The Necessity of Curiosity: How to Innovate in Uncertain Times!

There’s something quietly powerful about admitting, “I don’t know.”

In a world that rewards certainty, confidence, and expertise, curiosity can feel like a risk. Yet in times of uncertainty, curiosity may be the most essential leadership skill we have.

In a recent conversation on The Audacious Living Podcast, I sat down with innovation expert and author Alan Gregerman to explore how curiosity, humility, and openness can become catalysts for innovation, connection, and growth. What unfolded was a powerful reminder that progress rarely comes from having all the answers. It comes from being brave enough to ask better questions.

Curiosity as a Catalyst, Not a Weakness

Alan shared a perspective that deeply resonated with me: most meaningful innovation does not come from expertise alone. It comes from enlightened ignorance—the willingness to admit what we don’t know and explore what might be possible.

Too often, organizations and individuals confuse confidence with certainty. But real innovation lives in the space between knowing and wondering. It lives in curiosity. In humility. In the courage to say, “There might be a better way.”

As Alan put it, nearly all breakthroughs are built on borrowed ideas, unexpected connections, and insights pulled from unfamiliar places. Innovation doesn’t come from staying inside the same room with the same people having the same conversations. It comes from widening the circle.

My Reflection: Curiosity as a Way of Being

Listening to Alan, I was reminded why curiosity has always been central to my own journey. I’ve often said that curiosity and judgment cannot coexist. When we’re genuinely curious, we stop assuming. We listen more deeply. We become open to perspectives that challenge us and stretch us.

Audacity, to me, is not about being loud or fearless. It’s about being willing. Willing to ask. Willing to learn. Willing to be uncomfortable. That’s where growth lives.

I’ve seen this play out across my life — in leadership, in relationships, in podcasting, and in moments when I’ve had to reinvent myself. Curiosity keeps us human. It keeps us connected. And in uncertain times, it keeps us moving forward.

Innovation Thrives on Humanity

One of the most powerful insights from our conversation was this: diversity of thought fuels innovation. Not performative diversity. Real diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. When we allow people to bring their full selves into the room, something remarkable happens. Ideas expand. Blind spots shrink. Possibility grows.

Innovation doesn’t require genius. It requires openness.

A Gentle Challenge

If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or uninspired right now, maybe the question isn’t “What should I do next?”

Maybe the better question is: “What am I curious about?”

Because curiosity invites movement. And movement creates momentum.

Call to Action

🎧 Want to go deeper?

Listen to my full conversation with Alan Gregerman on The Audacious Living Podcast, where we explore curiosity, innovation, humility, and what it really takes to thrive in uncertain times.

👉 Tune in and let curiosity lead the way.

The Audacious Takeaway

Curiosity isn’t a soft skill. It’s a survival skill.

When we allow ourselves to not know, we open the door to growth, creativity, and meaningful change.