19 Must Watch Entrepreneurship Ted Talks in 2024

Starting a new business venture is both thrilling and demanding. Being a successful entrepreneur depends on creating the right product or service with your team. While you can't predict every problem, learning entrepreneurship doesn't have to be hard.

An accessible method for learning entrepreneurship involves listening to seasoned individuals, drawing inspiration from their insights.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a business owner, your favorite TED Talks can offer valuable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

From "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek to Seth Godin's "The Purple Cow," these talks cover a wide range of topics essential for building a successful business.

As entrepreneurs, we can learn from the experiences of successful leaders like Steve Jobs and gain valuable lessons on guidance, innovation, and effective communication.

TED Talks provide a platform for other entrepreneurs, experts and thought leaders to share their knowledge and expertise, offering practical advice and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving goals in our ventures.

So, whether you're looking to develop the perfect business idea or seeking motivation to pursue your dreams, TED Talks are a must-watch resource for every successful entrepreneur everywhere.

Without further ado, we've curated a collection of 19 TED Talks that will undoubtedly elevate your entrepreneurial skills. If you're eager to take your entrepreneurial game to the next level, these TED Talks are a must-watch.

Casandra Brené Brown (born November 18, 1965) is an American professor, social worker, author, and podcast host. She is known for her work on shame, vulnerability, and organization, for her widely viewed 2010 TEDx talk.

Brown has authored six number-one New York Times bestselling books and hosted two podcasts on Spotify.

She was featured in the 2019 Netflix documentary, The Call to Courage, and HBO Max released a documentary series based on her book Atlas of the Heart in 2022.

Brown holds the Huffington Foundation's Brené Brown Endowed Chair at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work and serves as a visiting professor in management at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.

Brené Brown's famous TED Talk, "The Power of Vulnerability," explores how embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to strength and connection.

In this talk, Brown shares personal stories and research findings, showing that vulnerability is not a weakness but a source of courage and authenticity.

Her message inspires entrepreneurs, clients and employees to discover and embrace vulnerability as a way to build deeper relationships, inspire others and live life more wholeheartedly.

Simon Oliver Sinek (born 1973) is an English-born American author and inspirational speaker renowned for his business insights. His notable books include "Start with Why" (2009) and "The Infinite Game" (2019).

Sinek initiated his career at the New York ad agencies Euro RSCG and Ogilvy & Mather before founding his own business, Sinek Partners.

As a motivational speaker, Sinek has addressed audiences at various prestigious events, including the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in 2016 and multiple TEDx conferences, in 2009.

Sinek's talk in 2010, titled "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," was based on his book "Start with Why," is one of the most-viewed TED talks. His subsequent book, "Leaders Eat Last," achieved bestseller status on both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times lists.

Sinek has served as an instructor of strategic communications at Columbia University and as an adjunct staff member of the RAND Corporation.

In November 2018, Publishers Weekly announced that Sinek would launch Optimism Press, a new imprint of Penguin Random House. Subsequently speaking, he founded The Optimism Company, a digital learning platform startup.

In his inspiring TED Talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," Sinek talks about the qualities that make leaders truly impactful and inspire others.

He introduces the concept of the "Golden Circle," emphasizing the significance of beginning with the "why" instead of focusing solely on the "what" or "how".

Through compelling examples drawn from successful companies and individuals, Simon Sinek encourages viewers to prioritize purpose-driven actions to foster long-term impact and loyalty.

Daniel H. Pink (born July 23, 1964) is an American author renowned for his bestselling books. He has authored seven New York Times bestsellers and has made significant contributions to social science literature. Pink also served as a host and co-executive producer of the National Geographic Channel's social science TV series, Crowd Control.

From 1995 to 1997, he held the position of chief speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. Pink has received honorary degrees from esteemed institutions such as Georgetown University, Pratt Institute, Ringling College of Art and Design, and the University of Indianapolis.

Pink's books have been selected as common reads for first-year students at various universities, including George Washington University, Butler University, and Texas State University.

Notably, Oprah Winfrey gifted copies of his book "A Whole New Mind" to 4,500 graduates of Stanford University during her commencement address.

