How to Foster Curiosity in Challenging Environments

How can curiosity help you grow in your career and personal influence? Curiosity only becomes power when it’s backed by proactive research and consistent preparation. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about building just enough of a foundation to ask the right question — the one that moves the conversation forward. Last week, SXSW Sydney shared a clip of my analysis — and it’s a message I’ve seen play out in boardrooms, startups, and leadership teams around the world. 💡 One practice I recommend: each week, pick one business challenge or emerging trend you don’t fully understand. Identify two trusted sources — it could be a podcast episode, a research report, or a colleague. Set aside 30 focused minutes for a deep dive, free from distractions. Then write down three questions or ideas that came from your learning, and bring those to your next team meeting or client call. This turns curiosity into deliberate action, helping you contribute meaningfully when it matters most. 📌 It’s not about who speaks first. It’s about who’s already ready. I believe that the people shaping the future aren’t waiting to be invited into the conversation. They’re preparing for it — long before it starts. Because by the time the meeting is called, by the time the opportunity shows up, it’s too late to start learning. What are you preparing for right now — before anyone asks? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! #Leadership #SXSWSydney

The Erosion of Novel Ideas & Perspectives As an investor, I'm surprised at how uncommon it is to encounter founders and fellow investors who hold distinct perspectives on the current market and the future of technology. In today's economic climate, heightened investment scrutiny has made fundraising more challenging for both founders and venture capitalists. This environment necessitates a higher level of creativity and original thought to distinguish oneself in today's saturated market. Here are a few strategies I employe to challenge my own beliefs to create new ones: 1. Engage proactively with contradicting perspectives Actively exploring and analyzing various perspectives, we can critically assess multiple points of view and hone our skills in recognizing subtle details and biases. 2. Embrace childlike curiosity - "Why" Children typically begin asking "why" around age two and continue until about five, a time when their experience is limited and their brains are rapidly developing. As adults, we should emulate their natural inquisitiveness to deepen our understanding of our reality. 3. Accept we're wrong most of the time History shows us that many long-held beliefs, even fundamental ones like gravity, have evolved with new discoveries. This teaches us a humbling lesson: we are often mistaken. Accepting this, we can foster an environment where questioning the norm is standard, leading to collaboration, creativity, and collective progress towards deeper understanding. 4. Innovation and discovery exists between the lines We often try to understand the world by dividing knowledge into separate categories, which can limit our perspective. Exploring the interplay between different ideas and disciplines unlocks opportunities for advancement and collaborative solutions. 5. Consume differently Our choices in what we read, listen to, and explore are often influenced by popular trends. To broaden your horizons, try something different: read a lesser-known book, listen to music from various cultures, and explore unlit corners of your environment. #curiosity #originality #innovation #challengingthestatusquo #ideas #insightoftheweek

The Power of a Beginner's Mindset in a Fast-Paced World We all realize that the knowledge and expertise we hold dear today may become obsolete tomorrow. I've found embracing a beginner's mindset increasingly valuable in both personal growth and professional development. A beginner's mindset urges us to remain curious and open, much like a novice stepping into a new field, eager to soak in every bit of knowledge. But how do we cultivate this mindset, especially when we're used to being the expert in the room? ⁉ Force Yourself into Situations Where You're Not the Expert Seek out environments where your expertise is not at the forefront. Already this year, I've joined a Mastermind group, participated in startup events, and engaged with our Fractional CMO community to push myself into places where boasting takes a back seat to curiosity. The focus shifts from showcasing what you know to expanding your understanding and perspective. 🤔 Be Incessantly Curious Curiosity is the fuel for learning. Asking questions not only opens doors to new knowledge but also encourages those around us to adopt a similar approach to learning and exploration. It's a habit that fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth. As a natural extrovert, I consciously try to hang back and ask questions vs assuming I know the answer. The results have been surprising. 🔭 Encourage a Culture of Inquiry and Experimentation Those who experiment (vs know the answer) are the ones who lead the way in discovering new paths to success. In interviews, team meetings, and everyday interactions, encourage the asking of questions. Seek to understand the 'why' behind processes and decisions. This culture of inquiry is pivotal for innovation. I have changed the questions I ask during interviews to look for experimenters. 💡 Accept the Fluidity of Knowledge What we know to be true today may not hold tomorrow. Accepting that knowledge is fluid and that change is constant allows us to remain agile and adaptable. It prepares us to pivot when necessary and to embrace new opportunities with enthusiasm rather than reluctance. I'm always looking for what is changing, and what assumptions I should be questioning. What are you doing today to keep your beginner's mindset? #growthmindset #professionaldevelopment #curiousity #ceomindset

Navigating life's inevitable changes is complex, often uncomfortable, yet essential for personal growth. This Harvard Business Review article delves into the concept of "identity paralysis," a term used to describe the struggle of moving on from past identities to embrace new ones, which can leave us feeling stuck, frustrated, and hopeless. Here are strategies for overcoming identity paralysis, backed up by research: (1) Mark a Distinct Break with the Past. Create a symbolic event that signifies the end of an old chapter. Whether it's a significant birthday, a new birth, or another milestone, these moments can help you acknowledge the transition and start anew. (2) Craft a Compelling Personal Narrative. Link your past to your present by shaping a story that connects the two. This narrative should be authentic and shareable, helping you and others understand your journey and the reasons behind the changes. (3) Acknowledge and Work Through Emotions. It's important to recognize and address the emotions tied to your past identity. By understanding and processing these feelings, you can prevent them from hindering your transition to a new self. I'd add an additional tip, based on my work and experience: embrace curiosity in the face of change. Curiosity encourages us to view challenging transitions as opportunities for learning and growth rather than threats. This mindset can transform the way we approach new identities, making us more open to experimentation and less fearful of failure. Encouraging curiosity about oneself and one’s potential can indeed pave the way for smoother transitions by fostering a more flexible and adaptable approach to change. Embracing these strategies can lead to a healthier adjustment to new roles and identities, promoting personal development and well-being. Whether you're transitioning careers, roles, or overcoming personal trials, remember: change, though challenging, is a pathway to growth, and curiosity can be your guide. #HumanResources #Innovation #Growth #Reflection #Career #Leadership #Awareness https://lnkd.in/es7G5atn

