Written by Stan Kuliavas
During my time at home, between busier-than-ever work days, I’ve tried to read more. One book in particular, by megawatt producer Brian Grazer, is titled A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life. It digs a bit deeper into his years-long project of ‘curiosity conversations’ where, for multiple years, he committed to having 30-minute conversations with anyone and everyone, especially with those outside of his industry.
He credited this curiosity with making him more creative, innovative and courageous – and even though he’d have to have his conversations mostly virtually for the time being, it’s the act of digging deeper that I think does the trick. “Nice,” you might be thinking. “But what does that have to do with what’s going on right now?”
According to Grazer, a successful life “isn’t about finding the answers, it’s about asking the questions.” His approach has helped me reflect on the countless conversations I’ve had while working from home, while taking stock of my own perspectives regarding our industry and how it will adapt. Unsurprisingly, of course, it is the most authentic conversations that have stemmed from letting my own curiosity run wild.
Through those catch up LinkedIn messages, or FaceTime calls, I’ve learned more than I have from prepared, high-pressure board meetings. It looks like Brian was onto something. Especially recently, I’ve found myself connecting more and more with individuals from all over the world who have been living through similar experiences. Last week, for instance, I spoke with colleagues in Asia about adapting their day-to-day way of life given current realities, and have been able to put personal and professional challenges more into perspective.
Grazer said his conversations gave him more confidence and made him feel more powerful. My ‘curiosity conversations’ have in turn, made me more innovative and motivated, or more open to looking at the world a little differently. Unlike Grazer, I may never have the chance to speak with the greatest minds of our time (I don’t have a coffee meeting scheduled with Bill Gates any time soon…for now), but you truly never know who you might meet if you keep your mind open. That stranger you’re following on LinkedIn, the person in front of you (6 feet, of course!) in line at the grocery store, or a former co-worker you decide to catch up with could offer an insight that will change your outlook on life. Everyone you meet is a possibility for a fruitful, eye-opening, and unexpected perspective change. Even now.
