In addition to our self-produced videos, here you will find a selection of our favorite videos from across the internet.
Our Top 3 TED-Talks about Leadership
TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.
#3 Lead like the great conductors
An orchestra conductor faces the ultimate leadership challenge: creating perfect harmony without saying a word. In this charming lecture, the unique style of six great 20th century conductors is demonstrated and illustrates crucial lessons for all leaders.
We can think of no better metaphor for leadership than conducting an orchestra. The metaphor lets us intuitively understand how leaders need to adapt their style, stay alert, and integrate both freedom AND leadership. This video is fun to watch, and it conveys so much more than one might think at first glance.
External Link to the Youtube-Video: Lead like the great conductors
#2 How great leaders inspire action
Number two of our top three TED talks on leadership is, one might say, a somewhat obvious choice. After all, this video has over 50 million views, making it a viral sensation. Nevertheless, here is our reason why we chose the TED talk “start with why — how great leaders inspire action” by Simon Sinek. We invite you to watch the video again:
This video will inspire you to ask different questions and convey your vision in a radically new way. In addition, Simon uses inspiring examples to show you why his method works.
There are as many leadership styles as there is sand on a beach. But simple, intuitive, and easy to use leadership tips … well, those are rare. We know that Simon has inspired leaders around the world to “start with the WHY”. It has become more than just a buzzword in boardrooms. He helps leaders and organizations change for the better. Even 11 years later, the amount of views his video generated still grows. He encourages leaders to condense their vision into a simple and intuitive message. Simon Sinek is outstanding and therefore deserves our number two spot.
External Link to the Youtube-Video: How great leaders inspire action
#1 Two reasons why companies fail – and how to avoid them
Our WINNER, our number one of the TOP 3 TED Talks on Leadership is Knut Haanaes’ “two reasons why companies fail – and how to avoid them”. To quote Bill Gates, “success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.”
Knut builds a convincing argument: In his typical Nordic, dry, matter-of-fact yet convincing way, he shows that we as leaders must always hold to opposing ideals in tension: EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION. Lasting impact can only be achieved if we strike a balance between these two states. Knut informs his audience about the vicious cycle of short-lived ideas and the success trap.
We cannot talk enough about the ten-year time horizon that leadership requires to ensure companies remain relevant, flexible, and creative. This presentation is a great reminder to all managers to not focus too heavily on a single time frame.
In short, is it possible to simultaneously maintain and reinvent a business? For corporate strategist Knut Haanaes, the ability to innovate is the hallmark of a large company. He provides insights on how to strike a balance between perfecting existing knowledge and exploring completely new ideas.
External Link to the Youtube-Video: Two reasons companies fail
The power of one word NO
Lady Gaga is anything but gaga when it comes to a healthy self image. At the “Emotion Revolution” event at Yale University, she talks about the power of the word no.
We at MagnoliaTree also repeat again and again that every NO to the outside world is a YES to oneself. But it is also important to deny one’s inner critic. And to not give in to every internal instinct. This helps us to manifest our identity.
Lady Gaga says: “I realized that part of my identity is saying NO to things I don’t wanna do … it is your right to choose what you do and don’t do. It is your right to choose what you believe in and what you don’t believe in … it is your right to curate your life and your own perspective, you are not here to be a puppet.”
Many people would not be in their current state if they used the word NO more often. It is especially important to say NO to the status quo, to prevailing systems, when we want to change something.