The Transformative Power of Genuine Interest in Others

As entrepreneurs, we obsess over differentiation — the perfect brand, the perfect post, the perfect offer. Yet the most powerful differentiator isn’t found in your marketing deck, it’s your ability to be sincerely interested in other people. Curiosity cuts through noise. When you understand what someone needs and why they need it, you unlock a level of connection and insight that even ChatGPT can’t replicate.

This plays into emotional intelligence, which is not a new concept. In 1998, Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence book was required reading if you worked in a large organization. But what I experienced over the following decades was how rarely the concept was actually embraced inside those same organizations. I was given much advice from my managers, some good, some bad, but my personal favorite was: ‘you have to be harder on your team or they won’t respect you.’ Yet the opposite was true. I was promoted. I led high-performing teams. People trusted me. And some team members followed me to other companies because I was genuinely interested in their development - and that interest created loyalty that couldn’t be manufactured.

That belief was reinforced recently when I went on a river cruise where nearly all 186 passengers were over the age of 45. I wasn’t planning on spending too much time talking about my skincare business because I was looking forward to my first break in two years, and these people were on their vacation too — but many interactions turned into a masterclass in listening. Once they knew what I did and without prompting, people shared their assumptions about genetics (I’ve got great genes in my family so I don’t use skincare), aging, and self-care practices (which could be viewed as vain or too much extra effort, especially among men). 

And then, it happened; the more curious I became in what they were sharing, the more open they became. We discussed what they used, daily habits, what they wished they understood years earlier, and why self-care often feels ‘extra’ instead of essential. I had been hesitant to leave my business unattended but that trip pushed me out of my daily grind and reminded me that the insight I need isn’t always on my computer…but it can come from being out, in-person and truly listening to other people’s stories and beliefs.

This is not about people-pleasing, or being fake. It’s actually the opposite: curiosity allows you to see what motivates people, what blocks them, what they fear, and what they aspire to — and that makes you a better, more effective leader.

And, neuroscience supports this; humans are wired to respond positively when they feel seen and heard, and our brains mirror the emotions and signals of someone who is genuinely paying attention. Curiosity lowers defensiveness, increases trust, and strengthens connection — all core ingredients for business growth.

This is especially relevant for women entrepreneurs. Many of us built our careers during a time when being a woman in leadership meant navigating unspoken biases. We were often included for optics but excluded from important  decision-making. Thankfully, 2025 looks different — but not different enough. With only 2% of VC and PE funding going to women-owned businesses, clearly our voices, insights, and leadership strengths are still undervalued.

Which is why this ‘superpower’ matters. Women are often naturally attuned to emotional nuance, subtle cues, motivations, and the human elements that drive behavior. It can differentiate your business, build loyalty, and accelerate growth — even without massive budgets. In a world where women founders still fight for attention, resources, and investment, curiosity can be a valuable attribute.

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