Everyone in this world looks for inspiration in whatever they do or plan to do. We look for inspiration from people so that we can push ourselves towards our goal.
Today, we bring you a collection of some of the best inspiring TED talks by women around the world. Some of these will essentially inspire you if you are a woman but it is equally important for men to watch these because there are a lot of things that we need to fix at our end too.
Whatever you do today, do spend some time going through all of these experiences. I am sure some will create a lasting impact on you.
Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders
Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and one of the very few women business leaders. Her talk is also precisely about that. She looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions — and offers 3 powerful pieces of advice to women aiming for the C-suite.
Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids
A prolific short story writer and blogger since age seven, Adora Svitak (now 12) speaks around the United States to adults and children as an advocate for literacy.
In this video, child prodigy Adora Svitak says the world needs “childish” thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids’ big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups’ willingness to learn from children as much as to teach.
By the way, this is my favorite one.
Aimee Mullins: It’s not fair having 12 pairs of legs
Aimee Mullins was born without fibular bones, and had both of her legs amputated below the knee when she was an infant. She learned to walk on prosthetics, then to run — competing at the national and international level as a champion sprinter, and setting world records at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta. At Georgetown, where she double-majored in history and diplomacy, she became the first double amputee to compete in NCAA Division 1 track and field.
In this video, she talks about how attitude can help you pull off almost anything. Just like people collecting of designer shoes, she owns more than 12 pairs of designer legs. You’ll definitely be dumbstruck after you see this.
Leslie Morgan Steiner: Why domestic violence victims don’t leave
Leslie Morgan did her Bachelor’s at Harvard and MBA at Wharton. She’s worked at top Fortune 500 companies. Now here’s where it gets personal. She is a writer and outspoken advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Why? Because she was a victim of domestic violence starting age 22.
She is the author of Crazy Love, a memoir about her marriage to a man who routinely abused and threatened her. In it she describes the harrowing details that unfolded unexpectedly — from the moment she met a warm, loving, infatuated man on the subway, to the moment he first laid a hand on her, when he grabbed her neck just days before their wedding. This is her story:
Liza Donnelly: Drawing on humor for change
New Yorker cartoonist Liza Donnelly tackles global issues with humor, intelligence and sarcasm. Her latest project supports the United Nations initiative Cartooning For Peace.
In this video,she shares a portfolio of her wise and funny cartoons about modern life — and talks about how humor can empower women to change the rules.
This one is funny, really!
Kavita Ramdas: Radical women, embracing tradition
Kavita Ramdas directs the Global Fund for Women, the largest foundation in the world supporting women’s human rights across all borders.
In this video, she talks about finding the balance between rising to the top of Western business and society without compromising traditional culture and influences. Whether you’re from a conservative background or not, this talk offers inspiration for changing the world without succumbing to the world’s expected polarities.
Leymah Gbowee: Unlock the intelligence, passion, greatness of girls
Leymah Gbowee is a peace activist in Liberia. She led a women’s movement that was pivotal in ending the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003, and now speaks on behalf of women and girls around the world.
She is a Nobel Peace prize winner and she talks about her story and how we transform the world by unlocking the greatness of girls?
Jill Bolte Taylor: Stroke of insight
Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions — motion, speech, self-awareness — shut down one by one. An astonishing story.
Amanda Palmer: The art of asking
Amanda Palmer has a wonderful story. Today, she believes music should be free. Don’t make people pay for music, she says: Let them. In a passionate talk that begins in her days as a street performer (drop a dollar in the hat for the Eight-Foot Bride!), she examines the new relationship between artist and fan.
She made international headlines this year when she raised nearly $1.2 million via Kickstarter (she’d asked for $100k) from nearly 25,000 fans who pre-ordered her new album, Theatre Is Evil.
Sunitha Krishnan: The fight against sex slavery
Sunitha Krishnan has dedicated her life to rescuing women and children from sex slavery, a multimilion-dollar global market. In this courageous talk, she tells three powerful stories, as well as her own, and calls for a more humane approach to helping these young victims rebuild their lives.
