One cannot deny TED Talks has earned its rightful and important place when it comes to motivational and awe-inspiring speeches.
Whether attending a class or seminar of sorts, you would have encountered a couple of their videos, and for a good reason.
Here are some of the best TED Talks by women that are worth watching and sharing.
Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts
About the speaker: A former corporate lawyer, Susan Cain embraced her dream to become the writer she always wanted to be, writing the book “QUIET: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking”.
What it’s about: Have you ever felt like you are, in some way, discriminated against for not wanting to always surround yourself with people? Have you ever questioned why there is so much group work in schools and workplaces, even those that do not really require being done in teams? These are the issues that Cain addresses in her powerful talk.
With the rise of globalisation, technology and business, extroversion has become the trait most valued and encouraged. But Cain begs to differ; starting with her own story and showing that there is much value and potential in being introverted.
What we can learn from her: In her talk, Cain encourages people to value introverts and see what they have to offer that extroverts can’t. More importantly, Cain shows that everyone, extroverts included, can benefit greatly from moments of solitude and contemplation.
Read: Women Must Say ‘No’ When They Mean ‘No’
2. Stephanie Shirley: Why Do Ambitious Women Have Flat Heads?
About the speaker: More than a businesswoman and IT pioneer, Stephanie Shirley is also a philanthropist, honoured by the British government a number of times.
What it’s about: Listen to the story of a woman who changed the landscape of Information Technology and business, and laid the first stone for women aspiring to enter these fields.
In spite of gender bias, Shirley didn’t let it stop her from doing what she wanted for other women like her.
Her story is a reminder that the journey to success is never easy. In her own words, “If success were easy, we’d all be millionaires. But in my case, it came in the midst of family, trauma, and indeed, crisis.”
What we can learn from her: Shirley acknowledges that she would not have achieved what she did if it were not for people who helped her along the way.
With the software company Freelance Programmers which she founded, Shirley was able to provide jobs for women. She did the unthinkable and became one of the best examples that there are “firsts” for everything.
Starting with a RM300 investment, she showed that women can make it big, even in a male-dominated business like technology. Instead of crying for change, Shirley chose to bring about that change, changing her name to “Steve” to ensure her ideas were heard before she was judged as a female.
Read: Start A Business Built on Passion & Learn How These Women Succeed
3. Why Domestic Violence Victims Don’t Leave
About the speaker: Leslie Morgan Steiner is a businesswoman, writer, and blogger from the US.
What it’s about: Whenever you read about domestic violence and the women who fall victim to it, the main question is: “Why didn’t she just leave?”
This is the question Steiner, a victim of domestic abuse herself, answers in her talk.
As Steiner bravely recounts her story, it becomes apparent that things are never as simple as we think when one is living with an abusive partner. Even the act of talking about being abused is seemingly impossible for those experiencing it.
Steiner says she recognises not everyone is as lucky as she was to get out of it and rebuild her life and family. She explains the steps leading to domestic abuse and how one can identify it, especially before it gets to the final step – the point of no return; that is, the death of the victim in the hands of the person he/she loved most.
What we can learn from her: Never judge others too quickly, especially victims of domestic abuse. What we should do, however, is shed light on this issue. Talk to people about it. As Steiner tells us, abuse thrives when no one talks about it.
Instead of putting the victims down, encourage them to share their stories and others to spread the word. Inform them and many others – men and women alike – of the signs of abuse.
Read: Relationship Tips For Real Women: Ramp It Up!
4. Meet a Young Entrepreneur, Cartoonist, Designer, Activist…
About the speaker: Maya Penn is a fashion designer, cartoonist, and philanthropist. At the age of eight, she started her online fashion retail business. By 10, she had already been featured in Forbes.
What it’s about: The 13-year-old entrepreneur, with singular charisma and charm, and animations she thought up and produced herself – talks about her journey to the business world.
She talks of her fascination with art and how this paved the way for success in the fashion design business.
Penn proves to be even more sophisticated than many entrepreneurs decades ahead of her. Her products are eco-friendly, and she donates a significant percentage of profits to charities and environmental organisations.
What we can learn from her: Once again, a young entrepreneur is able to show the world that business is not just about raising the numbers in your bank account; it can also be done for a worthy cause.
Penn challenges us to put our ideas to life. She demonstrates this by showing us it is possible to follow our dreams without endangering the world we live in. Truly, Penn is living proof that entrepreneurship knows no age.
This article first appeared in thenewsavvy.com
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