#142. TED turns 40. How founder Richard Saul Wurman’s “horizontal” learning perspective helped it become what it is today.

You ever wonder about the origin story of TED talks? 

As TED turned 40 this year, TED founder Richard Saul Wurman and current head of TED Chris Anderson sat down together to commemorate and reflect on the iconic event that promotes very simply: ideas change everything.

It was no surprise that Richard is a fascinating fellow with countless “TED moments” to share (did you ever hear about the time when he cut off a speaker’s tie onstage?). 

An architect turned data designer turned author turned conference curator—Richard’s done a bit of everything. And that “horizontal learning” perspective really informs the uniquely un-sponsored TED conferences. With no agenda and nothing to sell, Richard proves that we can all learn from technology, entertainment and design—anything well outside of our own crafts. 

Mikey and Molly tune into this conversation and found many parallels to our own Presentation Thinking project. Just as Richard pulled together technology, entertainment and design, there’s no “single” industry or space for storytelling and presenting—they really are all around us.

This is an episode for: Speakers and keynoters, anyone in need of inspiration and TED fans of all ages.

What’s in the Spice Cabinet??

Listen to the interview with TED founder Richard Saul Wurman and Head of TED Chris Anderson

• Tune in here.

Learn more about Richard

• He’s got books on books on interviews…
• Archinect interview: What is truly good about AI, nobody has probably thought of yet

Attend a TEDx event!

• Find a TEDx event near you

What do Mikey and Molly think Richard’s walkout song might be? 

• Mikey - Rikki Don’t Lose that Number by Steely Dan
• Molly - Le Freak by CHIC