When you’re running a business, some days you feel unstoppable and other days you’re wondering if you’ve completely lost the plot. I’ve been there. Sometimes, all it takes to reset your mindset is a bit of outside inspiration. That’s where TED Talks come in. They’re short, sharp, and often exactly what you need to hear in that moment. Here are eleven talks that have genuinely shifted the way many entrepreneurs think, work, and lead. I’ve linked the videos so you can watch them directly — no excuses.
11 TED Talks Every Entrepreneur Should Watch at Least Once
List of 11 TED talks every entrepreneur should watch at least once –
1. Start with Why – Simon Sinek
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ss78LfY3nE
Sinek’s idea is simple but powerful: people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. He calls it the Golden Circle, and once you understand it, you’ll start seeing it everywhere — in marketing campaigns, in company cultures, in the way leaders inspire their teams. For me, it was a reminder that a mission statement isn’t just for the “About” page on your website. It’s the foundation of everything.
2. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8
If you’ve ever hit a wall in your business (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), this talk is for you. Duckworth explains why grit — that stubborn mix of passion and persistence — beats talent almost every time. The examples she shares, from West Point cadets to spelling bee champions, make it clear that sticking with something long enough often matters more than being naturally gifted.
3. How Great Leaders Inspire Action – Simon Sinek
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp0HIF3SfI4
Yes, another Sinek talk. And yes, it’s worth it. This is the one that took the “Start with Why” idea and turned it into one of the most-watched TED Talks ever. He shows how leaders who communicate their vision clearly can rally people behind them in a way that’s hard to fake. If you lead a team, even a small one, this will hit home.
4. The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o
Brené Brown has this way of making you feel seen. In this talk, she flips the script on vulnerability, showing that it’s not about weakness — it’s about courage, trust, and connection. If you’ve been putting on your “everything’s fine” mask a bit too often lately, this might give you the push to lead more authentically.
5. The Single Biggest Reason Why Startups Succeed – Bill Gross
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpx7gpSqbY
Gross has studied more startups than most of us will ever hear about. His conclusion? Timing is the biggest success factor. Bigger than funding. Bigger than the team. Bigger than the idea itself. It’s a fascinating reminder that you can have everything else right, but if you launch at the wrong time, it’s an uphill battle.
6. I Didn’t Follow My Passion: I Honed My Craft – Emily Waples
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssZcWnX8CzE
We’ve all heard the “follow your passion” advice. Waples says, forget that — get really good at something first. She argues that passion often comes after you’ve put in the work and mastered your skills. As an entrepreneur, that means focusing on building expertise instead of chasing a vague feeling.
7. The Power of Introverts – Susan Cain
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4
If you’re introverted, you’ve probably felt pressure to be louder, more outgoing, more… something. Cain makes the case that introverts bring huge value to the table — deep thinking, listening skills, and creativity that thrives in quieter spaces. Her talk might make you rethink how you approach your own leadership style.
8. Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are – Amy Cuddy
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
Ever heard of “power posing”? Cuddy’s research shows that the way you hold your body can actually change how confident you feel. It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not — it’s about using posture as a tool to boost your own mindset before big moments like pitches or negotiations.
9. How to Get Better at the Things You Care About – Eduardo Briceño
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs
Briceño breaks improvement into two zones: the learning zone and the performance zone. Most of us spend too much time in one or the other. His framework makes it easier to balance them so you’re always getting better without burning out.
10. Why? How Great Companies Invent the Future – Simon Sinek
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyTQ5-SQYTo
Here’s Sinek again, this time exploring how companies with a strong “why” consistently lead their industries. It’s about creating products and services that change the game instead of just playing it. Definitely worth a watch if you’re thinking big.
11. The Art of the Hustle – Arianna Huffington
Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhxcFGuKOys
Huffington calls out hustle culture for what it is: a fast track to burnout. She’s all about redefining success to include rest, sleep, and self-care. For entrepreneurs running on coffee and adrenaline, her message is a reality check. Wrapping It. These talks aren’t just inspiring — they’re practical. They cover everything from building resilience and mastering your craft to leading with purpose and protecting your well-being. My suggestion? Pick two or three that speak to where you are right now and watch them this week. You might be surprised at how much a 15-minute video can change the way you see your business.
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