The Power of Curiosity in Leadership: Unlocking Perspective, Insights, and Connection
I did a leadership profile about 18 years ago which highlighted that I was low on curiosity. My reaction was “no way!” Not “tell me more” 😃. I came to understand how much opportunity I was leaving on the table by this lack of curiosity. So, I set about building it. And let me tell you it was hard. It was way too easy for me to jump in with the answers. To find the quickest way to get something achieved. To show how smart I was – and now that hurts to admit!
And as hard as it is to build, what is now more evident than ever is that curiosity is not a nice-to-have for leaders - it’s a critical trait that fuels perspective, drives innovation, and deepens connection. Curious leaders possess the unique ability to explore the unknown, ask transformative questions, and adapt to evolving landscapes. If you’ve ever worked for or with a curious leader, you will know exactly what I’m talking about.
One brilliant example of curiosity in action is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, whose leadership legacy is a testament to the impact of this trait. When Nooyi became CEO, she faced a complex challenge: PepsiCo’s traditional product lines were at odds with the rising demand for healthier options and sustainable practices.
Rather than relying solely on conventional wisdom or historical success, Nooyi leaned into her curiosity. She sought to understand global health trends, consumer preferences, and environmental issues from diverse perspectives. This relentless curiosity enabled her to reimagine PepsiCo’s future and lead the company through a remarkable transformation.
Nooyi’s leadership was defined by her ability to ask questions that mattered. What do our consumers truly need? How can we align profitability with purpose? This curiosity led to her groundbreaking initiative, “Performance with Purpose,” which emphasised sustainability, health-conscious products, and corporate responsibility. The results spoke volumes—not only did the company grow financially, but it also became a model of innovation and ethical leadership.
Expanding Perspective Through Curiosity
Curiosity is like a lens that widens your field of view. Leaders who are curious actively seek out new ideas, perspectives, and feedback, even if it challenges their assumptions. And this is the hard bit! Doing this broadens their understanding of complex issues and equips them to make informed, innovative decisions.
For example, Nooyi’s willingness to explore global trends and listen to diverse voices—from nutritionists to consumers—enabled her to see opportunities that others missed. Her curiosity expanded her perspective and helped her navigate the complexities of leading a global organisation.
Insights That Drive Innovation
Curious leaders don’t stop at asking questions; they dig deeper to uncover valuable insights. Curiosity drives them to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated pieces of information, leading to creative solutions.
For PepsiCo, Nooyi’s insight into the growing demand for healthier options wasn’t a standalone observation. It became the cornerstone of a strategic shift that redefined the company’s product portfolio. Her curiosity didn’t just help her identify what consumers wanted—it inspired her to reshape the company’s future.
Building Connection Through Curiosity
At its heart, curiosity is about genuine interest in others. Leaders who are curious foster deeper connections because they listen with intent and empathy. By asking thoughtful questions and valuing diverse perspectives, they build trust and inspire collaboration.
Nooyi’s curiosity wasn’t confined to the boardroom. She engaged employees, consumers, and stakeholders with an open mind and a commitment to understanding their needs. This created a culture of inclusivity and innovation within PepsiCo, where everyone felt seen and heard.
Over the years I’ve learnt to make curiosity my superpower. Coaching has helped that enormously. And for our business it has enabled us to explore, adapt, and grow. For all of us as leaders it widens perspectives, uncovers insights, and forges meaningful connections. As leaders, when we remain curious, we find out what is really possible.
Let your curiosity guide you—you never know what you’ll discover!
Start building your curiosity:
- Reflect on what you are genuinely curious about. This may be about your own leadership, your team, or bigger questions about impact, purpose, and possibilities.
- Create the space for curiosity and be open with what comes forward. This may mean a weekly routine for reflection on specific things but it is also helpful to create space for curiosity in the middle of action!
- Ask great open questions which aren’t loaded with your point of view. This is probably the hardest. We can be so committed to our own perspectives. Get some feedback on how you are going with this one.
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