I posted in December that my word for 2024 is curiosity. As I work on this I am becoming more in tune with the obstacles that sometimes stop me from practicing curiousity. One is time. Sometimes I think “I don’t have time to be curious.” I have issues to address and organizational goals to achieve. The second is habit. I’ve always been a fixer. So when someone comes to me with a problem or obstacle, I automatically want to give the solution. I’ve thought about how I can better practice curiosity. This weekend I decided to write down a list of questions that I can ask. I plan to keep this list of questions on the whiteboard in my office, on the front of my notebook and in my phone as a visual reminder. Here's a list of questions I came up with: ❓What specific issue or obstacle are you encountering? ❓ Can you provide more information about the situation? ❓ What have you attempted to address the problem? ❓What were the results of those attempts? ❓What do you think is causing the problem? ❓ What lessons can we learn? ❓ Are there resources/support you need to address the problem? ❓How can I best support you? ❓Who else on the team might be able to help? ❓How can we turn this challenge into an opportunity for improvement? Asking these questions will help guide productive discussions, encourage critical thinking, and empower team members to effectively problem-solve. As leaders I believe we have an opportunity (and responsibility) to create a safe and empowering workplace for curiosity, learning and making mistakes. I’m working on it! Add your questions in the comments.

I have a friend who's had a lifelong dream to open her own photography business. She saved up, and this past weekend went to a retreat for it. The first day there, bam—hit with the reality check that everyone around her seemed like a seasoned pro.   Initially overwhelmed, she flipped the script. Instead of feeling small, she got curious. She asked those pros about their beginnings, and guess what? They weren't just willing to share their stories; they were practically handing out a roadmap. They spent time with her and offered advice, things they wished they knew when they were first starting.   🚀Leaning into Learning:  Everyone starts green. Instead of pretending like you've got it all figured out, it's perfectly fine to admit you're learning. My friend did, and it paid off big time. Embrace the learning curve, seek guidance, and tap into the wealth of experience around you. Learning isn't a one-time event but a continuous journey shaping your expertise.   📚 Knowledge Shared is Knowledge Multiplied: Don't hesitate to ask questions and learn from those who've walked the path. True growth comes from a willingness to absorb, adapt, and apply. The more you lean into learning, the more you elevate your skills.   💬 Your Questions Shape Your Expertise: Every question is a stepping stone toward mastery. My friend's curiosity not only broke the ice but also paved the way for valuable insights. Don't shy away from asking; in any field, your questions are the building blocks of your expertise.   If you're feeling out of your element, remember that the expert in anything was once a beginner!  #CuriosityWins #GrowthMindset #AskAndLearn 

𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 In our quest for innovation and excellence, the role of a leader transcends beyond merely guiding the team. It's about becoming co-explorers on a journey fraught with challenges and boundless opportunities. Let me share a thought that's been pivotal in my approach to leadership: As leaders, when we openly experiment, embrace our failures as lessons, and show genuine interest in others' ideas, we're not just guiding—we're participating in a shared journey of discovery. Why does this matter? 1. 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Innovation doesn't come from playing it safe. It comes from venturing into the unknown, with the courage to test new ideas and the humility to learn from what doesn't work. 2. 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: Every setback is a setup for a comeback. The lessons we learn from our failures are the stepping stones to our greatest successes. They are not to be feared, but embraced. 3. 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: The magic happens when we genuinely engage with ideas that are not our own. It's about creating a space where every voice is heard and every suggestion is valued. This approach has not only enriched my leadership journey but has also fostered a culture where every member feels like they are a part of something greater than themselves. We are all teachers and students, learning from each other, inspired by the collective wisdom and creativity of the group. No matter your role or industry, I encourage you to embrace this mindset. Let's foster environments where curiosity is the compass that guides us, where we're not afraid to venture into the unknown together. The journey of discovery is infinitely more rewarding when we travel it as a team. Let's discuss! How do you cultivate a culture of curiosity and learning within your teams? What have been your most memorable lessons learned through experimentation and embracing failure? #Leadership #Innovation #Teamwork #LearningFromFailure #CultureOfCuriosity

Engaging with individuals and organizations that embody excitement, face challenges, nurture curiosity, and consistently strive for growth is the most gratifying aspect of my work. A few months following a sales training I conducted, I received a message from an attendee who shared, "I am currently at the airport...Reminding myself to stay curious and listen this trip." I LOVE THIS! And better yet, they had a great meeting and now have new business coming in. Curiosity in sales is an underrated skill. Why do we need it? It is easy as a salesperson to focus too much on the end goal and quickly start pitching. Valuable insight and building trust are missed and most of the time the experience for the potential client is not a good one. How do you work curiosity into your practice? ♦️ Learn more. Prepare more than you normally do prior to a meeting. ♦️ Reframe your common questions, how can you ask them differently? ♦️ Give space. Instead of responding as soon as someone speaks, give them space to expand the conversation. Ask a follow-up question Create the mindset to focus on them and less on you and the outcome. #stopsellingtostartselling #salestraining #salessuccess #communicationiskey #curiosity