These are my favourite TED talks, along with a brief summary of why I recommend watching them.
10 ways to have a better conversation by Celeste Headlee
I’ve watched this one numerous times and think it’s full of simple, great advice. It is probably my favourite TED talk of all time. Even if you can only practice a few of the tips it will greatly improve your listening and conversation skills.
How to get better at the things you care about by Eduardo Briceño
Describes a handy mindset for consciously thinking about two different perspectives or modes of operation to maximise learning and self improvement in the long term.
The power of vulnerability by Brené Brown
A summary of Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly book mentioned on the books page, perhaps watch this first and then read the book if you want to go deeper.
Early Retirement in One Lesson (or How I Retired at 30) by Pete Adeney, aka Mr. Money Mustache
This is a great introduction to the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) by Mr Money Mustache, who did not invent but helped popularise the concept. Also see this presentation I put together for my colleagues at Google, to explain the concept of FIRE and share my perspectives on it.