Want to stay ahead in learning and development?
TED Talks offer powerful perspectives from educators, psychologists, business leaders, and storytellers worldwide.
That makes it perfect for us L&D pros.
So which ones need to be on your list?
What are TED Talks?
They’re short, powerful talks from experts and storytellers around the world, usually 18 minutes or less.
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, but today, the talks cover everything from psychology to leadership to big ideas shaping the future.
Their tagline is “ideas worth spreading”.
They have a whole host of speakers from educators, entrepreneurs, scientists and more.
They are free to watch on TED.com or YouTube.
Top 15 TED talks you need to watch
We’ve handpicked 15 thought-provoking talks that tackle today’s key L&D challenges, including:
- Motivation & engagement: Inspire learners and build lasting habits
- Storytelling & communication: Make learning memorable and meaningful
- Behavioural science: Understand how people really learn and change
- Leadership & culture: Embed learning into your organisation’s DNA
- The future of L&D: Navigate shifting expectations and emerging skills
Whether you’re onboarding new hires, coaching leaders, or launching digital initiatives, these talks will inform, energise, and inspire you to rethink what learning can do.
Let’s dive in and explore the ideas shaping the future of L&D:
The Puzzle Of Motivation – Dan Pink
Dan Pink’s Ted Talk examines motivation by shedding light on a fundamental truth often overlooked by managers: traditional rewards don’t always yield the desired results.
While incentives like bonuses and accolades may spur temporary efforts, they often fall short in sustaining long-term motivation.
Pink emphasises the importance of aligning tasks with personal values to fuel enduring passion and productivity, making this talk a must-listen for HR and business leaders seeking to enhance employee engagement.
How to Escape Education’s Death Valley – Sir Ken Robinson
In this talk, Sir Ken Robinson, an expert in education and creativity, discusses the flaws in the current education system and offers insights on how to transform it.
He argues for a shift towards a more personalised, engaging, and creative approach to learning that nurtures individual talents and passions.
This talk is highly relevant for educators and policymakers seeking to improve educational practices and outcomes.
The Power of Vulnerability – Brene Brown
Brene Brown’s renowned talk on vulnerability challenges conventional notions of strength and authenticity.
By reframing vulnerability as a catalyst for personal growth and connection, Brown advocates for embracing discomfort as a path to fulfilment.
Her message resonates deeply, inspiring individuals to cultivate resilience and authenticity in their personal and professional lives.
How Great Leaders Inspire Action – Simon Sinek
In this hugely popular talk, Simon Sinek introduces the idea of the “Golden Circle”—a simple but powerful model for inspiring action by starting with why. It’s a standout session for anyone working in leadership development or looking to build a stronger sense of purpose across teams.
For L&D professionals, it’s a great reminder that real motivation doesn’t come from perks or pressure—it comes from belief.
If you’re designing learning experiences that aim to boost engagement and drive long-term behaviour change, this one’s worth a watch.
5 Hindrances to Self-Mastery – Master Shi Heng Yi
Master Shi Heng Yi provides invaluable guidance on self-mastery, addressing the universal need for greater self-understanding and discipline.
Through serene wisdom, he illuminates the path to personal growth, emphasising the significance of embracing challenges and overcoming hindrances.
Beyond professional aspirations, his talk explores the interconnectedness of mind and body, offering profound insights into holistic well-being.
Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator – Tim Urban
Tim Urban’s candid exploration of procrastination resonates with audiences grappling with productivity during challenging times.
By dissecting the root causes of procrastination, Urban invites introspection and offers practical strategies for overcoming inertia.
His relatable anecdotes and thought-provoking reflections prompt a shift in perspective, encouraging viewers to confront their procrastination tendencies head-on.
Teach Teachers How to Create Magic – Christopher Emdin
Christopher Emdin, an educator and author, shares his innovative approach to teacher training and professional development in this talk.
He emphasises the importance of infusing teaching with energy, passion, and authenticity to create transformative learning experiences for students.
Emdin advocates for a more dynamic and culturally responsive pedagogy that empowers educators to connect with and inspire their students effectively.
This talk is particularly relevant for educators and educational leaders looking to enhance their teaching practices and foster positive learning environments.
