What happens when a CEO asks a simple question that changes the trajectory of your career?
In this episode of Inside the C-Suite, Christy Honeycutt sits down with leadership researcher, author, TEDx speaker, former Fortune 500 executive, and even stand-up comedian, Dr. Debra Clary, to explore why curiosity may be the most underrated leadership skill of our time.
After a 40-year career that took her from driving a Teamster route truck to serving in executive leadership roles at Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Brown-Forman, and Humana, Dr. Debra became fascinated by a pattern she couldn't ignore: the more successful leaders became, the less curious they often were.
That observation sparked years of research and ultimately led to her award-winning book, The Curiosity Curve.
In a world being reshaped by AI, uncertainty, and constant disruption, Dr. Debra makes a compelling case that the leaders who thrive won't be the ones with all the answers—they'll be the ones asking better questions.
We dive into the hidden cost of certainty, how curiosity fuels innovation, trust, and engagement, and why creating space for inquiry may be one of the most important responsibilities leaders have today.
Along the way, you'll hear lessons from the boardroom, the TEDx stage, and even the comedy stage, proving that curiosity isn't just a leadership trait—it's a competitive advantage.
-
Why curiosity is a leadership superpower
-
The dangerous relationship between certainty and blind spots
-
How AI increases the value of asking better questions
-
Practical ways to build a culture of curiosity
-
The connection between curiosity, trust, and hope
-
Why vulnerability and inquiry go hand in hand
-
How great leaders create environments where better ideas emerge
If you're leading through change, navigating uncertainty, or simply trying to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership—and the questions you're asking.
Because the future doesn't belong to those who know the most.
It belongs to those willing to keep learning.
Follow Debra Clary:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraclary/
Company Page – https://www.linkedin.com/company/theclarygroup/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drdebraclary/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drdebraclary/
Website – https://www.debraclary.com
(Dr. Debra Clary is a leadership researcher, author, speaker, and former Fortune 500 executive whose career spans leadership roles at Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Brown-Forman, and Humana. After earning her doctorate in leader development and organizational design, she dedicated her work to helping organizations build stronger leaders during times of transformation. She is the author of The Curiosity Curve, a research-backed exploration of how curiosity drives performance, innovation, and organizational success.)
Follow Inside the C-Suite:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyhoneycutt/
Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2gk39EvNtXLVHuAbp7tr6b
Subscribe on Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-c-suite/id1739883160
Want to be on the show or know someone who would be a great guest?
Contact Form – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDZmt0CV92OihiJO1kS62SolgHvetZ0rzjJDMfO9YEILWu0g/viewform?usp=send_form
Powered by the WRKdefined Podcast Network.
Sponsors
