. Read the full text transcript at go.ted.com/T4G8This episode previously aired June 22, 2021.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Chesky, the CEO and cofounder of Airbnb, is firmly in the trust business. His focus isn't only on building a trusted platform for people to rent their homes to strangers — it's on earning the trust of his employees. Adam and Brian discuss how to lead with care in tough times, why it's better to overcommunicate than undercommunicate, what to expect for the future of work, and why a company should be treated as a community rather than a family. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Years ago, Aza Raskin invented the infinite scroll – and yes, he regrets it. Today, Aza is the co-founder of the Center For Humane Technology and the Earth Species Project. Aza’s work focuses on creating and advocating for ethical technology that benefits collective well-being. For his latest project, he’s looking beyond humanity, using artificial intelligence to decode whale communication and see what lessons we might learn from the animal world. In this expansive conversation, Adam and Aza discuss ways to improve social media, how communicating with other species could change our world, and why everyone – including our governments – needs to upgrade our thinking about an AI world. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Duchovny knows a lot about success — he’s a Golden Globe-winning actor who has had iconic roles from The X-Files to Californication. But as a literature PhD dropout turned director turned songwriter and novelist, David is more interested in failure and what it can teach us. Adam and David discuss the value of falling short of our goals, the perils of success, and whether nice people really finish last. David’s new podcast Fail Better is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mae Martin is a comedian, improviser, screenwriter, and podcast host. Their work on Netflix includes the stand-up special Sap and the aptly named TV series Feel Good. Adam and Mae chat about the value of vulnerability in connection, snapping out of procrastination, shame spirals, and life lessons from the art of improvisation. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kara Swisher made her name by being disarmingly direct with the who’s who of tech – from Steve Jobs to Bill Gates to Elon Musk. So why doesn’t she like the phrase “speak truth to power?” The journalist, author, and host of the popular podcasts Pivot and On joins Adam to discuss her history of assertiveness and her strategies for challenging authority. Then, they dive into Silicon Valley’s favorite status symbols, the difference between being demanding and being demeaning, and the future of technology and accountability. Kara’s latest book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, is out now.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Lamott may be your favorite writer’s favorite writer. The author of many beloved books, including the modern classic Bird by Bird, Anne’s writing is singularly insightful, moving, and oftentimes funny. Adam and Anne chat about the art of great writing, the challenges of being kinder to others and ourselves, and the lessons to be learned from a life examined. Then, Anne helps with a special request. Anne’s latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, is out now.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How important are your twenties — and how bad are they? Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist who specializes in young adult development in twenty year-olds. She and Adam review the science of what makes this developmental period important, discuss the common mistakes that we make, and share tips for twentysomethings (and parents) navigating this tumultuous decade. Meg’s latest book, The Twentysomething Treatment, is out now.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yuval Noah Harari is a historian best known for his book Sapiens, which has sold more than 25 million copies and been translated into 65 languages. Adam and Yuval examine the power of stories in shaping humanity’s success, discuss the tension between justice and peace, and reconsider the true purpose of studying history. Yuval’s latest book, Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why The World Isn’t Fair, is for young readers and it’s out now.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charan Ranganath is a psychologist and neuroscientist who has spent his career studying memory. His new book, Why We Remember, surveys the latest science on the subject and digs into the links between memory and identity. Charan and Adam discuss surprising evidence on why we remember, what we forget, and how learning new ideas happens.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer helps business leaders, policymakers and the general public make sense of the world. He gives a stirring analysis of the current state of global affairs and explains what makes 2024 so complex. Ian and Adam discuss the cyclical nature of geopolitics, what’s different about today’s crisis of democracy, and what we can do as individuals to cope with it.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You may know will.i.am as the seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and frontman of The Black Eyed Peas. But his interests beyond music have also taken him down a surprising and creative path — from serving as the director of creative innovation at Intel, to becoming the first artist to stream a song from the surface of Mars, to hosting the first radio show with an AI co-host. Adam asks about will.i.am’s creative process and digs into how he turns his expansive ideas into reality. will.i.am also shares his hopes and fears about the future of technology and entertainment, and the two debate what AI can and can’t do for human creativity. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cal Newport knows a thing or two about productivity: when he’s not teaching computer science at Georgetown, he’s writing for The New Yorker, hosting a podcast, or authoring New York Times bestsellers like Deep Work and Digital Minimalism. In his new book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, Cal proposes that we trade current standards of rapid output for slower, higher-quality, and sustainable ways of working. Adam and Cal dig into the data on productivity, debate the benefits and drawbacks of doing fewer things (and spending less time on email and social media), and discuss individual habits and organizational practices for preventing burnout and promoting worthwhile work.