The Leadership Lounge Podcast was all about Inspiration references with thought leaders who had ideas and commentary on inspiration. Pulling together the links and resources, I realised that TED talks were forming the bulk of what I was sharing.

On reflection, this makes total sense. From the moment I first met TED, I felt inspired.

In honour of that inspiration here are the talks that inspire me, that I reference in the Lounge episode and will give you the lift you need.

Binge-watch like a TV series or take your time, seeing each video as a treat in the middle of your day.

Watch with your team and then talk about what stood out for you, how you can apply or use the ideas that were shared.

After a decade-long conducting career, Itay Talgam has reinvented himself as a "conductor of people"

Not in the Leadership Lounge list, but one of my top 2 favourite TED talks that inspires my leadership and my work.

Watch and see why.

For my other favourite, keep scrolling (and watching as you go).

Simon Sinek’s signature concept is Start with Why. He has gone on to leadership and doing good business.

Key Points

• Inspiration is fueled when leaders articulate a clear purpose (the “why”) and share it with their teams.

• Inspired teams are more loyal, innovative, and engaged.

Healthcare leaders can inspire their teams by tying daily tasks to their overarching purpose—delivering better patient care and outcomes.

Ken Robinson is known for his work on creativity and education, Robinson discusses inspiration as a key driver of human potential.

Key points

• Inspiration often arises from alignment with one’s values and passions.

• A lack of inspiration leads to disengagement, stagnation, and burnout.

For you as a healthcare leader, ensuring your team members align with roles that match their passions (e.g., matching a nurse passionate about paediatrics to a relevant ward) can ignite inspiration. Similarly, leaders must realign with their own “why” to stay energized.

Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability and leadership links inspiration with authenticity.

Key points

• Leaders inspire others by showing vulnerability and courage.

• Inspiration requires connection, which is built on trust and openness.

When leaders in healthcare acknowledge challenges and share their own struggles, they humanize themselves and inspire their teams to navigate difficulties together. This is always done from a place of authenticity and never to tick a box or manipulate.

Angela Duckworth’s research on grit connects to inspiration by exploring the persistence needed to achieve long-term goals.

Key Points

• Inspiration must be sustained by discipline and perseverance to create a lasting impact.

• Inspired individuals are more likely to take proactive steps toward their goals.

Leaders can encourage staff to see challenges as long-term missions. For example, improving patient outcomes or shifting team culture requires both inspiration and grit. The sustainability of energy to preserve should be the main focus of a leader’s work.

Shawn Achor researches and teaches about positive psychology and this is my second favourite TED talk. Inspiring my work, always bringing a smile to my face and the one I share the most with people.

Working in healthcare should be joyful. Yes, challenging, hard and demanding. And also joyful, creative, inspiring. You should go home fulfilled and proud. Feeling connected to the work and those you work with. It shouldn’t be a place of burnout, disengagement or lack of trust. Watching this video with your team might be the turning point for you to change the way it feels to work in healthcare.