In his TED Talk, "The Puzzle of Motivation," Daniel Pink explores what motivates people to excel. He questions the effectiveness of traditional rewards like money and suggests that intrinsic factors such as autonomy, mastery, and purpose are more powerful.

Drawing on research from psychology and economics, Pink shares how businesses and individuals can adopt a more fulfilling and productive approach to motivation.

Derek Sivers (born September 22, 1969) is an American businessperson, musician, and investor. Sivers is the founder of CD Baby.

In his TED Talk called "How to Start a Movement," Derek Sivers breaks down the key factors in how to get a group moving. He uses a funny example of a dancing guy to show that the first follower is key in turning a lone act into a big deal.

It's all about encouraging and supporting those first followers to create something awesome together.

Shawn Achor is a psychologist, entrepreneur and professor who's been researching for the past 20 years at Harvard University. He's the founding father of the consulting firm Good Think Inc., and he co-founded the Institute for Applied Positive Research with his wife. Additionally, Achor serves as the CEO of Better Up, a platform focused on transforming businesses and the world by facilitating entrepreneurs.

In his TED Talk, Shawn Achor shares insights on how happiness leads to improved productivity and success in the workplace. Through engaging anecdotes and scientific research, he highlights the effects of positive psychology and offers practical strategies for cultivating happiness and enhancing performance at work.

Regina Hartley holds a BA in political science from SUNY Binghamton, an MA in corporate and organizational communication and marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the HRCI.

Throughout her 25-year career at UPS, Regina Hartley has held various roles in talent acquisition, succession planning, learning and development, employee relations, and communications.

She believes that given the chance, people with passion and purpose can achieve remarkable things.

Currently, Hartley serves as the VP of HR supporting IT and Engineering at UPS, where she connects with employees who are deeply involved in technology.

In her TED Talks, she explores the importance of hiring individuals with unconventional backgrounds. Drawing from her extensive experience in HR at UPS, she highlights how passion, resilience, and a sense of purpose often outweigh traditional job qualifications.

Hartley emphasizes to hire candidates who have overcome adversity or taken non-traditional paths, as they often bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, ultimately enriching the workplace environment.

Angela Lee Duckworth, born in 1970, is an American academic, psychologist, and popular science author.

She holds the position of Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing her research on grit and self-control.

Additionally, Duckworth is the Founder and former CEO of Character Lab, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the science and application of character development.

In her famous inspiring TED Talk, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," Angela Lee Duckworth, sheds light on the significance of grit in attaining success.

Utilizing her research findings, she delves into how passion and persistence are pivotal in surmounting obstacles and attaining long-term objectives.

She provides insights into the cultivation and enhancement of grit, offering valuable guidance for individuals aiming to excel in diverse areas of their lives.

. Elizabeth Gilbert, an American journalist and writer, gained widespread recognition for her 2006 memoir "Eat, Pray, Love," which has sold over 12 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 30 languages. The memoir was also adapted into a film of the same title in 2010.

In her TED Talk, she explains that both great success and failure are seen as the same in our minds and vaults us into an area of discomfort. She further delves into the dynamics of success and failure in the creative process.

Reflecting on her own life experiences as a writer, she explores the challenges of maintaining creativity and perseverance amidst both success and failure in life.

Gilbert shares insights on how embracing curiosity and resilience can sustain the drive to keep creating, inspiring audiences to navigate the highs and lows of their own creative journeys with courage and determination.

Stacey Yvonne Abrams, an American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author, held office in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017. During her tenure, she served as minority leader from 2011 to 2017.

Success often involves navigating through a world of complexity and overcoming the biggest challenges first, and this holds especially true for endeavors like entrepreneurship.

Stacey Abrams, drawing from her own experiences, emphasizes this in her TED Talk, where she presents three crucial questions.

These questions serve as guiding principles for planning, attempting, adapting, and persisting through setbacks. Answering them thoughtfully and truthfully empowers individuals to approach their goals with resilience and determination to succeed.

Eduardo Briceno is the CEO of Mindset Works, a company he co-founded in 2007 to promote growth mindset development. With extensive experience in venture capital and investment banking, he's a respected figure in fostering learning-oriented cultures within organizations.

