Curiosity is one of the most underestimated leadership superpowers. It sharpens judgment, fuels innovation, strengthens relationships, and keeps leaders relevant in a constantly evolving world. The most admired executives across hospitality share a striking belief: staying curious is not optional. It is the engine of growth, adaptability, and human connection. Insights from It’s Personal Stories reveal how curiosity, practiced daily, shapes exceptional leadership.

1. Curiosity Deepens Understanding of People and Teams

Curiosity begins with wanting to understand, not judge. Donte Johnson, Author of Impact Hospitality Handbook, shared that his leadership is rooted in a desire to truly know people: “I wanted to understand what motivates them, what scares them, and what inspires them.” This instinct to explore rather than assume helped him build stronger cultures grounded in empathy. Similarly, Chris Green, President of Humanitarian Hotels, believes curiosity is what makes leaders better listeners: “When you’re genuinely curious, you build trust.” Curiosity transforms communication from transactional to meaningful, and meaningful is where loyalty begins.

2. Curiosity Fuels Courage and Career Growth

Curiosity pushes leaders into rooms they never thought to enter. Anna Blue, Founder of Blue Moss Group, said her own rise came from asking the questions others avoided: “Curiosity allowed me to step into spaces where I didn’t see people who looked like me.” Her curiosity created both visibility and opportunity. Andrea Foster, EVP Hospitality Development at MindClick, credits her advancement to relentless inquiry: “I asked questions constantly. That’s how I figured out where I could add value.” When leaders stay curious, comfort zones shrink, and possibilities expand.

3. Curiosity Expands Strategic Thinking

For strategic leaders, curiosity widens the lens. Frank Nardozza, Chairman & CEO of REH Capital Partners, described curiosity as the foundation of good judgment: “I want to know what makes people tick, why they are the way they are, and how companies and businesses work.” His breadth of reading, from geopolitics to biomedicine, became a competitive advantage, allowing him to see links others missed. Dan Lesser, CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors, echoed this perspective, noting, “The more you learn, the more perspective you gain.” Curiosity builds the depth and range every strategist needs.

4. Curiosity Drives Innovation and Creative Problem Solving

Innovators rely on curiosity to see around corners. Matt Clyde, President of Ideas Collide, emphasized that creativity thrives when leaders expose themselves to unfamiliar ideas: “Innovation comes from cross-pollinating ideas.” On the analytical side, Cindy Estis Green, Co-Founder & CEO of Kalibri Labs, noted that data only becomes valuable when approached with inquiry: “The data only tells you something if you’re curious enough to ask the right questions.” Curiosity turns information into insight and insight into action.

5. Curiosity Strengthens Emotional Intelligence and Presence

Curiosity also improves EQ. Leslie Hale, President & CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust, said that asking real questions, not scripted ones, reveals what people need to succeed: “When you ask the right questions, you understand people differently.”Leaders who stay curious stay connected. They avoid assumptions, encourage dialogue, and create psychological safety, conditions where teams contribute boldly.

6. Curiosity Keeps Leaders Evolving

Curiosity ensures leaders never stagnate. Gilda Pérez-Alvarado, Chief Executive Officer, Orient Express / Group Chief Strategy Officer, Accor, summed it up perfectly: “I learn something from every situation, good or bad.” Her philosophy shows why curiosity is a renewable resource: it converts daily experiences into continuous growth. 

Closing Reflection: Curiosity Is the Leader’s Lifelong Advantage

Across hundreds of conversations, one truth is unmistakable: curiosity is the thread weaving together great leadership. It elevates thinking, strengthens relationships, sharpens instincts, and fuels innovation. Leaders who stay curious don’t just react, they anticipate. They don’t just manage, they inspire. And most importantly, they don’t fear what they don’t know, they pursue it. Curiosity is not a skill to master once. It is a discipline that transforms leaders who practice it every day.