Angela Duckworth, Author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Episode Overview

Among other topics, Angela discusses the following issues with Metis Strategy:

• The definition of “Grit” and how she had made it part of her life’s work
• How passion is something that must be found and how it contributes to “Grit”
• The development of the “Hard Thing Rule” and what that means
• The traits of gritty people: interest, practice, purpose, and hope
• Her background teaching math in NYC and how that influences her thoughts on “Grit”
• Lessons for organizations that have formulated a gritty culture
• How you should factor grittiness into recruiting
• The Character Lab in Philadelphia that she runs, and its mission

Angela Duckworth’s Biography

Angela is the author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, a book that explains why talent is hardly a guarantor of success. Angela has found that grit—which she defines as a combination of passion and perseverance for a singularly important goal—is the hallmark of high achievers in every domain. She’s also found scientific evidence that grit can grow. In our conversation, we cover the applicability of this topic to parents and business leaders alike.

Angela is also a Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the Founder and Scientific Director of the Character Lab, a non-profit organization in Philadelphia whose mission is to advance the science and practice of character development.

Angela was a 2013 MacArthur Fellow, and delivered a popular TED talk on the subject of grit.

Angela received a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Studies Neurobiology from Harvard.  She received a master’s degree in Neuroscience from Oxford University, and received a PhD in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

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