Originally published April 2019. Updated October 31, 2025.
By Laura Capell-Abra, Founder of Alpha Lupa
What does it mean to be a great leader today?
The world of work is shifting faster than ever, shaped by AI, hybrid teams, global uncertainty, and rising expectations for empathy and inclusion. The best leaders are not those with the loudest voices, but those with the deepest awareness: of themselves, their people, and their purpose.
The beauty of TED is that you can learn directly from the thinkers and doers shaping how we lead. Some of these talks are classics that have stood the test of time; others are new voices speaking to what it means to lead now. Together, they capture the rhythm of modern leadership: learning, understanding, planning and acting with humanity.
The Alpha Lupa View on Leadership Today
At Alpha Lupa, we see leadership as a rhythm rather than a role. The most effective leaders move through cycles of learning, understanding, planning and acting — what we call the LUPA Method.
These talks reflect that rhythm. They feature leaders who listen before they act, who build trust and inclusion, and who make bold yet compassionate decisions. Across them all runs one truth: leadership is not about control, it is about connection.
Newest to Oldest: 10 Talks That Define Modern Leadership
1. Kat Cole: “The ‘Hot Shot Rule’ to Help You Become a Better Leader” (New, 2025)
TED Talk: April 2025
Watch on YouTube
Cole, CEO of Athletic Greens, shares her “Hot Shot Rule”: imagine you’ve just been replaced by the best version of yourself. What would they do differently tomorrow? It’s a fast, actionable talk on self-awareness, humility and continuous growth.
Watch if: you want to challenge your comfort zone and lead with fresh energy.
2. Michael Timms: “How to Claim Your Leadership Power” (New, 2024)
TED Talk: September 2024
Watch on TED.com
Timms reframes leadership as something earned through mindset, not hierarchy. He argues that every person has the ability and responsibility to lead from wherever they stand.
Watch if: you want to lead authentically and help others find their voice too.
3. Kim Scott: “Radical Candor: The Surprising Power of Being Honest and Kind” (New, 2023)
TED Talk: March 2023
Watch on TED.com
Scott’s simple framework, care personally, challenge directly, revolutionised workplace communication. Her talk blends compassion and courage, showing how radical honesty builds trust and high performance.
Watch if: you need to improve feedback culture without losing empathy.
4. Amy Edmondson: “Building a Psychologically Safe Workplace” (Modern, 2019)
TED Talk: 2019
Watch on TED.com
Edmondson’s research shows that psychological safety is the secret ingredient of innovative teams. When people feel safe to speak up, performance follows.
Watch if: your team needs more openness, learning and collaboration.
5. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic: “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?” (Modern, 2019)
TED Talk: 2019
Watch on Youtube
Chamorro-Premuzic delivers a witty, research-driven critique of confidence bias. He calls for a shift towards humility, self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership selection.
Watch if: you’re rethinking what competence and credibility really mean.
6. Linda Cliatt-Wayman: “How to Fix a Broken School? Lead Fearlessly, Love Hard” (Classic, 2015)
TED Talk: 2015
Watch on Youtube
Cliatt-Wayman’s story of transforming struggling schools is a masterclass in courageous, compassionate leadership. Her three rules
lead,
love,
and never give up
resonate in every sector.
Watch if: you want to rediscover purpose and humanity in leadership.
7. Margaret Heffernan: “Forget the Pecking Order at Work” (Classic, 2015)
TED Talk: 2015
Watch on Ted.com
Heffernan proves that collaboration beats competition. She argues that trust, empathy and social capital, not aggression, are the true drivers of organisational success.
Watch if: you’re building team culture around cooperation, not comparison.
8. Adam Grant: “The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers” (Classic, 2016)
TED Talk: 2016
Watch on TED.com
Grant explores why the most innovative people balance doubt with determination. His playful, data-driven talk celebrates procrastination, failure and idea-sharing as creative catalysts.
Watch if: you want to unlock your team’s creativity.
9. Brené Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability” (Classic, 2010)
TED Talk: 2010
Watch on TED.com
Brown’s groundbreaking research reframed vulnerability as courage. She reminds leaders that connection and trust start with authenticity.
Watch if: you want to lead with empathy and confidence in uncertain times.
10. Simon Sinek: “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” (Classic, 2009)
TED Talk: 2009
Watch on TED.com
The talk that launched a movement. Sinek’s Start With Why philosophy remains a blueprint for purpose-led leadership.
Watch if: you’re defining your vision and motivating others through meaning.
Why These Talks Matter
Across sixteen years of ideas, these talks chart the evolution of leadership from control to connection, from perfection to progress. They show that modern leadership is not about having answers, but about creating environments where others can thrive.
At Alpha Lupa, we believe the best leaders stay curious, compassionate and clear-minded under pressure. They learn before they lead, act with awareness, and create impact that lasts.
