By Maura Robinson

As MBA students, most of us have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a deep yearning for information and new concepts for self betterment. I am always looking to absorb wisdom from the people I admire who have been there, done that, and are willing to transfer the knowledge and sagacity that they've gathered over the years onto me. Learning from the experience of others can make all the difference in decision making and navigating toward a desired destination. Over this winter break, I scoured through Ted Talks for topics, concepts and people that I found interesting. Here are five Ted Talks that I found to be the most helpful, informative and inspiring.

1. Steve Jobs: How to Live Before You Die The man, the myth, the legend. The infamous Steve Jobs gives a Stanford commencement speech, with several quotable and inspiring ideas. He speaks about trusting your gut, because it somehow already knows where you need to be. He also speaks about “connecting the dots,” describing how, when you look back at your life, you will see that everything was connected and led you to a meaningful and somehow fated destination. This talk is very inspiring, and gives you a sense of love and appreciation for this innovative entrepreneur and visionary, who had a reputation for being tough on his subordinates.

2. Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the best-selling book “Eat, Pray, Love,” speaks about her ideas on creativity. She delves into the history of creative genius, and gives a background on the various definitions, as well as the evolution of beliefs on creativity throughout the centuries. She also shares her own experience with creative genius, and her struggle with the ability to connect to it again in the wake of the massive success of “Eat, Pray, Love.” I love this talk because she makes creativity sound like a mystical and divine gift that must be caught by those who are lucky enough to harness it. She presents some very interesting concepts, and I found the historical background to be very thought provoking as well. This talk is a MUST SEE.

3. Sheryl Sandberg: Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, shares her thoughts and findings on why there are so few women leaders in business. She speaks about her experiences dealing with her female subordinates, and her own experience rising through corporate America. She also touches on the balance that some women must manage between a career and bearing the weight of household responsibilities. I found this talk inspiring because, as a woman entering the business world, I am often shocked at the lack of executive-level female leaders. I thought it was interesting to get some insight into why this happens and what some of the causes may be, mainly so I can try to avoid them. Sandberg advises women to be extremely confident, and to “sit at the table.” Overall, very interesting talk and important insight for both male and female business students to consider.

4. Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action Simon Sinek, author and ethnographer (an anthropologist who studies specific human subcultures), speaks on his findings on the most effective method to inspire change. He goes into detail about the parts of the brain that a leader must affect to influence others, as well the type of behavior that inspires others to take action for a cause. “Start with the Why” is Simon’s main tag line, and it based on the idea that if you can appeal to people’s heart and gut, and make them truly believe what you believe than they will trust and follow you. This is interesting because it gives you a scientific breakdown of the human brain and thinking patterns for decision making.

5. Meg Jay: Why 30 Is Not the New 20 Clinical psychologist Meg Jay gives an inspiring talk on the defining decade between 20 and 30 years old. She speaks about how the twenties are the most formative years of life, and that now is the time for twentysomethings to shape their life, and themselves, into whatever they want to be. She calls this period a “developmental sweet spot.” She implores twentysomethings to take on hobbies and actions that add value to their lives and future. I love this talk because it is extremely empowering to have scientific research backing up the idea that, at 23, I am not stuck with the bad habits I have perpetuated since my childhood. Now is the time to change those habits and to shape myself into the ideal form with ideal habits, behaviors and tendencies. I hope you enjoy these talks and find as much value in them as I have!