The Most Inspiring TED Talks – Ever.

Even the best leaders need some motivation now and again. Often the best way to seek clarity and dive deeper into your core self is to seek stories of those who have carved paths before you. Dive in to the stories of these TED speakers, from a television producer who says “yes” to the thing that frighten her to an urban gardener in South Central LA.

1. Brené Brown discusses the power of vulnerability.
   Views: 5,162,518

Feeling connected with the people around us makes us feel alive. Social work professor Brené Brown teaches us that “shame” is the fear of disconnection. This equates to vulnerability, which thus connects society.

2. Does School Kill Creativity? Sir Ken Robinson

Views: 10,567,465

Sir Ken Robinson asserts that a young person’s creativity is essentially “educated” away thanks to the school system. He argues that we need a system that nurtures creativity inclinations.

3. Brain Magic from Keith Barry
Views: 5,390,219

Keith Barry shows us how our brains can fool our bodies. A pretty amazing feat.

4. Eat, Pray, Love, and Geniuses from Elizabeth Gilbert

Views: 2,664,372

Author Elizabeth Gilbert emphasizes that the genius spark from artists is a quality shared by all of us. Just like her writing, she inspires and energizes the crowd.

5. The Puzzle of Motivation
Views: 5,331,948 views

Author Dan Pink explores the efficacy of rewards and discipline in the workplace. When we differentiating between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and their rewards, we must rethink how we run our businesses. The results are surprising and can help leaders can motivate more effectively.

6. A Guerilla Gardener in South Central L.A.

Views: 667,168 views

Ron Finley plants gardens in the food desert of South Central; in abandoned lots, traffic medians, wherever he can find. In a community where “the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys” Finley proves that a neighborhood can come together to maximize change with whatever means they have.

7. My Year of YES

Views: 332,456

Are you ready to start saying yes to everything? Shonda Rhimes, leader of TV empire Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder, inspired a movement of saying yes to all choices that came her way. See how this experiment can change your life. See how Shonda Rhimes decision to say “yes” to one question led to a door that saved her career.

What your favorite TED Talk? Follow @RussRuffino to weigh in.