One primary concern I had after graduating college was how I would continue to learn and expand my knowledge without attending class, listening to lectures, and writing papers. I knew I wasn’t going to graduate school but heading straight into the workforce.
So, how would I be able to learn anything new outside of my career without education there to help? One of the most convenient ways to ensure your knowledge doesn’t become stagnant is to watch TED Talks!
The TED conference platform has altered the way we think and learn. TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, is a global network of independent organizers that bring people together to share ideas worth sharing. TED talks are brief, powerful pieces of wisdom given by some of the world’s most outstanding people.
And we have eight TED Talks for women in their 20s.
They range from seven to eighteen minutes, each on topics ranging from exploring underwater caves to stories of human trafficking and everything in between. TED Talks are a perfect source of entertainment and education for millennials, who have a few minutes of spare time a day to learn something new, hear an inspirational story, or laugh till you cry.
Whether you need inspiration, guidance on navigating your 20s, or a reminder that you’re not alone in your challenges, here are eight TED Talks for women in their 20s.
1. “Why 30 is not the new 20” by Meg Jay
“Claiming your 20s is one of the simplest, yet most transformative, things you can do for work, your happiness, maybe even the world.”
Meg Jay’s talk challenges the widely accepted idea that your 20s are a decade to drift and that you’ll start “real” life in your 30s. Her message? Don’t let your 20s slip by on autopilot. Instead, seize this decade as a time to build a foundation for the rest of your life.
Jay’s advice boils down to three transformative actions:
- Build “identity capital”: Take on projects or experiences that add real value to who you are, whether that means volunteering, traveling, or landing that exciting job.
- Leverage weak ties: Tap into connections outside your closest circle for career and life opportunities.
- Pick your family: Consciously choose who you surround yourself with, knowing that these relationships shape the life you’ll build.
Jay’s straightforward, no-nonsense guidance is a valuable reminder that while it’s okay to make mistakes in your 20s, it’s also essential to be intentional.
Check out Meg’s book, The Defining Decade.
2. “Why we have too few women leaders” by Sheryl Sandberg
“I think a world where half of our countries and our companies were run by women would be a better world.”
This classic talk by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s former COO and author of Lean In, is a must-watch for any woman dreaming of leadership. Sandberg breaks down why women are underrepresented in leadership roles and offers three powerful strategies to address this disparity:
- Sit at the table: Don’t underestimate your worth; be present and assertive in professional settings.
- Make your partner a real partner: Balance at home is crucial for reaching your full potential at work.
- Don’t leave before you leave: Avoid pulling back from career opportunities too early out of a sense of obligation to future responsibilities.
Sandberg’s insights encourage young women to pursue leadership roles confidently and unapologetically.
If you love this talk as much as I did, you can also check out Sheryl’s other talks or read her book, Lean In.
Lean In for Graduates: With New Chapters by Experts, Including Find Your First Job, Negotiate Your Salary, and Own Who You Are
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3. “How to find work you love” by Scott Dinsmore
“The first part of this three-step passionate work framework is becoming a self-expert and understanding yourself. Because if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’ll never find it.”
This talk is all about finding fulfilling work—something that matters deeply to many young women today. Scott Dinsmore left a job that made him unhappy and spent years figuring out what truly made him excited about work. His insights center on self-discovery and defining what you value in a career.
For anyone feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job, Dinsmore’s talk is a reminder that you’re not alone. He advocates for:
- Self-awareness: Understand what excites and motivates you.
- Building a supportive community: Surround yourself with people who lift you up.
- Taking small steps toward change: Identify and pursue incremental steps toward a job you love.
With the rise of remote work and portfolio careers in 2024, Dinsmore’s advice is especially relevant for creating a career path that’s both flexible and meaningful.
4. “How to stop screwing yourself over” by Mel Robbins
“If you have one of those impulses pulling you, if you don’t marry it with an action within 5 seconds, you pull the emergency break and kill the idea.”
Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule is as straightforward as it is life-changing. Robbins believes acting on your impulses before your mind has time to stop you is the secret to creating a fulfilling life. Her energetic style and humor make this talk entertaining, but her message is powerful: if you want to change, you need to act.
Robbins’ approach is perfect for young women who feel held back by fear or doubt. She shows how quick, small actions can help you overcome self-sabotaging habits. Feeling motivated? Try the 5-Second Rule today!
Why waste those incredible odds by not making our lives everything we want them to be? Check out Mel’s book here.
5. “Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating” by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Your home is whatever in this world you love more than you love yourself.”
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, dives into the complexities of success and failure. After her massive success, Gilbert faced immense pressure to live up to her own reputation, but she ultimately decided to continue writing simply because it’s what she loves.
Gilbert’s talk resonates with young women who may feel overwhelmed by societal or personal expectations. Her wisdom on finding “your home”—something you love more than yourself—reminds us to stay grounded and keep pursuing what genuinely fulfills us, no matter the external pressures.
