As women over 40, life transitions often bring a unique mix of challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, rebranding yourself, or focusing on personal growth, TED Talks for Women Over 40 provide a treasure trove of motivation, fresh perspectives, and practical wisdom to fuel your journey. Below is a curated list of 15 TED Talks for Women Over 40, designed to empower, uplift, and inspire those in midlife and beyond. These talks will help you embrace change, rediscover passions, and step confidently into the next chapter of life.
1. Brené Brown – The Power of Vulnerability
Brené Brown dives deep into the concept of vulnerability, revealing it as the key to stronger relationships, courage, and personal growth. She challenges us to view vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a strength that can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.
Why You Should Watch: This talk offers valuable insights for women looking to open up, embrace change, and build authentic connections.
Watch here: Brené Brown – The Power of Vulnerability
2. Sheryl Sandberg – Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders
In this eye-opening talk, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, explores why women remain underrepresented in leadership positions and offers practical advice on overcoming these barriers. Sandberg’s insights resonate with women over 40 aiming to advance in their careers or take on leadership roles.
Why You Should Watch: It’s an empowering talk for women looking to break through professional barriers and claim leadership positions.
Watch here: Sheryl Sandberg – Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – We Should All Be Feminists
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie delivers a powerful message on feminism, tackling the everyday realities women face. Her talk challenges societal norms that hold women back and is a call for equality and empowerment in every aspect of life.
Why You Should Watch: For women striving for respect, fairness, and empowerment in personal and professional settings, this talk is a must.
Watch here: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – We Should All Be Feminists
4. Shonda Rhimes – My Year of Saying Yes to Everything
Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, transformed her life by simply saying “yes” to things that scared her. Her talk is a powerful reminder to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new opportunities—no matter how daunting.
Why You Should Watch: Perfect for women over 40 ready to break free from their comfort zone and say “yes” to the unexpected.
Watch here: Shonda Rhimes – My Year of Saying Yes to Everything
5. Anne Lamott – 12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing
Anne Lamott’s humorous and heartfelt talk offers 12 life lessons that resonate with women navigating midlife transitions. From the joys of aging to finding peace in everyday moments, Lamott’s wisdom is comforting and deeply relatable.
Why You Should Watch: This talk is a soulful reflection for women seeking peace, joy, and understanding in the second half of life.
Watch here: Anne Lamott – 12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing
6. Pat Mitchell – Becoming a Dangerous Woman
Pat Mitchell, a media executive, shares her journey of becoming what she calls a “dangerous woman”—someone who challenges the status quo and uses her power to create meaningful change. Mitchell’s talk is a call to action for women over 40 to embrace their strength and drive change in their lives and communities.
Why You Should Watch: This empowering talk inspires women to take bold steps and leverage their power for positive impact.
Watch here: Pat Mitchell – Becoming a Dangerous Woman
7. Susan Colantuono – The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get
Susan Colantuono uncovers why women often get stuck in middle management and offers advice on how to break through the glass ceiling. This talk provides practical guidance for women over 40 who are ready to take their careers to the next level.
Why You Should Watch: If you’re looking to advance your career or shift into a leadership role, this talk is packed with actionable advice.
Watch here: Susan Colantuono – The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get
8. Luvvie Ajayi – Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Luvvie Ajayi urges women to be bold, speak out, and get comfortable with discomfort. Her talk inspires courage and authenticity—especially for women ready to step up and make their voices heard.
Why You Should Watch: For women over 40 seeking the courage to step into the spotlight, this talk offers the motivation to embrace discomfort and thrive.
Watch here:: Luvvie Ajayi – Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
9. Sarah Lewis – Embrace the Near Win
Sarah Lewis explores how the “near win” moments—those times when you come close but don’t quite succeed—can be the driving force behind excellence. This talk is a reminder that even setbacks can propel you forward.
Why You Should Watch: For women in transition, this talk offers a refreshing perspective on failure and how it fuels growth.
Watch here: Sarah Lewis – Embrace the Near Win
10. Dame Stephanie Shirley – Why Do Ambitious Women Have Flat Heads?
Dame Stephanie Shirley, a tech pioneer, shares her incredible journey of breaking through gender barriers and creating a highly successful company. Her story is a must-watch for ambitious women looking to challenge norms and make a mark on the world.
Why You Should Watch: Shirley’s journey inspires women to defy expectations and aim high, no matter their age or background.
Watch here: Dame Stephanie Shirley – Why Do Ambitious Women Have Flat Heads?
11. Reshma Saujani – Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection
Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, argues that society teaches girls to be perfect while boys are taught to be brave. She urges women to embrace bravery over perfection and take risks, especially in midlife when reinvention is often at its peak.
Why You Should Watch: This inspiring talk reminds women that it’s never too late to be bold and embrace life’s uncertainties.
Watch here: Reshma Saujani – Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection
12. Kelly McGonigal – How to Make Stress Your Friend
Kelly McGonigal flips the script on how we view stress, showing that it can be a positive force in our lives if we change our mindset. For women balancing multiple responsibilities, this talk offers a fresh perspective on how to manage stress more effectively.
Why You Should Watch: Women over 40 juggling careers, family, and personal growth will find this talk transformative in dealing with stress.
Watch here: Kelly McGonigal – How to Make Stress Your Friend
13. Elizabeth Gilbert – Your Elusive Creative Genius
In this insightful talk, Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on the pressure of creativity after achieving great success. She encourages women to nurture their inner creative genius and view creativity as a process, not a burden.
Why You Should Watch: For women over 40 looking to rediscover their creative passions, this talk is empowering and deeply relatable.
Watch here: Elizabeth Gilbert – Your Elusive Creative Genius
14. Arianna Huffington – How to Succeed? Get More Sleep
Arianna Huffington delivers a compelling message about the importance of sleep for success. She argues that neglecting sleep can lead to burnout and poor performance, especially for women balancing careers, family, and personal goals.
Why You Should Watch: For women striving to “do it all,” this talk is a reminder that rest is not just essential but a key ingredient for success.
Watch here: Arianna Huffington – How to Succeed? Get More Sleep
15. Diana Nyad – Never, Ever Give Up
In this inspiring TED Talk, endurance swimmer Diana Nyad shares her story of perseverance. At 64, after four failed attempts, she finally achieved her dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida. Her talk is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Why You Should Watch: For women over 40, Nyad’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams—no matter the obstacles in your path.
Watch here: Diana Nyad – Never, Ever Give Up
Final Thoughts
These 15 TED Talks for Women Over 40 bring together a wealth of inspiration, practical wisdom, and empowerment. Curated especially for those navigating midlife transitions, each talk offers transformative insights for anyone seeking personal growth, career reinvention, or renewed motivation. Dive into these powerful perspectives to gain the tools and confidence for your next chapter. Which talk will inspire your journey forward?
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