Eduardo's TED talks on growth mindset have gained widespread acclaim, and he's recognized as a Pahara-Aspen Fellow and a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network.

He holds degrees in economics and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA and M.A. in education from Stanford University, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning.

Eduardo Briceño, in his famous TED talk, How to Get Better at the Things You Care About, offers insights into improving performance and achieving growth in areas of personal importance.

Drawing from his expertise in mindset development, he shares practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and reaching one's full potential.

Briceño's talk resonates with anyone seeking to enhance their skills and excel in their pursuits by embracing a growth mindset and adopting effective learning techniques.

Susan Cain, an American writer, entrepreneur and speaker born in 1968, is best known for her book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking." This book, published in 2012, highlights the undervalued strengths of introverted individuals in modern Western culture.

Cain co-founded Quiet Revolution in 2015, a company dedicated to various aspects of life including parenting, education, and workplace dynamics. Her follow-up book, "Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts," published in 2016, specifically focuses on empowering introverted youth and guides educators and parents.

In her TED talk, Susan Cain challenges the misconception that introverted leadership is inferior to extroverted leadership. She passionately argues that introverts possess unique strengths and can deliver exceptional results as leaders.

Cain highlights the brilliance of introverts and emphasizes the value of embracing one's introverted style of guidance for optimal outcomes.

Vik Nithy is a renowned serial entrepreneur,, speaker, and expert in the fields of entrepreneurship and personal development. He's known for his innovative approaches to problem-solving and his passion for helping others unlock their full potential.

Nithy's insights and strategies have inspired countless individuals and organizations to achieve success and make a positive impact in the world.

Vik Nithy's TEDx talk titled "Why we procrastinate" offers valuable insights into the reasons behind procrastination and provides practical strategies to overcome it.

In his talk, Nithy explores the psychological factors that contribute to procrastination and shares personal anecdotes and research-based techniques to help individuals combat procrastination and boost their productivity.

Nithy's engaging and informative presentation has resonated with audiences around the world, inspiring them to take action and achieve their goals.

Isabel Pesce Mattos, better known as Bel Pesce, is a Brazilian entrepreneur, writer, and lecturer. She gained prominence for her book "A Menina do Vale" ("The Girl from Silicon Valley"), which became a bestseller in Brazil.

Bel Pesce earned her education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she studied both at the MIT School of Engineering and the MIT Sloan School of Management.

She has become known for her entrepreneurial insights and motivational talks, earning her the nickname "Menina do Vale do Silício" ("Girl from Silicon Valley"). Born on February 20, 1988, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, Bel Pesce has become a prominent figure in the Brazilian startup ecosystem.

Bel Pesce's TEDx talk, "5 Ways to Kill Your Dreams," offers practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls that can derail your aspirations. In her talk, Pesce shares personal stories and practical tips to help you pursue your dreams effectively.

By identifying and addressing these obstacles, Pesce believes individuals can increase their chances of success and fulfillment.

William Hunt "Bill" Gross is an American investor, fund manager, and notable venture capitalist, best known for co-founding Pacific Investment Management Co. (PIMCO), a global fixed-income investment company.

Gross managed PIMCO's $270 billion Total Return Fund before leaving to join Janus Capital Group in September 2014. He was born on April 13, 1944, in Middletown, Ohio, United States.

In his TED talk, "The Single Biggest Reason Why Startups Succeed," Bill Gross, the founder of Idealab, shares his insights into what makes startups successful. He also investigated which factors accounted for those businesses' success or failure. 

Based on his extensive startup experience, Gross identifies timing as the most critical factor for startup success, even more important than the idea itself, the team, or the startup or business model.

Seth W. Godin is an American author and former dot-com business executive. He sometimes uses the alias "F.X. Nine." Godin was born on July 10, 1960, in Mount Vernon, New York, United States.

He is known for his edited works, including "The Carbon Almanac: It's Not Too Late. Godin has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Nonfiction. He is an alumnus of Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he graduated in 1984.

In his TED talk, "How to Get Your Ideas to Spread," Seth Godin explains the dynamics of idea diffusion. He discusses the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace, emphasizing the need to create remarkable and unique ideas that capture people's attention.

