ReThinking with Adam Grant Ambition vs. aspiration with philosopher Agnes Callard June 13, 2023 [00:00:00] Adam Grant: Hey everyone, it's Adam Grant. Welcome back to ReThinking, my podcast on the science of what makes us tick. I'm an organizational psychologist, and I'm taking you inside the minds of fascinating people to explore new thoughts ...

“A new reality has emerged, one where ambitious Africans are writing their own stories as builders and as innovators,” says business storyteller Peace Itimi. Taking us inside Africa’s booming tech scene, she highlights the trailblazing entrepreneurs and startups reshaping Africa's economy through innovation and ambition.

The former prime minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd is also a longtime student of China, with a unique vantage point to watch its power rise in the past few decades. He asks whether the growing ambition of China will inevitably lead to conflict with other major powers -- and suggests another narrative.

What does this gorgeous street art say? It's Arabic poetry, inspired by bold graffiti and placed where a message of hope and peace can do the most good. In this quietly passionate talk, artist and TED Fellow eL Seed describes his ambition: to create art so beautiful it needs no translation.

In this deeply charming and humorous talk, DJ and self-professed pirate Tom Nash meditates on how facing adversity due to disability invited patience, ambition and pragmatism into his life in enlightening, unexpected ways. "We all have unique weaknesses," he says. "If we're honest about what they are, we can learn how to best take advantage of t...

How you respond to setbacks is what defines your character, says Stacey Abrams, the first Black woman in the history of the United States to be nominated by a major party for governor. In an electrifying talk, she shares the lessons she learned from her campaign for governor of Georgia -- and some advice on how to change the world. "Be aggressiv...

We teach girls that they can have ambition, but not too much ... to be successful, but not too successful, or they'll threaten men, says author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In this classic talk that started a worldwide conversation about feminism, Adichie asks that we begin to dream about and plan for a different, fairer world -- of happier men and...

When it comes to tackling climate change, the size of a country doesn't matter -- it's their ambition that counts, says First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. In a rousing talk, she shares examples of small nations -- from Bhutan and Fiji to her own Scotland -- whose leadership and climate action are galvanizing change on the international ...

Irene Mora credits her own ambition and drive to her mother, the successful CEO of a multinational company. From her unique childhood -- hopping around the world and being exposed to new environments -- Mora learned valuable skills that later informed and helped her excel in business, including adaptability, authenticity and independence. Mora e...

Bill Gates talks best (and worst) case scenarios for the coronavirus pandemic in the months ahead, explaining the challenges of reducing virus transmission, providing an update on promising vaccine candidates, offering his thoughts on reopening and even taking a moment to address conspiracy theories circulating about himself. Stay tuned for his ...

In this rousing call to action, three participants of the Race To Zero -- a global campaign for cities, businesses, investors and individuals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 -- discuss how we can move forward with speed and urgency to create a more fair, healthy and sustainable world. Watch as Miao Wang, United Nations Young Champio...

Dolly Parton is a living legend. Her hit songs like "9 to 5", "Jolene", and "I Will Always Love You" have captured generation after generation, and her career is far from slowing down. Her latest project, "Run, Rose, Run" is both a novel co-authored with James Patterson AND its brand-new, full-length companion album. In today's episode, Adam tal...

Bjørn Otto Sverdrup is the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, whose industry members account for almost 30 percent of global production.

When Marvin Rees was elected in May 2016, he became the first directly elected mayor of Black African heritage of any major European city.

North Korean defector Yeonmi Park is becoming a leading voice of oppressed people around the world through her writing, speaking and work as a director at the Human Rights Foundation.

Mahendra Singhi is the managing director and CEO of Dalmia Cement, a prominent cement manufacturing group in India targeting to become carbon-negative by 2040.

Michael Bodekaer is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for building innovative technology companies that have the potential to change the world.

Alan Jamieson is a scientist and explorer of the deep sea. He specializes in the deepest ecosystems on Earth, known as the Hadal zone, where the ocean extends from 6 km deep to nearly 11 km (3.7 to 6.8 miles deep).

Rasmus Ankersen is a Danish entrepreneur with a big passion for cracking the secrets of high performance.

As CEO of the global healthcare company Sanofi, Paul Hudson aims to transform the practice of medicine.

Dr. Jessica Garza is an accomplished global business, sport and transformational coach, speaker and author.

Rebekah Shirley’s research helps identify real actions for promoting clean energy and sustainable economies in Africa.

Anne-Marie Slaughter has exploded the conversation around women’s work-life balance.

In his provocative, mind-bending book "The Secret Life of the Mind," neuroscientist Mariano Sigman reveals his life’s work exploring the inner workings of the human brain.

Stacey Abrams's 2018 campaign for governor of Georgia was watched across the world. The first black woman to be nominated by a major party for governor, she lost after a hard-fought race. Now she's the surprise speaker onstage at TEDWomen 2018, where, in an electrifying talk, she shares the lessons she learned from her campaign, advice on ho...

Esra’a Al Shafei was outraged by the injustices she saw against minorities in her region. She created MideastYouth.com as a platform for people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to openly discuss a wide range of taboos and underrepresented issues. The group’s latest venture? Tackling their most controversial issue yet with Ahwaa.org...

António Guterres is at the forefront of fighting the climate emergency and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

About this event: "Greatness From Small Beginnings" Why this theme? Because we believe in starting small and dreaming big! Get pumped to hear incredible stories of triumph, growth, and unstoppable ambition. This theme is all about YOU realizing your potential and making waves!

Alex Salmond is interested in the role of small countries in the world. And, "As the leader of a small country that's had a big impact on the world, it's something of a specialist subject of mine." Indeed! Salmond was the First Minister of Scotland. He points to a remarkable moment at the height of the recent protests in Trafalgar Square,...