CURIOSITY as a Leadership Superpower
Isabela Gasparini
Guiding visionary women-leaders to REIMAGINE & IGNITE their UNREALIZED potential for greater collective impact ???? Women-Centered, Research-Based & Values-Driven ??
“Curiosity fuels creativity, reduces confirmation bias, and prevents stereotyping. But the more we emphasize efficiency, the less curious people become. To promote a culture of curiosity, make time to ask, ‘What if?’ and ‘How might we?’” – Adam Grant
Curiosity is more than just asking questions—it’s a mindset that opens the door to continuous learning and growth. For women leaders, leading with curiosity creates an environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and resilience.
“Along with intellectual curiosity, we need interpersonal curiosity. Taking an interest in other people is the beginning of empathy.” – Adam Grant
Incorporating curiosity into our leadership practice means embracing new perspectives, questioning the status quo, and approaching the unknown with a sense of wonder. It enables us to spot opportunities where others see obstacles and fosters a culture where our teams feel safe to experiment and learn.
Curiosity also triggers dopamine in the brain, catalyzing learning and insight. The saying “great leaders lead with questions, not answers” illustrates the value of curiosity in uncovering hidden opportunities.
A valuable practice is to be curious even when you think you already know the answer. Seek diverse perspectives, consciously look for potential blind spots, assumptions, and anything else that might obstruct a broader view, and give yourself permission to let go of needing to know and instead surrender to curiosity.
Curiosity strengthens our connections with others—whether with team members, peers, or clients. By showing genuine interest in their ideas, experiences, and challenges, we deepen our understanding and expand our ability to lead with empathy and insight.
“Curiosity is a muscle—use it or lose it. It’s something that we consciously have to nurture in ourselves, in our families, in classrooms, at work.” – Georgina Venning
This week, as you approach problem-solving or team projects, engage curiosity before moving forward by asking questions to:
Alternatively, spark an open discussion by asking,
Listen with presence, intention, and non-judgment.
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By encouraging your team to share concerns, clarify uncertainties, and offer alternative ideas, you cultivate an environment of learning, belonging, growth, and innovation.
Let’s make curiosity a core part of our leadership practice and watch as it transforms our capacities and influences our teams and organizations.? PRACTICE CURIOSITY!
“Curiosity is the superpower for the second half of our lives—it keeps us learning, keeps us asking questions, and increases our self-awareness.” – Brené Brown ?
“How has curiosity helped you as a leader? When have you been surprised by what your questions uncovered?
I invite you to share a moment when leading with curiosity made a difference, or drop your favorite go-to question for sparking fresh perspectives. Let’s learn from each other!”
Some of my recent "Leadership as a Practice" articles ?
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