Six Inspiring Must-See TED Talks For Founders and CEOs

We've found six inspiring TED talks that are a must-see for founders and CEOs.

1. Simon Sinek

Both an author and a speaker Sinek delivers a powerful message on inspirational leadership and how to create a successful business using the golden circle model. He explains how the most successful companies, leaders, and motivators approach their goals in an opposite manner from others. A few of his key declarations include, "People don't buy what you do. They buy why you do it" and "Hire people who believe what you believe."

2. General Stanley McChrystal

This four-star general expresses what he learned through the military in regards to leadership and communication and how it translates into the business world. He addresses why listening and learning strengthens a team and allows you to become the true leader that everyone needs. He declares that, "Leaders can let you fail and not let you be a failure" and discusses the "inversion of expertise" where he explains a "brand new leadership challenge."

3. Tony Robbins

An inspirational life coach speaks on the "invisible forces" that dictate all our actions. He explains his interest in why people do what they do and hopes that by helping others see their own driving force they'll be better equipped for contributing to the world around them, including both on a personal and professional level. A few of his key declarations include, "Decision is the ultimate power" and "Emotion is the force of life." He also says the main question to ask is, "What is it that shapes us?"

4. Sheryl Sandberg

The COO of Facebook discusses why women are less likely to reach the top of their profession and examines the tough topic of gender inequality in the workforce. She breaks down the different approach that men and women take in the professional world and delivers three powerful pieces of advice. A few of her key declarations include, "No one gets to the top, if they sit on the sidelines, or if they don't believe in themselves" and "Keep your foot on the gas pedal."

5. Bill Gross

This entrepreneur studied over 200 companies, both ones that succeeded and ones that failed, to figure out what made the biggest impact on their business journey. He found that timing is above all the most important part of a startup and that while there are other factors that matter you have to make sure that the timing is right. He states, "Execution definitely matters. The idea matters. But timing might matter even more. And the best way to assess timing is to really look at whether consumers are really ready for what you have to offer them. And to be really honest about it.”

6. Seth Godin

An expert in the marketing field, Godin explains how the Internet has transformed marketing from targeting the masses to instead focusing on smaller social units, using the concept of tribes. People gather online where they can find shared values and ideas and now a regular person can step up and be a leader. A few of his key declarations include, “The secret of leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow” and "It's tribes, not money or factories that can change the world."

Those are six inspiring TED talks we recommend, but we also have a seventh bonus TED talk that comes from one of our clients:

7. Cosmin Mihaiu

CEO and co-founder of MIRA Rehab, we're proud to say is one of our clients. Mihaiu demonstrates a creative technology that allows patients to complete physical therapy exercises using a fun and interactive video game.