Worklife with Adam Grant

TED

You spend a quarter of your life at work. You should enjoy it! Organizational psychologist Adam Grant takes you inside the minds of some of the world’s most unusual professionals to discover the keys to a better work life. From learning how to love your rivals to harnessing the power of frustration, one thing’s for sure: You’ll never see your job the same way again. Produced in partnership with Transmitter Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Our Editor's Take

Some people find the perfect balance between work and life. Others love what they do and hardly consider it work at all. Then, there's everyone else—those struggling to enjoy work. The WorkLife with Adam Grant podcast is for all of the above.

Work consumes a big percentage (25%!) of our lives. Most of the world probably understands that. Ideally, work, while necessary, could also be fun. Staying engaged and happy is much easier when the job is satisfying. Unfortunately, many people struggle with the idea of loving work. Finding a way to reverse this trend is important for stress-reduction, happiness, and longevity.

WorkLife with Adam Grant is the first step to unlocking the potential of work enjoyment. Packed with valuable tips and helpful tricks, this podcast is a must-listen for those looking for a better work-life balance. No matter where listeners are on their employment journey, this podcast has insights to share.

Host Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, shares helpful ideas that are easy to implement. This podcast is more than enlightening—it is life-altering. Adam's insights might help listeners discover newfound satisfaction in the workplace, or discover when a workplace is more trouble than it's worth.

Episodes cover office culture, toxic workplaces, leadership lessons, and more. WorkLife with Adam Grant is a comprehensive examination of modern work life and ways it can improve. The result is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn about career satisfaction.

Listeners tune in for applicable conversations complete with actionable tips. New episodes appear weekly. Most episodes range 20 minutes to an hour in length. This podcast aims to shift perceptions and transform the concept of work. It's a nonstop self-help guide to a brighter, happier future on and off the job.

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Teaser: WorkLife Season 2

Teaser: WorkLife Season 2

Work doesn't have to suck; science says so. Take a trip inside the minds of expert networkers and Olympic champions, an Oscar-winning director and an office-politics whisperer — who've all mastered ways to make work more creative and more fun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Befriending your impostor syndrome with Iceland's president Halla Tómasdóttir

Befriending your impostor syndrome with Iceland's president Halla Tómasdóttir

When Halla Tómasdóttir lost her bid for the Icelandic presidency in 2016, she wasn't sure she wanted to run again. But after battles with self-doubt, encouragement from her supporters and an epiphany about leadership, she ran again this year — and this time, she won. Halla joins Adam to discuss dealing with impostor syndrome, why leadership is worth the effort and how listening and asking questions can build trust with constituents and make you a stronger leader. The two also dig into the story behind Halla's "scarf revolution," Iceland's history of solving problems with creativity and Halla’s approach to leading her campaign — and presidency — with optimism. Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Mark Rober hides "science vegetables" in viral videos

How Mark Rober hides "science vegetables" in viral videos

If you don't know Mark Rober, your kids do. He's best known for his viral engineering feats — like creating an obstacle course for squirrels, designing glitter bombs to get revenge on package thieves and building the world's largest Nerf gun. Before launching YouTube's most followed science channel, he was a NASA engineer, and he now runs his own company, CrunchLabs, designing monthly STEM subscription boxes that teach kids how to think, build, play and solve like engineers. Mark joins Adam to share his secrets to online engagement, his storytelling techniques and how to apply the scientific method to everyday life. They also discuss the importance of feeling ownership of your work, the case for sending humans to Mars and how they're rethought their approaches to parenting.Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Goodall on leadership lessons from primates

Jane Goodall on leadership lessons from primates

Have you ever felt like your work colleagues sometimes act like animals? In this conversation, Jane Goodall and Adam take that idea literally, exploring what Jane's expertise on chimp behavior can teach us about how humans relate and organize. With grace and wisdom, she shares primal insights on how we acquire and keep power, the difference between being a leader and being a boss, and the role of patience in making discoveries and making a career. This episode was previously released on March 2, 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The art of invention with Nathan Myhrvold

