Is curiosity just a personality trait - or a skill we can practise and develop? In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Jeff Wetzler to explore what shapes our capacity for curiosity - and how fear can interfere with it, especially when we need it most.
Jeff is a leadership and learning expert and the author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You. His work helps leaders and teams surface hidden insights, make smarter decisions, strengthen collaboration and unlock breakthrough ideas.
Together we unpack how fear can narrow our perspective and draw us toward certainty when questions might serve us better. We explore how curiosity - when developed intentionally - can strengthen the quality of our decisions, relationships and leadership.
We discuss:
If you value curiosity - but notice it’s hardest to access under pressure - this conversation offers a thoughtful and practical way forward.
About Guest
Dr. Jeff Wetzler is co-Founder and co-CEO of Transcend, an education innovation organization, and served as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America. He has advised business, NGO, and government leaders around the world and has spoken at major companies such as Microsoft, Google, Deloitte, and DaVita, as well as startups and leading nonprofits.
His book, Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life, was named an Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Books of 2024, a Next Big Idea Club Top Leadership Book of 2024, and widely endorsed by experts such as Adam Grant, Seth Godin, and Amy Edmondson. His work is regularly featured in leading publications including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Psychology Today.
Wetzler earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Brown University. He is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and is an Edmund Hillary Fellow.
Find out more at www.askapproach.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wetzler-9ba3824/
Jeff’s Arc of Curiosity: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeff-wetzler-9ba3824_arcofcuriosity-leadership-curiosity-activity-7366821703361957888-jRlR/
