What we’re about
In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and ideas, struggling to engage in meaningful discussions that stimulate our intellect and broaden our perspectives. This challenge of finding a space for deep, thoughtful conversations is something many of us face, leaving a gap in our personal and professional growth.
To address this, we are excited to introduce Bethesda TED Talk Discussion Club. This club aims to create a vibrant community where individuals can come together to explore and discuss the fascinating ideas presented in TED Talks. By focusing on a wide range of topics, from science and technology to personal development and societal issues, we provide a platform for members to delve into thought-provoking content and share diverse viewpoints.
Our mission is to foster an environment of continuous learning and intellectual curiosity. Through engaging discussions, we seek to inspire and challenge each other, encouraging members to think critically and expand their horizons. The TED Talk Discussion Club is not just about watching videos; it's about creating a dynamic space where ideas come to life through conversation, collaboration, and connection. Join us in this journey of discovery and let's explore the world of ideas together.
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To ensure a positive experience for all participants, we have three ground rules for TED talk discussion events:
- Step up and step back: If you've been talking a lot, step back and listen; if you've been quiet, step up and share your perspective or ask questions.
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Show respect for others and embrace diverse viewpoints.
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If you have a ted-talk video in mind that you’d like to discuss or host, feel free to message me. Here is a great Ted Talk list to choose from:
https://www.youtube.com/@TED/videos
Notes: This discussion club will always be free and will never accept any fundraising, sponsorship, or advertising.
Elizabeth Gilbert was once an "unpublished diner waitress," devastated by rejection letters. And yet, in the wake of the success of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' she found herself identifying strongly with her former self. With beautiful insight, Gilbert reflects on why success can be as disorienting as failure and offers a simple -- though hard -- way to carry on, regardless of outcomes.
Please watch this 7 min Youtube Video before attending the discussion:
https://youtu.be/_waBFUg_oT8?si=O4Vm3_33N1xjti91
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- How do you think the psychological effects of success and failure can be so similar, even though society views them as opposites?
- What role does the idea of “home” play in maintaining personal stability during times of extreme success or failure, and how can we identify what that home is for ourselves?
- Why do you think creativity or passion can survive better when detached from external outcomes like praise or criticism?
- In what ways do you think society encourages people to value external outcomes (such as success or failure) over internal fulfillment or love for their work?
- How might someone’s passion or "home" change over time, and how can a person adapt if what once grounded them no longer does?
- What do you think is the danger of allowing either success or failure to define your identity? How can someone resist that tendency?
- How can we cultivate a mindset that prioritizes dedication and devotion to a craft over the pressure of achieving specific outcomes?
- In your view, what are the benefits and potential drawbacks of maintaining a singular devotion to something (a passion, a career, etc.) without letting external validation affect your pursuit?
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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Success, failure and the drive to keep creating (Elizabeth Gilbert)Corella, Bethesda , MD
Elizabeth Gilbert was once an "unpublished diner waitress," devastated by rejection letters. And yet, in the wake of the success of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' she found herself identifying strongly with her former self. With beautiful insight, Gilbert reflects on why success can be as disorienting as failure and offers a simple -- though hard -- way to carry on, regardless of outcomes.
Please watch this 7 min Youtube Video before attending the discussion:
https://youtu.be/_waBFUg_oT8?si=O4Vm3_33N1xjti91
------------------------------------- How do you think the psychological effects of success and failure can be so similar, even though society views them as opposites?
- What role does the idea of “home” play in maintaining personal stability during times of extreme success or failure, and how can we identify what that home is for ourselves?
- Why do you think creativity or passion can survive better when detached from external outcomes like praise or criticism?
- In what ways do you think society encourages people to value external outcomes (such as success or failure) over internal fulfillment or love for their work?
- How might someone’s passion or "home" change over time, and how can a person adapt if what once grounded them no longer does?
- What do you think is the danger of allowing either success or failure to define your identity? How can someone resist that tendency?
- How can we cultivate a mindset that prioritizes dedication and devotion to a craft over the pressure of achieving specific outcomes?
- In your view, what are the benefits and potential drawbacks of maintaining a singular devotion to something (a passion, a career, etc.) without letting external validation affect your pursuit?
--------------------------------
To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
- Six Types of Working Genius (Patrick Lencioni)Corella, Bethesda , MD
Each of us brings a unique combination of personality preferences and personal strengths to our jobs. This quick on-line assessment created by The Table Group cuts through the potential complexity of these combinations by asking what work gives us joy? What tasks frustrate us? And by using this in a team, how can we best work together?
Please watch this 10-min video before joining the discussion:
https://youtu.be/aSmp5vMOPqs?si=O28g-g9wZOHWAzbT------------------------------------
- How might the effectiveness of a team change if all members had similar "working geniuses" versus a diverse range of strengths?
- In what ways could recognizing the "activation" phase as distinct from ideation and implementation improve organizational processes?
- How can organizations balance the need for innovation (Wonder and Invention) with the practicalities of execution (Tenacity and Enablement)?
- What are the potential drawbacks of assigning tasks based solely on an individual's "working genius"? How can teams mitigate these risks?
- How does the concept of complementary roles (e.g., Wonder and Invention, Galvanizing and Enablement) challenge traditional notions of leadership and teamwork?
- Should organizations encourage employees to focus exclusively on their strengths, or is there value in developing areas of frustration? Why?
- How can the Working Genius model be applied to improve cross-departmental collaboration in large organizations?
- What are some potential limitations of the Working Genius model when applied to diverse cultural or organizational contexts?
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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
- How Will You Measure Your Life? (Clayton Christensen)Corella, Bethesda , MD
"It's actually really important that you succeed at what you're succeeding at, but that isn't going to be the measure of your life." Too often, we measure success in life against the progress we make in our careers. But how can we ensure we're not straying from our values as humans along the way? Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School professor and world-renowned innovation guru, examines the daily decisions that define our lives and encourages all of us to think about what is truly important.
Please watch this 20-min video before joining the discussion:
https://youtu.be/tvos4nORf_Y?si=Gbvv5DtKiiiXr4Af------------------------------------
- Nested Systems: "How can recognizing the interconnectedness of your decisions—across different areas of your life—help you make more balanced, strategic choices for personal growth?"
- Theories of Causality: "How can understanding cause-and-effect patterns in your life and habits lead to more intentional personal development and better long-term outcomes?"
- Disruption: "What steps can individuals take to identify and respond to disruptions in their personal lives or careers to stay adaptable and ahead of the curve?"
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Focus: "What practical strategies can you use to balance short-term gains (like immediate successes or rewards) with the investment needed for long-term personal growth?"
- Strategic Alignment: "How can you ensure that your daily actions and decisions are aligned with your long-term vision and core values to achieve a fulfilling and meaningful life?"
- Achievement Bias: "What are the risks of focusing on quick wins or external validation in your personal development, and how can you refocus on long-term growth and deeper fulfillment?"
- Measuring Success: "How do the metrics or benchmarks you use to measure personal success shape your actions, and what alternative ways can you use to define your growth in a more holistic manner?"
- Impact-Oriented Measurement: "How might redefining your personal success to include the positive impact you have on others lead to more meaningful growth and fulfillment?"
- Long-Term Impact: "What actions can you take today to ensure that your personal growth contributes to a lasting positive impact on your future self and the people around you?"
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To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events:
- Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question)
- Listen to understand, not to respond.
- Be open-minded and value differences.