The art of invention with Nathan Myhrvold

Nathan Myhrvold may be the closest thing we have to a modern-day Renaissance man. A cofounder, inventor, chef, photographer, dinosaur hunter, author and former Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft, Nathan infuses creativity and innovation into everything he does. Nathan and Adam dive into the science behind the creative process, discussing what it takes to spark imagination and fight groupthink. Nathan also shares his experience working with Stephen Hawking, and why he believes that an idea is only as good as its execution. Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The science of fighting crime with Nick Cowen

The science of fighting crime with Nick Cowen

Criminologist Nick Cowen doesn't just analyze crime — he studies how to prevent it. As a professor at the University of Lincoln in the UK, he explores the unexpected factors that influence crime rates. Nick joins Adam to discuss how social norms and incentives helped the UK curb drunk driving, and the two talk through the science behind what actually drives individuals and societies to change outdated and dangerous behaviors.Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malcolm Gladwell on the importance of self-correction

Malcolm Gladwell on the importance of self-correction

Malcolm Gladwell joins Adam for a lively discussion and debate, recorded live at the Authors@Wharton series. More than 20 years after releasing his blockbuster book The Tipping Point, Malcolm has decided to rethink his first famous ideas by writing his new book, Revenge of the Tipping Point. He and Adam riff on the value of acknowledging our past mistakes, strategies for coping with failure and ways to avoid the traps of homogeneous cultures. They also spar about how to change college admissions and when to stop reading a book.Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding the joy of service with Milk Bar's Christina Tosi and restaurateur Will Guidara

Finding the joy of service with Milk Bar's Christina Tosi and restaurateur Will Guidara

Christina Tosi and Will Guidara have found many winning recipes — in food, business and love. Christina is the chef-owner at Milk Bar, a James Beard award winner and the author of multiple cookbooks. Will transformed Eleven Madison Park into a three-Michelin-star restaurant ranked among the world's best. The power couple joins Adam to share remarkable stories about their hospitality and food empires — and they share the secret sauce to their success: a commitment to serving others before yourself.Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should leaders be feared or loved? with historian Niall Ferguson

Should leaders be feared or loved? with historian Niall Ferguson

Niall Ferguson is an intellectual provocateur. His specialty is counterfactual history — imagining how events could have unfolded differently. And he and Adam disagree on nearly everything. In this episode, Niall and Adam have a vigorous debate about the vital qualities of effective leadership in government, sports, business, and education. Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overcoming loneliness with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

Overcoming loneliness with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy thinks about public health holistically. Whether he's addressing youth mental health crises, the loneliness epidemic or serving on the White House's COVID-19 pandemic response team, Vivek is dedicated to improving well-being. In a live conversation, Vivek and Adam discuss the individual and collective foundations of belonging and wellness.Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dark side of charisma

The dark side of charisma

You may think no leader could ever be too charismatic, but the evidence is clear: a dazzling personality doesn't always drive success. In this episode, Adam investigates why an excess of charm can actually be detrimental to people and organizations. He chats with bestselling author and executive coach Liz Wiseman and one of her clients, CEO Hazel Jackson, about how to spot baseless charisma — and why sometimes leadership calls for being a bit boring.Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to design teams that don’t suck

How to design teams that don’t suck

Too many teams are less than the sum of their parts, and building a great team requires more than just picking an all-star roster or doing trust falls. Adam dives into the hard-hitting research on what makes teams work — with members of the “Miracle on Ice" Olympic hockey team and organizational behavior professor Anita Woolley. You’ll also hear some special tape from Adam’s late mentor Richard Hackman, a leading expert on teams. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wrong way to think about culture fit

