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ReThinking

Esther Perel on the relationship baggage we bring to work

ReThinking

TED

Worklife Podcasts, Adam Grant, Rethinking Podcast, Ted Podcast Adam Grant, Organizational Psychology, Ted Talks, Adam Grant Podcasts, Society & Culture

4.7626 Ratings

🗓️ 3 March 2026

⏱️ 37 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Esther Perel is a psychotherapist known for her innovative approach to relationships. In this episode, Adam and Esther discuss the relational baggage we all carry through our lives and into our work, and how our differing personalities and relationship styles can affect collaboration and culture. They break down the differences between relationship- and task-oriented personalities, and consider the fine balance between risk-taking and rule-following that makes for a healthy relationship with ourselves and others.


Featured guest


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ReThinking is produced by Cosmic Standard. Our Senior Producer is Jessica Glazer, our Engineer is Aja Simpson, our Technical Director is Jacob Winik, and our Executive Producer is Eliza Smith.


For the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcripts


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Transcript

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0:00.0

This tension is inherent.

0:02.0

It's intrinsic.

0:03.1

Every relationship straddles.

0:05.7

How do I stay connected to myself without losing you?

0:09.9

And how do I connect with you without losing me?

0:13.1

This is core.

0:16.8

Hey, everyone.

0:17.8

It's Adam Grant.

0:18.9

Welcome back to Rethinking, my podcast with Ted on the science of what makes us tick.

0:23.4

I'm an organizational psychologist, and I'm taking you inside the minds of fascinating people to explore new thoughts and new ways of thinking.

0:34.5

Astaire Perel is a leading psychotherapist who focuses on personal and professional relationships.

0:40.2

You might know Aster from her books or her fascinating podcast. Where Should We Begin?

0:45.6

Today, I wanted to talk with her about the hidden influence of relationships, including her

0:50.1

concept of the unofficial resume, which includes all the connections that have shaped us

0:54.5

and affect how we show up at work and in life. This conversation is extra special because my

0:59.9

own relationship with this stare has had a big impact on me. We've long been friends and colleagues,

1:04.6

and a bonus episode of work life we did back together in 2020 actually helped spark the concept

1:09.6

for rethinking as a show.

1:11.6

Six years later, I'm excited to finally have her on.

1:16.2

Okay, Esther, welcome.

1:18.1

It's been a while since we did a podcast together.

1:20.4

Yes, yes, but you know what it is?

...

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