A curious farewell.

It’s the last edition of The Edit (for now…)?

While we are sad to put down the pen, we’re taking some time to review and explore even better ways that we might continue to enable the teams of today to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

We’d love for you to be a part of the journey with us — so please take 5 minutes to share your thoughts here!

This week we’re focusing on the magical powers of curiosity, how it fuels lifelong learning, the difference between human and AI curiosity, and the neuroscience behind it.

Curiosity fuels lifelong learning

We tend to think of curiosity as something innate — you either have it or you don’t. But curiosity works more like a muscle and the more you use it, the stronger it gets. In a world where skills and knowledge evolve rapidly, staying curious is the key to adapting, growing, and staying ahead. Whether you’re leading a team, developing new skills, or navigating change, curiosity makes learning meaningful and engaging. Here’s how you can build curiosity into your learning:

1. By making small shifts in how you approach learning, you can unlock new insights, deepen your expertise, and stay motivated. Here are some ways to build curiosity into your learning:
2. Ask better questions. Learning starts with curiosity, so make a habit of asking “why,” “what if,” and “how” to uncover deeper insights.
3. Create a daily learning habit. Set aside 20 minutes each day to explore new topics, read outside your field, or listen to an insightful podcast.
4. Reframe boring topics. If a subject doesn’t interest you, find an angle that does — how does it connect to people, innovation, or strategy?
5. Experiment with new learning methods. Try different formats like hands-on practice, storytelling, or discussion-based learning to keep things engaging.
6. Break routine to spark new ideas. Change your environment, collaborate with new people, or explore different perspectives to fuel fresh thinking.
7. Turn mistakes into learning opportunities. Instead of avoiding failure, reflect on what it teaches you and how it can shape your growth.

The journey is the real reward

As AI drives more and more of our work, it’s tempting to let technology do the exploring for us. But there’s a key difference between human curiosity and AI’s version — one we can’t afford to lose. AI can sift through data and find practical solutions, but it’s missing the magic of serendipity, intuition, and personal connections. In this talk, Anne-Laure Le Cunff shares why human curiosity still reigns supreme and why it’s essential to protect it — especially when it comes to learning. After all, learning is about more than just absorbing information, it’s about exploring, connecting, and growing in ways that AI simply can’t replicate. Here are the headlines:

• Human curiosity is intuitive, driven by instincts and that ‘hunch’ that leads to breakthroughs.?
• AI curiosity is computational, perfect for processing vast data but not great for making the unexpected connections we thrive on.
• We make decisions based on emotions, ethics, and personal experiences, something AI simply can’t do (especially when it comes to tricky topics like climate change).
• While AI is focused on solving specific problems, we explore for the joy of discovery.

Why curiosity works: the neuroscience

Curiosity isn’t just asking questions; it’s your brain’s way of saying, ‘Let’s go on an adventure!’

Neuroscience shows us ways to keep our curiosity alive, making learning feel like a treasure hunt powered by natural rewards. This article dives into how curiosity keeps your brain engaged, fuels deeper connections between ideas, and even rewires your mind to become a better learner. Here are the highlights:

• Engage your brain’s reward system. Frame new topics as intriguing puzzles. When curiosity spikes, dopamine floods your brain, helping you retain and recall information.
• Ask better questions to spark insight. Instead of surface-level queries, ask open-ended ones like ‘Why does this work the way it does?’ or ‘What if I tried a completely different approach?’ These questions activate areas of the brain tied to creative thinking.
• Create curiosity-rich learning spaces. Surround yourself with new ideas, unexpected perspectives, or challenging tasks. This builds stronger neural connections and keeps learning fresh and exciting.

A big Thank You from Quadmark?

In December we asked you to cast your vote on which 3 organisations we should donate our Happy Holiday message budget to. These charities align with our vision to combine the power of learning with human potential to build a future where we can all thrive.

And now, the results are in:

• 19% went to Daisy Chain. A UK charity empowering neurodivergent individuals with inclusive, person-centred support.
• 24% went to Room to Read. A charity that strives to create a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality.
• 19% went to Daughters of Tomorrow. A Singaporean charity helping low-income women secure sustainable employment.
• 38% went to the Malala Fund. A global charity that champions every girl’s right to 12 years of free, safe education.

This vote helped us to reflect and spread love to our wider community, but also to point us in the right direction to focus our give-back efforts for 2025. Thank you once again for joining in!