The wrong way to think about culture fit

Many workplaces hire, reward and promote on culture fit. But that can come with real costs to individuals and organizations. In this episode, Adam dives into the evidence on why overemphasizing fit can overlook promising people — and shows how organizations can fight conformity and support self-expression. Guests include Ellevest founder Sallie Krawcheck, IDEO innovators Jim Yurchenco and Diego Rodriguez, and organizational behavior expert Patricia Hewlin.Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Legend on the creative process and "mumbling" his way to a hit

John Legend on the creative process and "mumbling" his way to a hit

Before John Legend was coaching The Voice and winning Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys, he was a twenty-something consultant living in Boston. In this episode, John sits down with Adam to share how he hustled from the boardroom to the studio and crafted the creative career that led him to the top of the entertainment industry. John also talks about how he maintains creative vision at the core of his business, and why family and advocacy work are vital to his artistic mission.Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The secret to success isn't power — it's status

The secret to success isn't power — it's status

Many people believe that success depends on gaining power, but it turns out that status is a more sustainable path to accomplishment and impact. Adam is joined by Survivor star Parvati Shallow, organizational psychologist and author Alison Fragale, and Chynna Clayton — former special assistant to Michelle Obama — to break down the best strategies for gaining and maintaining status at work, building stronger relationships, and getting promoted. Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Silverman on being wrong — and treating trolls with kindness

Sarah Silverman on being wrong — and treating trolls with kindness

Sarah Silverman is a comedian, actor and writer who doesn;t shy away from saying what she thinks. Her bold, distinctive voice has taken her from Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld to Broadway plays, late-night TV and Disney animated movies. Sarah shares surprising stories about turning haters into fans, and she and Adam discuss strategies for defusing anger, finding courage and forging connections when we don't see eye-to-eye. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to stop doom scrolling — and have a better experience online with Jay Van Bavel

How to stop doom scrolling — and have a better experience online with Jay Van Bavel

Jay Van Bavel is an award-winning professor of psychology and neural science at NYU — and he's an expert on the causes of and cures for division. Adam and Jay discuss the science of virality, why bad news often commands our attention, and how we can find common ground around more uplifting content. Jay's latest book, The Power of Us, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fixing college campuses with political scientist Danielle Allen

Fixing college campuses with political scientist Danielle Allen

Danielle Allen thinks and writes about the institutions that hold society together. As a professor of public policy and political philosophy at Harvard, she's one of the most insightful voices on improving education and renovating democracy. Danielle and Adam discuss the current culture of college campuses, steps for promoting critical thinking and vigorous debate, and avenues for enriching the lives of students and the world that surrounds them. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor Noah on the importance of context

Trevor Noah on the importance of context

Trevor Noah is widely admired for his quick wit. He's hosted The Daily Show and the Grammy Awards, sold out huge arenas around the world, had numerous hit comedy specials on Netflix, and published a bestselling memoir, Born a Crime. One of the keys to his success is his ability to read people and communicate clearly. In a lively discussion with Adam, Trevor dives into the importance of context in everything from personal relationships to global politics. The two also debate the best way to improve American politics — and Trevor does a few impromptu impressions, including one of Adam. Trevor's new podcast, What Now?, is available on all platforms.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fighting against the status quo with filmmaker Jon M. Chu

Fighting against the status quo with filmmaker Jon M. Chu

Before becoming the director of major films like Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights and the upcoming Wicked, Jon M. Chu wondered if he missed his chance to make it big. After a great deal of trial and error, his path to success is its own cinematic hero's journey. Jon and Adam discuss what it takes to reach your own potential, the creative process, and how to find the courage to tell new stories. His new book Viewfinder is out now.Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to fight prejudice with Betsy Levy Paluck

How to fight prejudice with Betsy Levy Paluck

How can we reduce hostility between people and groups? Social psychologist Betsy Levy Paluck has done groundbreaking work on an approach to fighting prejudice that's faster than trying to change institutions and more feasible than trying to change individuals. Betsy and Adam explore the origins of animosity, discuss her experiments in Rwanda and in schools, and unpack strategies for bridging our divides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.