Check out Elizabeth’s book, Big Magic, below.
6. “One Life-Changing Class You Never Took” by Alexa von Tobel
“Right now, 84% of college graduates said they need more help with personal finance, but they’re not getting it.”
Personal finance isn’t typically taught in school but is crucial to financial stability and freedom. In this practical talk, Alexa von Tobel provides a crash course in the financial basics everyone should know:
- Budget wisely: Have a realistic sense of where your money goes each month.
- Pay off debt: Get ahead of debt before it becomes overwhelming.
- Start saving now: The earlier you save, the better your long-term financial health.
Von Tobel’s advice is particularly relevant for 2024, with inflation and job uncertainty making financial literacy necessary. Watching this talk could be the first step toward long-term financial health.
7. “Listening to Shame” by Brené Brown
“Vulnerability is not weakness. I define vulnerability as emotional risk, exposure, and uncertainty. It fuels our daily lives. And I’ve come to the belief—this is my 12th year doing this research—that vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage—to be vulnerable, to let ourselves be seen, to be honest.”
In this follow-up to her viral talk on vulnerability, Brené Brown dives into the role of shame and how it can prevent us from reaching our potential. Brown’s message is one of strength through openness and courage—especially relevant for women often pressured to present a “perfect” version of themselves.
She encourages us to embrace our vulnerabilities, knowing they are the birthplace of creativity and change. This talk is a reminder that being open and authentic is a powerful form of courage.
Check out one of Brené’s books below.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
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8. “Looks aren’t everything. Believe me; I’m a model” by Cameron Russell
“And if you ever wonder, ‘If I have thinner thighs and shinier hair, will I be happier?’ You need to meet a group of models because they have the thinnest thighs, the shiniest hair, and the coolest clothes, and they’re probably the most physically insecure women on the planet.”
The last video on our list of TED Talks every woman should watch in Her 20s is by Cameron Russell. The first minute of this video will make you want to hear what Cameron has to say. She comes on stage wearing a tight-fitting, scoop-neck black dress with 8-inch heels.
She then changes into an ankle-length skirt, modest cardigan, and flats. Her point? She completely transformed what she looked like and, thus, what people thought of her in moments just based on her clothes.
She says, “Image is powerful, but also, an image is superficial.” Cameron addresses both positive and negative experiences while modeling for the past ten years of her life. Appearances in society today are picked apart and judged in every way possible for both females and males.
Cameron candidly acknowledges that she fits the “typical modern model.” But she is quick to admit it doesn’t always make her happy. And that the industry she benefits from only furthers unfair racial, gender, and sexist stereotypes in our society.
Why Should Every Young Woman Watch All TED Talk Shows?
One of the benefits of watching TED talks is the exposure to a diverse range of topics, including gender equality, leadership roles, women leaders, and the spirit of TED. These talks often feature potent women who have worked hard to get to the top of their professions, providing insights and strategies for success. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s talk on “Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders” and Susan Colantuono’s “The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get” offer valuable guidance for women striving to break into leadership roles.
The library of TED talks is vast and includes collections of discussions on various topics, such as body language, reproductive rights, and the tech industry’s future. The lectures can be accessed on TED’s website or YouTube channel, making them easily accessible to everyone. TED also offers original video series that explore world-changing ideas and TED speakers.
In addition to the global TED events, there are local events organized by independent organizers called TEDx events. These events provide a platform for individuals to share their ideas and connect with their community. Attending a TED-like event in your local area can be a great way to meet like-minded people and hear inspiring talks.
TED talks also offer an insider’s guide to some of the world’s most audacious projects and world-changing initiatives. For example, Kavita Ramdas of the Global Fund for Women and Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, author of “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana,” have shared their experiences in economic development and women’s empowerment in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Loretta J. Ross and Shad Begum have spoken on women of color, reproductive rights, and hidden opportunities.
TED Talks Every Woman Should Watch
These TED Talks have valuable lessons we can all learn from as we navigate through our 20s. TED speakers often pose provocative questions challenging our traditional culture and unconscious beliefs.
Talks by Pat Mitchell on “Becoming the Empowered Woman You Want to Be,” Roselinde Torres on “What It Takes to Be a Great Leader,” and Winter Olympics flag bearer Kirsten Hall on “Walking the Long Walk” have inspired many to think deeply about their values and beliefs. So we welcome you to watch these 8 TED talks every woman should watch in her 20s.
Next time you are tempted to click “play next episode” on Netflix or during your morning treadmill session, watch a TED Talk instead, and I’m sure you’ll learn something new. Be sure to check out the other talks by some individuals above or explore the thousands of other TED Talks offered online.
TED talks have a special place in the hearts of many, particularly those who support innovators and those seeking to make the world a better place. Discussions on climate change, the funding gap, and yeast infections may not sound particularly exciting, but they have inspired many to take action and make a difference.
Are there other TED Talks for women in their 20s? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
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