Curiosity: The Key to Breaking Free

Any of my clients will tell you—curiosity is my superpower. As a coach, I don’t just ask questions; I ask the questions that ignite transformation. Time and again, I hear, “That is such a good question.”

But in today’s world, curiosity is being choked out by fear, burnout, and the illusion of certainty. We are witnessing a state of shock and awe. Some are resisting, some are retreating, some are celebrating, and some are simply shutting down. The human experience is fragmented.

And many of my clients? They are exhausted. Burnt out. Out of time. Feeling like they are failing.

Why?

Because they are stuck. Stuck in their own silo, their own point of view, their own rigid framework of values and expectations—ones that were meant to protect but instead imprison. They are running in the hamster wheel of perfectionism, afraid to be caught in the act of not having it all figured out. And this false sense of control? It is keeping them stuck in a cycle of overthinking, self-doubt, and—let’s be real—mental and physical exhaustion.

The Antidote? Curiosity.

Curiosity disrupts the status quo. It dismantles certainty and makes space for possibility. It forces us to ask, “What if?” and “Why not?”—instead of clinging to the safety of “This is how it’s always been done.”

Curiosity is not passive. It is active. It is bold. It is a strategic tool for navigating uncertainty.

Here’s what embracing curiosity looks like in action:

1. Adaptability in Uncertainty

Instead of defaulting to fear or resistance, curiosity asks:
👉 “What else could be true?”
👉 “How might I see this differently?”
👉 “Whose voice isn’t being heard?”

Curiosity keeps us open—to new perspectives, new strategies, new ways of thinking and leading. It challenges us to let go of our traditional playbooks and experiment.

2. Empathy and Understanding

Curiosity fuels connection. It invites us to truly understand the people around us, rather than assuming we already do.
👉 “How can I help you succeed?”
👉 “What challenges are you facing?”

When we lead with curiosity, we lead with empathy. And empathy leads to better decision-making, stronger teams, and, ultimately, better results.

3. Breaking Free from Perfectionism

Curiosity dismantles the lie that we must have all the answers. Instead, it says, “Let’s explore.”
👉 “What happens if I let go of needing to be right?”
👉 “What would I try if I wasn’t afraid of failing?”

When we prioritize curiosity over perfection, we allow for progress.

Curiosity in Leadership

One of my favorite tools in coaching is the Leadership Circle Profile. It measures not just leadership skills but also thinking patterns—because what you think directly impacts what you do.

For example, if your scores are high in Controlling, the tool points you toward developing Relating and Self-Awareness. Why? Because rigid control kills curiosity. And without curiosity, there is no innovation, no growth—just more of the same.

What Are You Curious About?

I have been sitting with my own curiosity about the word fight.

We are in a crisis. And part of me wonders—do we need crisis for real change to happen? I hate that idea. It makes me angry. It makes me afraid. And yet, I tell myself: Stay. Hold. Ask better questions.

Is there another way to fight? A way that doesn’t create more war, more suffering, more division?

What if the fight we need is not against each other, but against the limitations we’ve placed on our own thinking?

What if we fought for curiosity, belonging, safety, and joy?

What if we embraced the chaos, not with fear, but with curiosity?

Your Challenge: Get Curious.

Curiosity is not a luxury. It is a leadership necessity. It is the key to unlocking creativity, solving complex problems, and fostering real connection.

So I challenge you:
💡 Expand your self-awareness.
💡 Get uncomfortable.
💡 Ask the better question.

We do not need more war. We need better thinking. We need a different kind of fight. One driven by curiosity, not fear.

So, I ask you—what are you curious about?