Godin provides practical advice on how to make ideas contagious and encourages individuals to take risks and be innovative in their approach to marketing and communication.

Richard St. John is an author, speaker, and success analyst who gained prominence for his TED talk titled "8 Secrets of Success." Born in 1947, St. John embarked on a journey to understand the essence of success after being asked a question by a young girl on a plane journey to a TED conference.

His research involved interviewing successful individuals and distilling their insights into eight key principles. These principles formed the basis of his TED talk and subsequent book, "The 8 Traits Successful People Have in Common: 8 to Be Great."

St. John's work has inspired and motivated countless individuals to pursue their goals and achieve success.

In his TED talk, "8 Secrets of Success," successful entrepreneur Richard St. John shares insights he gained from over a decade of research and interviews with successful entrepreneurs and individuals.

He condenses his findings into eight key business principles for entrepreneurs, including passion, hard work, focus, persistence, serving others, ideas, pushing yourself, and being consistent.

St. John's engaging presentation includes anecdotes and examples to illustrate each principle, providing practical advice and inspiration for anyone striving for success in their personal or professional life.

Harish Manwani, born in 1953, is an Indian business executive renowned for his tenure as the global Chief Operating Officer of Unilever. He currently serves as a Senior Operating Partner at Blackstone and sits on the boards of Whirlpool, Qualcomm, Gilead Sciences, Tata Sons, and other businesses.

Manwani began his career with Unilever in India in 1976, eventually assuming various roles within the company, including President of Home and Personal Care for Latin America, CEO of Unilever HPC North America, and President of Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe.

He retired from Unilever in 2014 after more than 38 years but remains active in the business world, holding several international board positions and serving as Chairman of the Indian School of Business.

In his TED talk, "Profit's not always the point," Harish Manwani discusses the role of businesses in society beyond just making profits.

He talks about how companies can create value for both shareholders and society by addressing social and environmental challenges.

Manwani argues that businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the world, and he shares examples of companies that have successfully integrated social responsibility into their business models.

Dao Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American media executive, best known for her role as the Publisher of BuzzFeed. She was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States with her family as a refugee when she was just a child.

Nguyen joined BuzzFeed in 2012 as its 18th employee. During her time there, she played a crucial role in shaping the company's content strategy and audience growth.

Nguyen's innovative approach to content distribution and audience engagement has earned her widespread recognition in the media industry.

In her TED talk, "What Makes Something Go Viral?" Dao Nguyen, Publisher of BuzzFeed, explores why certain content spreads widely on the internet.

Drawing from her experience at BuzzFeed, she highlights the importance of emotion, identity, and social currency in creating viral content.

Nguyen's insights provide valuable lessons for marketers and content creators seeking to understand the dynamics of online virality.

Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker, best known for his books such as "The Tipping Point," "Blink," and "Outliers."

Born on September 3, 1963, in Fareham, Hampshire, England, he grew up in Ontario, Canada. Gladwell's work often explores the unexpected implications of research in the social sciences and its application to everyday life.

He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996 and has received numerous awards for his writing. Gladwell's books are widely popular and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

In his TED talk, "Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce," Malcolm Gladwell discusses the groundbreaking research of Howard Moskowitz, a market researcher and psychophysicist.

Gladwell explores how Moskowitz's work revolutionized the food industry by demonstrating that there is no "perfect" version of a product, but rather, different preferences among consumers.

Using the example of spaghetti sauce, Gladwell illustrates how Moskowitz's research led to the recognition of the importance of diversity and choice in satisfying consumer preferences. This realization, Gladwell argues, has broader implications for understanding happiness and fulfillment in life.

Business success or failure depends on creating the right product, market, or service with your team, learning entrepreneurship doesn't have to be difficult.

An accessible method for learning entrepreneurship involves listening to seasoned business individuals and drawing inspiration from their insights.

TED Talks offer valuable insights, ideas, and inspiration to help navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or just an employee, TED Talks cover a wide range of topics essential for building a successful business.

From understanding leadership and motivation to embracing vulnerability and innovation, these talks provide practical advice and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving goals in your ventures.

So, whether you're looking to develop the perfect business idea or seeking motivation to pursue your dreams, TED Talks are an essential resource for every entrepreneur.