Reclaiming the Power of Curiosity: A Wake-Up Call for CEOs.

We live in an age where knowledge is abundant, and expertise is worshipped. But I’m about to tell you something that might sting: You’re not as knowledgeable as you think, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it’s more than fine—it’s essential that you embrace this reality if you want to continue leading effectively.

Let’s be real. How many of you have actually spent the time to deeply understand the problems your company faces? Your industry? How many of you truly know what’s happening in the trenches? Or are you so caught up in the business of business—meetings, reports, KPIs—that you’ve forgotten what drives true innovation? You’ve built your empire on your current expertise, but expertise alone won’t carry you to the next level. The real secret weapon? Curiosity.

I’m often met with resistance when I reach out to help CEOs. The first question I get is: “What do you already know about my industry, my company?” The assumption is that you need a seasoned expert with decades of experience in your field to add value. Here’s the reality: I’ve helped sell cutting-edge solar technology to an Indian energy company. I’ve only done it once. But here’s the kicker: that’s more than most of the CEOs I speak with can claim, even though they’re heading companies generating hundreds of billions in sales. Why? Because those CEOs are not actually out there doing the hard work. They’re sitting comfortably behind boardroom tables, not actively figuring out how to break into new markets or identifying game-changing opportunities.

So, let me ask you—how much do you really know about your market, the challenges, and the shifts that are happening right now? If you’re not staying curious, you’re falling behind.

The truth is, curiosity is what will set you apart. When was the last time you were genuinely curious about something that wasn’t directly tied to your day-to-day operations? When was the last time you asked a question that truly challenged your assumptions? How long has it been since you were the one asking the right questions to truly understand the problems and opportunities in your industry?

Here’s where the rubber meets the road: Curiosity doesn’t just uncover answers—it reveals the path to success. When you embrace curiosity, you stop relying on outdated ideas and start discovering new opportunities. You open the door to innovation. Curiosity allows you to challenge the status quo, not just follow it. It’s the difference between staying stuck in the weeds of your industry and breaking through to lead the charge toward change.

If you’re thinking, “But I’ve got decades of experience—doesn’t that count for something?” Yes, it does. But experience without curiosity is just complacency. You’ve seen the industry evolve, but have you actively engaged with that evolution? Have you truly asked, “What’s next?” The world is moving fast, and those who don’t stay curious will be left behind.

It’s time to stop thinking you have all the answers. The reality is that the answers to your company’s next big breakthrough don’t come from your past—they come from your ability to learn something new. They come from your willingness to ask the tough questions that others are too comfortable to ask.

You don’t need 10 years of experience in alternative protein products—who actually has that kind of experience? Not many, because the industry is still young. And yet, some CEOs demand it. Seriously? Are we for real here?! The industry is evolving, the landscape is shifting, and the true leaders are those who don’t wait for answers. They create them by asking the right questions and forging new paths forward.

So here’s a tough question for you: When was the last time you broke free from the routine and truly challenged the way you think about your business?

If you can’t remember, then it’s time to wake up. The greatest threat to your company’s growth is complacency. It’s the belief that what you know today will be enough for tomorrow. But it won’t be.

Curiosity is the key to unlocking the potential within your business. It’s time to embrace it, ask the tough questions, and lead your company into the future. If you’re not already doing that, then you’re already behind. And I’m here to remind you—you can change that, starting right now.