The 10 best TED talks about investing

“Why You Think You’re Right — Even If You’re Wrong” by Julia Galef

“Why You Think You’re Right — Even If You’re Wrong” is a TED talk by Julia Galef, a writer and researcher who studies how we think and how we can improve our reasoning and decision-making. In her talk, Galef explores the concept of “motivated reasoning,” which is the tendency to interpret evidence in a way that supports our pre-existing beliefs and values.

Galef argues that motivated reasoning is a natural and universal human trait, but that it can also be a significant obstacle to clear thinking and accurate decision-making. She shares several examples of how motivated reasoning can lead us astray, such as the phenomenon of confirmation bias, which is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs while ignoring information that contradicts them.

Galef also offers practical advice for how to overcome motivated reasoning and improve our reasoning and decision-making skills. She encourages us to adopt a more curious and open-minded approach to learning and problem-solving, and to seek out diverse perspectives and opinions that challenge our assumptions.

Overall, “Why You Think You’re Right — Even If You’re Wrong” is a thought-provoking talk that challenges our assumptions about how we think and make decisions. It offers practical advice for how to overcome motivated reasoning and improve our reasoning and decision-making skills, and encourages us to embrace a more curious and open-minded approach to learning and problem-solving.

“The Investment Logic for Positive Impact” by Fran Seegull

“The Investment Logic for Positive Impact” is a TED talk by Fran Seegull, the Executive Director of the U.S. Impact Investing Alliance. In her talk, Seegull discusses the emerging field of impact investing, which seeks to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns.

Seegull argues that traditional investing approaches have focused primarily on generating financial returns, without necessarily taking into account the broader social and environmental impacts of investment decisions. She notes that impact investing offers a new way of thinking about investing, in which investors seek to generate positive impact alongside financial returns.

Seegull shares several examples of impact investing initiatives that have generated positive outcomes, such as investments in affordable housing, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. She also notes that impact investing is becoming increasingly popular among investors, as more and more people are looking for ways to align their investments with their values and make a positive impact on the world.

Overall, “The Investment Logic for Positive Impact” is an inspiring talk that highlights the potential of impact investing to generate positive outcomes for society and the environment. It offers practical advice for investors who want to make a positive impact with their investments, and encourages us to think more broadly about the potential impacts of our investment decisions.

“How to Make a Fortune by Giving Things Away” by Nilofer Merchant

“How to Make a Fortune by Giving Things Away” is a TED talk by Nilofer Merchant, a Silicon Valley-based author and strategist. In her talk, Merchant discusses the concept of “giving things away” as a strategy for creating value and generating success in the modern economy.

Merchant argues that the traditional model of business, in which companies focus primarily on creating value through the sale of products and services, is becoming increasingly outdated. Instead, she suggests that companies should focus on creating value by giving things away for free, such as offering free trials or freemium services.

Merchant shares several examples of companies that have successfully implemented this strategy, such as LinkedIn and Dropbox, and notes that giving things away for free can be a powerful way to build a loyal customer base and generate revenue in the long term. She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and openness in today’s business environment, and encourages companies to embrace a more inclusive and collaborative approach to innovation.

Overall, “How to Make a Fortune by Giving Things Away” is a thought-provoking talk that challenges traditional notions of value creation and success in the modern economy. It offers practical advice for companies looking to generate success through innovative strategies, and encourages us to embrace a more collaborative and inclusive approach to business.

“Investing in Africa, for Africans” by Wendy Luhabe

“Investing in Africa, for Africans” is a TED talk by Wendy Luhabe, a South African social entrepreneur and author. In her talk, Luhabe discusses the importance of investing in Africa’s future, and the role that African investors can play in driving economic growth and development on the continent.

Luhabe argues that Africa has enormous potential for growth and development, and that investing in the continent’s future is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and social progress. She notes that African investors have a unique role to play in this process, as they have a deep understanding of the continent’s needs and opportunities.

Luhabe shares several examples of successful African-led investment initiatives, such as the African Women’s Investment Fund, which seeks to empower women entrepreneurs across the continent. She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership between African investors and international investors, and encourages African investors to work together to build a strong and sustainable investment ecosystem on the continent.

Overall, “Investing in Africa, for Africans” is an inspiring talk that highlights the potential of African-led investment initiatives to drive economic growth and development on the continent. It offers practical advice for African investors looking to make a positive impact on their communities and the continent as a whole, and encourages us to think more broadly about the role of investment in driving social progress and economic development.

“Invest in the Power of Women Entrepreneurs” by Vicki Saunders

“Invest in the Power of Women Entrepreneurs” is a TED talk by Vicki Saunders, the founder of SheEO, a global initiative that supports women-led ventures. In her talk, Saunders discusses the importance of investing in women entrepreneurs, and the potential impact that these entrepreneurs can have on the world.

Saunders argues that women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing funding and support, and that this has contributed to a significant gender gap in entrepreneurship. However, she notes that investing in women entrepreneurs can have a powerful multiplier effect, as these entrepreneurs are more likely to invest in their communities and create positive social and environmental impact.

Saunders shares several examples of successful women-led ventures that have had a positive impact on their communities, such as a company that produces reusable menstrual products in Kenya and a platform that connects women farmers in India with buyers. She also highlights the importance of creating supportive ecosystems for women entrepreneurs, and shares details about the SheEO initiative, which provides funding and support to women-led ventures.

Overall, “Invest in the Power of Women Entrepreneurs” is an inspiring talk that highlights the potential of women-led ventures to create positive social and environmental impact. It offers practical advice for investors and policymakers looking to support women entrepreneurs, and encourages us to think more broadly about the role of entrepreneurship in driving social and economic progress.

“How to Buy Happiness” by Michael Norton

“How to Buy Happiness” is a TED talk by Michael Norton, a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. In his talk, Norton discusses the relationship between money and happiness, and explores how spending money on others can increase our sense of well-being.

Norton begins by noting that many people believe that money can’t buy happiness, but research suggests that this isn’t entirely true. While money alone may not lead to lasting happiness, how we spend our money can have a significant impact on our well-being. Specifically, Norton suggests that spending money on others, rather than on ourselves, can increase our sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Norton shares several examples of studies that have explored the relationship between spending and happiness, such as a study that found that people who spent money on others reported greater happiness than those who spent money on themselves. He also notes that the amount of money we spend on others doesn’t necessarily matter; even small acts of kindness can have a positive impact on our well-being.

Overall, “How to Buy Happiness” is a thought-provoking talk that challenges our assumptions about the relationship between money and happiness. It offers practical advice for individuals looking to increase their sense of well-being, and encourages us to think more broadly about the role of spending in creating a more fulfilling and meaningful life.