Learning How to Learn – Barbara Oakley
In “Learning How to Learn,” Barbara Oakley shares insights into the science of effective learning, drawing on neuroscience to reveal how we can master new skills more efficiently.
She highlights the importance of both focused and diffuse modes of thinking, showing how alternating between intense focus and relaxation enhances problem-solving.
Oakley also discusses common learning pitfalls, like procrastination, and offers practical techniques to overcome them, such as “chunking” information and using spaced repetition.
Her talk provides a toolkit for anyone looking to improve their ability to learn and retain new knowledge, making it an essential resource for lifelong learners.
The First 20 Hours – Josh Kaufman
Josh Kaufman’s talk offers a refreshing perspective on learning, presenting a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition.
His method, inspired by his experience as a new parent, dismantles complex skills into manageable components, facilitating efficient learning.
Perfect for those feeling daunted by new challenges, Kaufman’s insights inspire action and empower individuals to embark on their learning journeys with confidence.
How to Make Learning as Addictive as Social Media – Luis von Ahn
In this thought-provoking talk, Luis von Ahn, creator of Duolingo, shares how his team designed a language-learning app that people want to come back to every day.
By leveraging behavioural psychology and gamification techniques drawn from social media, von Ahn demonstrates how learning doesn’t have to be a chore.
His insights are particularly valuable for L&D teams looking to improve learner engagement and adoption across digital platforms.
The takeaway? Learning can be as addictive as scrolling your feed—if you design it right.
How to Get Your Brain to Focus – Chris Bailey
Productivity expert Chris Bailey explores the increasingly elusive skill of focus in a distracted world.
Through real-world experiments (including meditating for 35 hours a week and avoiding screens), Bailey reveals what truly helps us concentrate.
He offers actionable advice, like embracing boredom and being mindful of cognitive energy, that L&D professionals can apply to improve their productivity and the effectiveness of learning programs.
It’s a smart look at how attention, not just time, is the real currency of learning.
How Continuous Learning and Innovation Improves Our Identity – Michael Wong
Michael Wong, explains how embracing learning and innovation shapes not only our performance, but our very identity.
By toggling between what he calls the “learning zone” and the “performance zone,” we unlock greater growth and resilience.
This talk is a must-watch for those driving learning cultures within organisations. It reinforces the idea that continuous development is essential not just for capability but also for shaping who we are.
Why the Corporate World gets Learning Wrong – Katy Mumaw
Katy Mumaw challenges long-held assumptions about corporate learning and development, arguing that too often, it’s disconnected from real work and too generic to drive real change.
Instead, he makes the case for learning that is personal, relevant, and embedded in the flow of work.
This talk is especially insightful for L&D leaders rethinking the structure of their programs and looking for bold ideas to make learning more meaningful and impactful.
Brain Hack: 6 Secrets to Learning Faster, Backed by Neuroscience – Lila Landowski
Lila Landowski, explains scientifically backed techniques that actually help us learn faster and retain more.
From spaced repetition to active recall, she makes the case for smarter—not harder—studying.
While her content is geared toward students, the strategies are just as useful for professionals upskilling in fast-paced environments.
L&D teams can take cues from her approach to help design more brain-friendly and effective learning experiences.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Lee Duckworth
In this inspiring talk, psychologist Angela Duckworth explores “grit” as a key predictor of success.
Defined as a combination of passion and perseverance, grit is what helps people stick with long-term goals, even when the path gets tough.
Duckworth’s insights are especially relevant to L&D leaders trying to create a growth mindset and build resilience into leadership or employee development programs.
It’s a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough; consistent effort wins in the end.
Feeling inspired?
As L&D professionals, we’re often so focused on developing others that we forget to invest in our own growth.
But we know better, learning is at the heart of everything we do.
💡 Related: Benefits of learning and development
These TED Talks are a powerful reminder: great ideas can change how we see the world and spark real change.
Whether you watch one on your lunch break or share it with your team, investing time in learning is never wasted.
Got a favourite L&D TED Talk we missed? Share it with us! Drop a comment or connect on LinkedIn, we’re always eager for new insights.
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