If you haven't ever been to the TED website, then you're missing out. There you will find intriguing, stimulating, and inspiring short lectures on a staggering variety of topics. No matter what industry you work in or what your interests are, you can find a rich supply of thought provoking material. It may well become your favorite surfing destination. Below are five exceptional TED Talks that will leave you wanting more.
Hans Rosling on Population Growth
Hans Rosling is the founder of Gapminder, a company that specializes in interactive global statistics. In a few short minutes, he will completely change your perspective about the world, its population, and how to solve for the problems of population growth. An exceptional speaker with a sense of humor you'll enjoy.
http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_on_global_population_growth
Jane McGonnigal on Gaming to Make the World Better
Jane McGonnigal is a game designer. Game theory is one of the most powerful tools a business has at its disposal, and Jane outlines how you can tap into the enormous talents of the world's gamers to solve real world problems. Any creative business man or woman will be able to find a number of ways to make themselves part of that equation, creating a win-win situation.
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world
Heather Barnett on What Humans Can Learn From Semi-Intelligent Slime
One of the most remarkable talks you'll ever hear that will change your perspective about a number of topics having nothing to do with slimes and molds. When you've finished watching this one, you may want to put the star of the talk on the payroll. Best of all, you can pay in oats!
http://www.ted.com/talks/heather_barnett_what_humans_can_learn_from_semi_intelligent_slime_1#t-415230
Ruth Chang on How To Make Hard Choices
A deeply profound talk that is as educational as it is personally enlightening. This talk provides an intriguing framework to base your thinking and decision making around. Chang's engaging speaking style will keep you engrossed from beginning to end, and the topic is thought provoking in the extreme. This may not make you a better leader, and it may not make those hard choices significantly easier, but it will certainly better equip you to make them.
http://www.ted.com/talks/ruth_chang_how_to_make_hard_choices
Keren Elazari, Hackers: The Internet's Immune System
“Sometimes you have to demo a threat in order to spark a solution”~Barnaby Jack
An engaging, wonderful talk about hackers, and their role as the keepers of the internet's health and well being. Hackers make us uncomfortable. They often make us squirm. Even companies like Facebook, that were founded by hackers, have a complex relationship with them. Unquestionably, hackers have caused a tremendous amount of very real damage in the world, but also, they are the only force on the planet with the capability to stand up to overreaching governments and data exploiting corporations. Even better, hackers can meet these forces on more than equal terms.
Does that make them dangerous? Absolutely. And it also makes them our best hope. Embrace hackers and hacking. If you don't when you start watching this talk, you very likely will be the end.
http://www.ted.com/talks/keren_elazari_hackers_the_internet_s_immune_system