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Edmondson escaped and blew the whistle against NXIVM, the cult masquerading as a “personal and professional development company.” With clarity and a surprising and wry sense of humor, Sarah shares her lessons about the dark sides of charisma. She and Adam discuss what makes groups a little (or a lot) culty, the telltale signs of manipulation, and why our highest loyalty belongs to principles — not people.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robin Arzón is the head instructor at Peloton and an ultramarathon runner, but she didn’t plan to make her career based on her athletic prowess. In this conversation with Adam, she talks about how she fell in love with running in adulthood and her radical career pivot from lawyer to renowned exercise instructor. They discuss what hustle culture gets wrong, why motivation may be less important than momentum, and how to create a consistent practice in the gym — and beyond it.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denise Hamilton is an inclusion strategist who works with organizations ranging from the UN to the WNBA. She is also the author of Indivisible: How to Forge our Differences into a Stronger Future. Denise and Adam discuss the pain of abandoning old stories, the value of revising long-held beliefs, and how to respond to the backlash against diversity and inclusion. Indivisible is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jared Cohen is a history buff with a career that boasts its own remarkable story. From the State Department to founding Jigsaw at Google to leading global affairs and innovation at Goldman Sachs, Jared has worked with the world’s top leaders to tackle humanity’s biggest problems. His work in international problem-solving also translates into a passion for U.S. history. His new book, Life After Power, is a fascinating exploration about what seven American presidents did after leaving the most influential job in the world. Adam and Jared discuss the psychology of the founding fathers, debate the pros and cons of pursuing a legacy, and share what these historic figures can teach us all about pursuing and finding purpose. Life After Power is out February 13, 2024. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Sutton is an organizational psychologist and bestselling author. In this zesty conversation with Adam, Bob shares insights on how to overcome friction at work. The two also discuss steps for leaders to become better listeners, the surprising advantages of inconvenience, and why it’s better to be a boring leader than an a-hole boss. Bob’s latest book, The Friction Project, is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don’t always decide what you feel, but you do own how you react to those feelings. In her bestselling book and TED Talk, Harvard Medical School psychologist Susan David examines the skills involved in emotional agility. She and Adam go deep on this topic, discussing the risks of judging and suppressing unwanted emotions — and effective techniques for managing them. They explore why optimism is not essential to well-being and how to overcome pressure to be positive. And they reveal how paying attention to what you feel can reveal what you value. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emotions are like opinions — everyone has them. Thanks to the pioneering research of today’s guest, we know that it’s possible to transform our feelings by changing how we think and talk about them. Lisa Feldman Barrett is a psychologist and neuroscientist at Northeastern University and Harvard Medical School. In this episode, Lisa and Adam bust myths about how emotions are constructed in the brain and experienced in the body. They discuss the surprising evidence that language doesn’t just describe emotions — it shapes them. And they examine how managing your emotions is easier than you may realize. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Garner’s roles — from “13 Going on 30” to “Juno” to “Alias” — often center strong women who know how to achieve great things. In a fun and surprising live conversation, Jennifer chats with Adam about his latest book, “Hidden Potential.” They dive into the most eye-opening findings in Adam’s research and the unexpected factors that build character and long-term success. Plus, the two dream up the ideal school — and discuss what it’s like to be both “Type A” and “Type Z” parents. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a clinical psychologist, Becky Kennedy works with parents to raise good kids. She’s best known as Dr. Becky on Instagram, and has been called the "Millennial parenting whisperer" for good reason. Becky and Adam challenge the widespread belief that it’s a parent’s job to make their children happy, talk candidly about the surprisingly difficult task of setting and maintaining boundaries, and dig into the science and practice of helping kids (and adults) deal with the ups and downs of life. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel Prize winner who transformed our understanding of the biases that cloud our thinking. In this conversation, he and Adam explore when to trust our intuition and when to second-guess it. Danny explains how he finds joy in being wrong, spells out steps to smarter interviewing, and reveals how he—the master decoder of decision-making—makes decisions. Find the transcript for this episode at go.ted.com/RT-KahnemanFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maurice Ashley is a trailblazing chess grandmaster — the first African-American player to claim that prestigious title. He’s also a chess coaching legend, as spotlighted in Adam's new book, “Hidden Potential.” Adam and Maurice discuss the lessons from losing, the benefits of respecting your opponents, and what drives a winning strategy in chess and life. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think of the arts as entertainment or luxury, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross might ask you to reconsider. The authors of the New York Times bestseller “Your Brain on Art” argue that engaging with music, craft projects, and museums can transform our lives in unexpected ways. Susan, Ivy, and Adam delve into the fascinating science of neuroaesthetics, and explore how art can unlock creativity, enhance well-being, and enrich communities. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elliot Aronson is one of the preeminent psychologists of the 20th century — his mentors were Abraham Maslow and Leon Festinger, and his award-winning psychology textbooks are seminal even for non-psychologists. Adam asks Elliot about his pioneering work on making mistakes and cognitive dissonance, or the discomfort we feel when we realize that our attitudes or actions contradict our values. Then, the two discuss the dangers (and upsides) of rationalizing our beliefs — and strategies for making better decisions while keeping an open mind. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We usually wear our thickest armor at work, and Brené Brown has blazed the trail of teaching us why and how to shed it. In this conversation, Adam and Brené unpack the power of showing vulnerability at work — and explore how much is too much. Learn when and where to set boundaries, find out how to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and hear Brené rethink a key assumption that she took for granted in her own work. The transcript for this episode is available at go.ted.com/RT-vulnerabilityFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet and author Maggie Smith isn’t sure where she falls on the spectrum from optimism to pessimism. But her viral poem “Good Bones” and her bestselling books have inspired countless readers with profound insights on the messiness of being human. In this episode, Maggie and Adam discuss strategies for handling complex emotions, sustaining hope while acknowledging reality, and accepting ambiguity in life and art. They explore the value of asking questions that may not have a satisfying answer — or any answer at all. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rainn Wilson was a late bloomer: he landed the role of Dwight Schrute on “The Office” after over a decade of struggling as an actor. But success didn’t solve all of his problems — and it even created some new ones. In this live conversation for the Authors@Wharton series, Adam asks Rainn about his unlikely journey to stardom and how it led him into exploring the insights that philosophy, psychology, and the world’s great spiritual traditions can offer on modern life’s existential questions. They also discuss Rainn’s favorite moments from “The Office” and do some improv when Dunder Mifflin invites a certain organizational psychologist to talk to Dwight.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people are obsessed with optimizing their lives, but this might be a suboptimal way to live. Adam brings together psychologist Barry Schwartz (author of “The Paradox of Choice”) and applied mathematician Coco Krumme (author of “Optimal Illusions”) to discuss the dark side of maximizing everything. The three discuss the unintended consequences of always aiming for the best, debate different strategies for individuals and societies to make better choices, and explore how it’s possible to pursue success without sacrificing happiness.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before his stories regularly appeared in The New Yorker, before the MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellowships, and before being named one of the world’s most influential people by TIME, George Saunders was a roofer. And a doorman. And a technical writer. In this episode, George sits down with Adam and shares what he’s learned from his winding path towards becoming a professional author, the secrets of creating work that sticks, and how to receive feedback and elevate our rough drafts. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malcolm Gladwell hosts a rollicking live discussion about Adam's new book, "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things," which is out today. They explore why we overemphasize innate talent, how Adam grappled with impostor syndrome as a writer and perfectionism as an athlete, and how to chart a path toward achieving greater things. They also discuss the evidence on affirmative action — and riff on topics ranging from humility to psychoanalysis to whether Lions or Bills fans suffer more.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mentoring plays an important role in growth and success for both mentors and mentees. But finding the right mentor — and being an effective one — is easier said than done. Adam digs into the science of what makes a good mentor, learns what it takes to build a strong bond from an extraordinary mentor-mentee pair, and busts lasting myths that prevent us from unlocking our potential. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bureaucracy exists to provide consistency and structure, but it often stifles creativity and productivity – and breeds misery. In this episode, Adam investigates why we wind up with stupid rules, how to cut red tape without creating chaos, and what it takes to hack bad policies for a greater good. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people don’t use all their paid time off from work — and struggle to relax and recover on nights and weekends too. What does it take to make our breaks more restorative? Adam examines the evidence on recovery and burnout, explores how workplaces can reimagine vacation policies, and highlights what kinds of hobbies are best suited to different times of day. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meetings often drain our joy and sap our focus – and meeting overload kills productivity. So why do we have so many of them, and is a better world possible? Adam investigates the science of improving meetings and explores how workplaces are fighting meeting bloat. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a therapist, Nedra Glover Tawwab has spent years helping people set boundaries in their personal and professional lives. As the New York Times bestselling author of the books “Drama Free” and “Set Boundaries, Find Peace,” her wisdom often goes viral on Instagram and beyond. Nedra sits down with Adam for an insightful discussion on why people struggle with creating boundaries, how we can deal with saying “no,” and why setting a boundary is the ultimate act of self-respect. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscriptsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, Sal is a pioneer in the education technology space. With millions of users and billions of views, he’s been recognized as one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” and now he’s at the forefront of using AI to enrich learning. Sal and Adam have an exciting discussion about the role of AI in the classroom, discuss the opportunities and challenges of designing tools that foster true critical thinking, and share their visions for the future of education.For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsLearn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.