How people get the good jobs | Taylor Doe | TEDxOklahomaCity

In this paradigm shifting talk, Taylor Doe introduces original concepts that will change the way you hear success stories. Asking “How do people get the good jobs?” led him on a journey of qualitative research, interviewing people and analyzing stories about their paths to success. The most insightful and fascinating commonality in these interviews were found in the most unlikely place. The keys to success were hidden behind one recurring phrase in every story… How do people get to where they are in life?
Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Taylor Doe (aka TDoe) has lived between, what Martin Luther King Jr. called, the “Two Americas”. He has worked in corporate America at SandRidge Energy, founded a tech company with one of his brothers, and for the last decade has devoted himself to building relationships and community initiatives in Northeast Oklahoma City. He has done all this while straddling two economic classes, which has given Taylor unique insights on how opportunity is unlocked for some and remains locked for others.
His recent work invites listeners to unpack what he calls ‘And Then Moments’ - the seemingly overlooked moments in life that actually help people succeed. Taylor believes when people do the work of uncovering these moments, they are then challenged to unlock opportunity for those who have historically been left out. Only then can society begin to create more equitable communities and cities where more people thrive.
His curiosity on topics such as empathy, trust, social capital, and opportunity quickly grew as he juxtaposed his own story of safety nets and unlocked opportunities against stories of those in his community with fewer resources. Taylor believes that trust is the most valuable resource in the world, which drives him to continue to create trust-building opportunities between the “Two Americas”. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx