If you're reading this article, you might be thinking of making a big career move. Like, life-shakingly huge.
First of all, we are squealing with delight for you. Here's a sort of little-known fact about the Career Contessa team. We are comprised entirely of individuals who were on track for some sort of career—and then we pivoted in a major way.
We're not advocating for everyone to up and leave their job to find success overnight. What we are saying (and gently nudging you in the side about) is that, if there is something that lights your candle a little brighter, maybe go after it?
Whatever you decide, we curated this collection of TED Talks that we find super inspirational when it comes to making bold moves. Maybe one of these will do the trick for you. We hope so!
HOW YOUR UNIQUE STORY CAN GET YOU HIRED by Aimée Eubanks Davis
When searching for a job, you may feel like you're not good enough or qualified enough to get it. In this talk, the founder and CEO of Braven, Aimée Eubanks Davis, is here to tell you how to turn your struggles and doubts into your strengths with the power of your very own story.
HOW TO EMBRACE EMOTIONS AT WORK by Liz Fosslien
We love Liz Fosslien (of Liz + Mollie) and we love how she tackles talking about emotions at work. In this talk, Fosslien uses behavioral science to help you bring your authentic self to work.
EMBRACE THE NEAR WINS by Sarah Lewis
It can feel difficult to celebrate our actual wins, but what about our "close-enoughs"? Art historian and critic Sarah Lewis noticed something important about an artist she was studying—not every work is a masterpiece. In this talk, Lewis asks us to consider how almost-failures and near-wins hold the power to forward movement.
HOW TO GET BACK TO WORK AFTER A CAREER BREAK by Carol Fishman Cohen
One of the toughest questions we are asked is how to return to the workforce after a career break. In this talk, career reentry expert Carol Fishman Cohen thinks you should fearlessly return to work—and her advice for career "relaunchers".
THE CAREER ADVICE YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T GET by Susan Colantuono
So, you're doing absolutely everything right and you're still stagnant. Why? In this talk, Susan Colantuono shares a simple, surprising piece of advice that might just change the entire trajectory of your career.
GRIT, THE POWER OF PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE by Angela Lee Duckworth
We've featured this TED Talk by psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth in our other TED Talk collections—because it's that good. In this talk, Duckworth explains her theory of "grit" as the main predictor of success.
WHAT MAKES US FEEL GOOD ABOUT WORK by Dan Ariely
What motivates us to go to work every day? Is it the pursuit of money? Is it for joy or accomplishment? In this talk, ehavioral economist Dan Ariely presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal our nuanced and surprising attitudes toward meaning and fulfillment in our professional work.
This one is super inspirational. Buckle up.
HOW WORKING COUPLES CAN BEST SUPPORT EACH OTHER by Jennifer Petriglieri
If your partner isn't championing you and your success, then what are they doing for you? In this talk, professor and author Jennifer Petriglieri explains how dual-career couples can make life and career choices together—all without sacrificing individual aspirations.
5 STEPS TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM DRAMA AT WORK by Anastasia Penright
We're going to end with a little drama and fun. No matter your industry, you've experienced drama at work. In this funny and scary-relatable talk, community leader Anastasia Penright outlines five steps to help you work with even the most problematic coworkers and put your work way before any drama. Have a laugh or two.
Love a good TED Talk? We have a few more to make you think differently and work confidently.
