FAQs

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  • I have an idea. How do I know that it is worth sharing?

    First, try to articulate the main idea in 15-20 words, anchoring it to a solution instead of just a statement of the problem. Next, think about the framework required to solve the challenge inherent to the main idea. What are the steps needed to solve the challenge? What makes the solution unique? The solution should be grounded in your expertise so that you can credibly persuade the audience that the plan has merit and potential. The main idea should be built on principles that are timeless and global while the solution should be new or offer a fresh perspective. 

    Please find below strong examples from past TED@BCG speakers. 

    Julia Dhar – “What the principles of debate can teach us about having better conversations” 

    Zineb Sqalli – “Solutions for advancing both sustainability and gender equality – at the same time”

    Vinay Shandal – “What socially conscious investors can learn from the tactics of activist investors in order to make change happen” 

  • How do I apply?

    All BCGers and alumni are invited to fill out a written application. Applications are now closed for TED@BCG 2025. Results will be conveyed via email in May. Selected speakers will craft their talk in collaboration with a TED coach before giving their TED Talk to a live audience in Dubai on 23 October.  Please reach out to TED@bcg.com with any questions.

  • How can I make sure my application stands out?

    • Focus. Typically a TED Talk is built upon a single strong idea, with no more than three or four key supporting points, woven into a compelling narrative.
    • Include supporting information. Use research, examples, and/or powerful anecdotes to support your points. Not only will it strengthen your arguments, but it will give us a sense of how you think.
    • Use conversational language—short, active, and jargon-free. Consider that much of your audience will not be as familiar with your idea as you are. So try to describe your concepts in a way that most people would understand, without compromising the quality of your thoughts and ideas.
    • Put an idea, not a product, at the center of your application. Talks that feel like sales pitches or business presentations undermine the power of your idea. Instead, tell us about the problem you’re solving, an idea you’re excited about, a vision for the future, a common way of thinking or doing things that you are turning on its head.
    • Be your own fabulous self. Don’t feel you need to play-act the “TED speaker.” We’re looking for people who are authentic, who have something to say and their own honest way to say it. Use your real accent, your real gestures, your everyday words—be you!

  • When will speakers be notified?

    Speakers selected for TED@BCG 2025 will be notified in June 2025. 

  • I know someone who should apply. Can I nominate them?

    Yes! You can nominate a colleague or BCG alum by emailing TED@bcg.com. The TED@BCG team will send a personal invitation to your nominee to complete the application.

  • Are there examples of successful applications to read through as a reference?

    Yes! Jessica Apotheker gave a TED Talk in 2023 on “What Will Happen to Marketing in the Age of AI?”. You can see her initial application here and watch her final TED Talk here. 

    Beth Viner gave a TED Talk in 2023 on “Why Businesses Need a Dreamer’s Magic and a Doer’s Realism”. You can see her initial application here and watch her final TED Talk here. 

    Adriann Negreros gave a TED Talk in 2023 on “Don’t be a jerk to your Barista – and other Thoughts on Frontline Work”. You can see his initial application here and watch his final TED Talk here. 

    Neeraj Aggarwal gave a TED Talk in 2024 on “K-pop, cutting-edge tech and other ways Asia is shaping the world”. You can see his initial application here and watch his final TED Talk here. 

    Please note that it is typical for an idea to evolve quite a bit during the talk development phase, as you can see in these examples.

  • Where can I find examples of previous TED@BCG Talks?

    Watch talks from TED@BCG events in Toronto, Milan, Paris, London, New York, Berlin, San Francisco, Singapore, Mumbai and virtually here.

  • What is TED?

    TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics—from science to business to global issues—in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

  • How does BCG partner with TED?

    BCG is proud to be a founding partner of the TED Institute, a unique program that utilizes the powerful curation, training and strategic thinking behind a great TED talk to strengthen the impact of organizations. Combining the best of TED with the best of BCG, we are thrilled to bring you the latest insights and ideas shaping business and society.