Curiosity is something we’re all born with—a natural drive to explore, ask questions, and understand the world. Yet in a society that often rewards certainty and speed, this innate superpower can be overlooked. I've been in the Financial Services recruiting field for 15+ years and in that time, I've learned that a curious mindset offers countless benefits. It challenge biases, help you navigate uncertainty with confidence, strengthens relationships, enhances collaboration, uncovers common ground with people who seem different, and helps builds resilience.

"When we stop being curious about others, we create distance and division, missing opportunities to listen, connect, and discover shared understanding." Kari Ellis

We’re often taught to value efficiency and quick results—decisions are made rapidly, solutions are expected immediately, and hesitation is sometimes mistaken for weakness. But it’s precisely in those moments of pause—when we allow ourselves to question, explore, and wonder—that curiosity reveals its power. This sometimes underappreciated superpower fuels innovation and problem-solving while fostering connection, empathy, and personal and professional growth.

Curiosity can be a powerful tool for both innovation and connection, says Scott Shigeoka, author of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World. He emphasizes that curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a habit that can be intentionally cultivated. If you want to make smarter decisions, spark creativity, and leave a lasting mark in your work and life, it’s time to embrace this skill. The best part? Curiosity isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s something anyone can develop.

Shigeoka calls his approach to developing curiosity the DIVE model. Start by detaching—letting go of assumptions, biases, and the need for certainty. Next, intend by consciously creating a mindset and environment that invite questions and exploration. Then, value by honoring both yourself and others, recognizing the insights that different perspectives can bring. Finally, embrace the challenges and adversity in your life, seeing them as opportunities to learn, grow, and deepen your understanding of the world around you. To put curiosity into action, I'm sharing Shigeoka's four ways to sharpen thinking, expand your reach, and leave a lasting mark.

4 Curiosity-Powered Ways to Level Up Your Thinking and Influence

• Curiosity Drives Innovation: Asking “why” and “what if” fuels creativity. Teams and individuals who embrace curiosity are more likely to uncover new solutions, find blind spots, and pivot successfully when challenges arise. Data from organizational studies show that companies encouraging curiosity see higher employee engagement and problem-solving effectiveness.

• Curiosity Strengthens Relationships: Genuine curiosity creates connection. When you take the time to ask thoughtful questions and actively listen, you build trust and credibility. Leaders who display curiosity often  foster stronger collaboration and inspire others to contribute openly.

• Curiosity Improves Decision-Making: Curiosity leads to better outcomes because it encourages  exploring multiple perspectives before making choices. In environments where complexity is high, curiosity helps leaders weigh options, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions rather than defaulting to assumptions.

• Curiosity Correlates with Lifelong Learning and Success: Curious individuals are more adaptable, resilient, and motivated to seek opportunities for growth. Curiosity can predict both personal satisfaction and career achievement, making it a critical skill in fast-changing industries.

Curiosity is not passive—it’s a choice we make daily. Whether you’re leading a team, exploring a new career path, or simply striving to live more fully, curiosity can unlock perspectives you never imagined. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond routine thinking and spark meaningful change, start by asking the right questions, embracing the unknown, and taking action. When you do, you won’t just transform your life—you'll have the power to change the financial services field too.

📌 BLOG CONCLUSION:  Curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a superpower. Ask the right questions, explore new perspectives, and embrace the unknown to spark personal growth, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful impact in both life and work.