140 episodes

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.

WorkLife with Adam Grant TED Audio Collective

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 8.8K Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Brené Brown on What Vulnerability Isn't

    Brené Brown on What Vulnerability Isn't

    We usually wear our thickest armor at work, and Brené Brown has blazed the trail of teaching us why and how to shed it. In this conversation, Adam and Brené unpack the power of showing vulnerability at work — and explore how much is too much. Learn when and where to set boundaries, find out how to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and hear Brené rethink a key assumption that she took for granted in her own work. The transcript for this episode is available at go.ted.com/RT-vulnerability

    • 40 min
    Poet Maggie Smith on embracing ambiguity

    Poet Maggie Smith on embracing ambiguity

    Poet and author Maggie Smith isn’t sure where she falls on the spectrum from optimism to pessimism. But her viral poem “Good Bones” and her bestselling books have inspired countless readers with profound insights on the messiness of being human. In this episode, Maggie and Adam discuss strategies for handling complex emotions, sustaining hope while acknowledging reality, and accepting ambiguity in life and art. They explore the value of asking questions that may not have a satisfying answer — or any answer at all. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts

    • 44 min
    The Office's Rainn Wilson on meaning and happiness

    The Office's Rainn Wilson on meaning and happiness

    Rainn Wilson was a late bloomer: he landed the role of Dwight Schrute on “The Office” after over a decade of struggling as an actor. But success didn’t solve all of his problems — and it even created some new ones. In this live conversation for the Authors@Wharton series, Adam asks Rainn about his unlikely journey to stardom and how it led him into exploring the insights that philosophy, psychology, and the world’s great spiritual traditions can offer on modern life’s existential questions. They also discuss Rainn’s favorite moments from “The Office” and do some improv when Dunder Mifflin invites a certain organizational psychologist to talk to Dwight.

    Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts

    • 46 min
    The problem with optimizing our lives (w/ Barry Schwartz and Coco Krumme)

    The problem with optimizing our lives (w/ Barry Schwartz and Coco Krumme)

    Many people are obsessed with optimizing their lives, but this might be a suboptimal way to live. Adam brings together psychologist Barry Schwartz (author of “The Paradox of Choice”) and applied mathematician Coco Krumme (author of “Optimal Illusions”) to discuss the dark side of maximizing everything. The three discuss the unintended consequences of always aiming for the best, debate different strategies for individuals and societies to make better choices, and explore how it’s possible to pursue success without sacrificing happiness.

    Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts

    • 48 min
    The art of rough drafts with George Saunders

    The art of rough drafts with George Saunders

    Before his stories regularly appeared in The New Yorker, before the MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellowships, and before being named one of the world’s most influential people by TIME, George Saunders was a roofer. And a doorman. And a technical writer. In this episode, George sits down with Adam and shares what he’s learned from his winding path towards becoming a professional author, the secrets of creating work that sticks, and how to receive feedback and elevate our rough drafts.

    Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts

    • 37 min
    Unlocking Hidden Potential with Malcolm Gladwell

    Unlocking Hidden Potential with Malcolm Gladwell

    Malcolm Gladwell hosts a rollicking live discussion about Adam's new book, "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things," which is out today. They explore why we overemphasize innate talent, how Adam grappled with impostor syndrome as a writer and perfectionism as an athlete, and how to chart a path toward achieving greater things. They also discuss the evidence on affirmative action — and riff on topics ranging from humility to psychoanalysis to whether Lions or Bills fans suffer more.

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
8.8K Ratings

8.8K Ratings

HeathrLDavs ,

Protect this man at all costs

Can we order an Adam Grant for every workplace please?

IttybittyERH ,

Like a good book, I return to episodes again and again.

Like a good book, I return to this podcast and particular episodes again and again and frequently refer it to friends. This podcast has shaped whom I am as a leader and the way I approach the work place. A few of my go to are, Season 3, Episode 5: Authenticity is a double-edged sword, Season 4, Episode 12: Is it safe to speak up at work?, and Season 3, Episode 2, Burnout is everyone’s problem. What is different from this one and Rethinking is that Adam creates a thesis based on research and expert opinion. It is not an interview but more of a guide, incorporating the voice of others. The most recent episode was a return to the format I find hugely helpful. It also balances the needs of the work place and the needs of the employee. It is useful to the employer and the employee. Check it out! It is worth your time!

mvelasco07 ,

A must-listen!

I absolutely love this podcast! I’m consistently impressed with the engaging conversations, insightful content, and actionable ideas. I truly learn something new every time I tune in. 10/10 recommend!

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