TED Talks for the Woman Who Knows She’s Meant for More
- jennysmithmattfeldt
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
Talks That Will Push You to Step Into Your Power
By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT // Published March 26, 2025
If you feel like you’re meant for more but aren’t sure how to break through, this is for you. These TED Talks are for the woman who knows she’s capable of bigger things than what she’s been giving lately, the woman who feels stuck and needs to move up and out. One of the biggest signs that you’re about to level up is when life starts feeling off. When things stop making sense, stop working, or start falling apart. That discomfort? It’s pushing you toward something new. These talks will help you step into it.
Your body language may shape who you are.
Amy Cuddy
In Amy Cuddy's TED Talk on power posing, she explains how body language can influence our confidence and success. We see evidence of this body language every day, research shows that women often feel pressured to make themselves smaller (crossed legs, crossed arms), while men are more confident in taking up space (ever sat next to a random guy on a plane?) Studies reveal that people who feel powerful have higher testosterone, lower cortisol, are more assertive, feel luckier and more optimistic, and take more risks. By doing power poses for just two minutes, we can increase confidence, boost testosterone, lower stress, and combat imposter syndrome, it's not "faking it 'til you make it," but "faking it 'til you are it."
Increase your self awareness with one simple fix.
Tasha Eurich
If you want to be a better leader, better friend, better partner there's a good chance you need to expand your self awareness. In Tasha Eurich's TED Talk she explains that true self-awareness is a powerful tool that leads to greater fulfillment, stronger relationships, better morals, and more effective leadership. They found that 80% of people believe they are self-aware... only 10-15% actually are. It all comes down to swapping out ONE word in your thought process.
The power of believing that you can improve.
Carol Dwek
Carol Dweck explains the difference between a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities are static, and a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to grow. Dweck's research shows that when people with a growth mindset tackle challenges, their brains light up in ways that fixed mindsets do not. If you're in your 20's or 30's there's a good chance you grew up in the "don't be a tryhard" generation. It was considered uncool to try too hard and ended up being extremely harmful for building growth mindsets. A resilient brain is a strong brain, full of new neural connections, effort = empowerment.
Inside the mind of a master procrastinator.
Tim Urban
If you've ever said you do your best work under pressure, or find yourself waiting until the last moment for that rush of motivation and panic, or you found yourself writing all your college essays the night before they were due, you need to watch Tim Urban's TED Talk on procrastination. In it he explains how, in real life, there aren't as many external deadlines to spark that crazy panic work ethic, but there’s still a lot that needs to get done. Without that deadline-driven urgency, procrastinators often end up feeling like they’ve missed out on their life. It comes down to balancing rational decision making with short term gratification, Urban points out that if you're putting things off in favor of fun, it’s actually not fun because it's clouded by guilt.
The art of asking.
Amanda Palmer
Don't let the eyebrows scare you, this is pure gold. In The Art of Asking Amanda Palmer challenges the discomfort you might feel around receiving money or asking for help. If the thought of asking for what you want (whether it’s a raise, opportunity, or support) makes you uncomfortable, this talk is a must-watch. To level up, she encourages women to embrace the power of asking for what they truly want without fear or hesitation.
How to make stress your friend.
Kelly McGonigal
Kelly McGonigal’s research reveals that stress only increases your risk of death if you believe it’s harmful. Her TED Talk challenges the way we perceive stress, suggesting that if we see it as our body energizing rather than a sign of anxiety, we can reframe it as a tool to help us rise to the challenge. If you deal with stress regularly, this talk offers a powerful, clarifying perspective on what’s happening beneath the surface and even use it to your advantage.
How to Be More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine.
Chase Masterson
From a clinically depressed, alcoholic, self-proclaimed “ball of rage” to a gang member mentor and founder of an anti-bullying coalition, Chase Masterson’s story is one of radical transformation. While starring on multiple television shows, she became the target of a deranged fan who impersonated her on a dating site, communicating with hundreds of men and even giving out her home address. This led to stalking, violent threats, and a lawsuit against the matchmaking site, a case she ultimately lost. We've all heard the saying hurt people hurt people but Masterson has showed through her work with Homeboy that its also true healed people heal people.
Your illusive creative genius.
Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, explores the unique challenges of creative work, the constant self-doubt, the fear that your best work is behind you, and the endless pressure to prove yourself. Unlike other fields, creatives are regularly asked if they think they'll ever succeed. Gilbert introduces the idea that creative ideas are like living things searching for a vessel, shifting the focus away from ego and toward simply allowing inspiration to move through you. Great ideas can flow through anyone, you don't need to be a genius.
How to stop screwing yourself over.
Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is who you go to when you need straight advice from someone who loves you. Getting everything you want it life is simple. Not easy, simple. This video is a shot of espresso, its motivation to stop living a life thats fine. Fine is not good enough.
How to build your confidence - and spark it in others.
Brittany Packnett Cunningham
It’s easy to think of confidence as a soft skill, something that comes and goes and is nice to have, rather than the necessity that it is. But confidence is a muscle, something you are able to build and strengthen over time. Not only do you have the power to grow or shrink your own confidence, but you also have the power to influence it in the people around you, you can either ignite or extinguish that spark in others. Surrounding yourself with strong, confident women gives you the permission to step into your own power. Which means at the end of the day, confidence isn’t just an option, it’s your responsibility.
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