By Ken Woodward
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Jerry Colonna is a coach, writer, and speaker focusing on leadership, business, and radical self-inquiry. For over two decades, he has proposed that work should be nonviolent to the self, community, and planet. He is host of the Reboot Podcast and the co-founder of Reboot.io, a company founded on the belief that work does not have to destroy us but rather how we achieve our fullest potential.
Jerry helps people lead with humanity and equanimity. His unique blend of Buddhism, Jungian therapy, and entrepreneurial expertise has resulted in working with some of the largest firms in the U.S. In his work as a coach, he draws on his experience in Venture Capital (VC) as Co-founder of Flatiron Partners, one of the most successful, early-stage investment programs in the New York City area.
Jerry is the author of two books: REBOOT: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and, most recently, REUNION: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.
I invited Jerry into a conversation because of his thoughtful use of questions. We will discuss one of his core questions, which I have used to navigate life and witnessed the power in the lives of others. His unflinching desire to see life's reality, step into all we can become, and call us into belonging is not for the faint of heart, but it results in being fully alive.
Jerry, who focuses on leadership and radical self-inquiry, shares his journey of using questions to navigate and understand the world. Jerry elaborates on his early career as a reporter, where his curiosity and questioning skills began to take shape, transitioning into his roles as a venture capitalist and now a coach. Through sharing personal stories, Jerry delves into the impact of his childhood, his experiences with depression, and his path to becoming a reporter who asked probing questions and tackling subjects that elicited deep emotional responses from business executives. He also discusses historical contexts and systemic issues stemming from fear and curiosity. Additionally, Jerry discusses the importance of remembering and acknowledging personal and communal histories to build better futures. The conversation is rich with insights into how powerful questions foster growth, belonging, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes
[00:48] Meet Jerry Colonna: Coach, Writer, and Speaker
[02:37] The Power of Questions: Jerry's Journey
[05:07] Liberation Through Inquiry: Jerry's Early Career
[06:48] Curiosity in Journalism: Memorable Interviews
[09:58] The Role of Questions in Personal Growth
[23:59] Exploring Systemic Belonging and Fear
[31:53] Reflecting on Ancestry and Social Responsibility
[40:38] Embracing Difficult Questions
[41:05] Struggles and Inspirations
[42:31] Understanding Family Dynamics
[45:29] Pilgrimage to Ireland
[46:28] The Power of Remembrance
[51:32] Speed Bumps in Life
[56:01] Discovering Lost Family
[01:09:26] Reflecting on Transitions
[01:11:39] Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Resources Mentioned
Reboot Podcast
Reboot.io
REBOOT: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna
REUNION: Leadership and the Longing to Belong by Jerry Colonna
Chuck Exley
NCR Corporation
Barbara Walters
Control Data Corporation
Bill Norris
Seymour Cray
Parker Palmer
The Paranoid Style of American Politics by Richard Hofstadter
Rabbi Tarfon
The Price of the Ticket by James Baldwin
Virginia Bauman
Emma Colonna, Jerry's daughter
George Floyd
Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes
Remember by Joy Harjo
Mary Heffernan, Jerry's biological grandmother
William Michael Heffernan/Jerome Vito Colonna, Jerry's father
Sam Colonna, Jerry's son
Jerry Colonna on Instagram
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
Do you recall any particular feeling or thinking about that freedom?
Why would you place a factory in this area?
Why would you do this?
Why are questions so important to you?
Why is this experience so important?
Why am I feeling the way I'm feeling?
What is it that I'm actually feeling?
How are you feeling in this moment?
How's my friend Ken feeling?
Why does the world behave the way we do?
Why are we attracted to powerful people in the way we are?
Why do we set aside what we say are our values, only to pursue what seems to be a destructive course?
Why do we treat each other the way we treat each other?
Why do we allow babies to carry guns and kill each other?
Why is the world the way it is?
What do I have to give up that I love or that makes me feel safe so that the world can be a little bit better and the climate doesn't feel threatened?
What does that look like in how we hold everything?
How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don't want?
Have you ever considered therapy?
Why do we, as a populace, find ourselves attracted to someone who appears grandiose and narcissistic?
How can we move to the systemic belonging of a beloved community?
Who benefits from your fear?
Who gave you your boogeyman?
What is it that I have to give up that makes me feel safe so that the conditions of the world create belonging for everyone?
Why haven't you been the courageous ones?
What happened to the queer members?
What happened to the people who felt gender dysmorphia or misgendered?
What happened to those who were victimized by child sexual abuse?
What happened to the enslavers?
What happened to the people who profited?
What happened to the people who themselves were enslaved?
What does it mean to be a better human when adult men die under the knee of a cop?
What does it mean in the 21st century in America?
What does it mean to be a better human under these conditions?
How have I been complicit in and benefited from the conditions in the world I say I don't want to see?
How do I strip away the blinders that mythology creates?
Who were my ancestors?
Who am I?
How was I brought to this spot at this time, given this task of changing the pattern so that my descendants live a different life?
What is the work that I have to do to change the trajectory of our community?
What is the posture that one should have as they approach a question to be able to get everything that it has to offer?
Why would my father not call that out?
Why would my father not give me a sense of safety?
How did she give him up for adoption?
Why my biological grandmother gave up my father for adoption
What do we do?
Can you tell me their name?
What did you call your grandmother?
What did mama smell like?
What are your right now questions?
What is to become of me?
What will I be like a year from now?
Do you have any other thoughts or encouragements about questions that we haven't explored?
Joe Primo is the CEO of Grateful Living, an organization based on the work of Brother David Steindl-Rast — 98 year-old author, scholar, and Benedictine monk who is also known as the “grandfather of gratitude.”
In his prior work with dying patients and grieving children, Joe encountered the deep sorrow and always-available joy that permeates our search for meaning. Gratefulness for life, he believes, is foundational to discovering meaning and the only response that is big enough and appropriate for the plot twists, delights, surprises, and devastation we encounter along the way. A student of Brother David since his studies at Yale Divinity School, Joe is committed to advancing their global movement and making the transformational practice of grateful living both accessible to all and integral to communities and places of belonging.
As an international speaker, author, and commentator, Joe has served on numerous boards. He is the author of “What Do We Tell the Children? Talking to Kids About Death and Dying.” He was previously the CEO of Good Grief.
Joe recounts his early experiences as a hospice chaplain, highlighting the importance of asking well-crafted, intentional questions to connect with and support grieving individuals. He emphasizes the foundational role of gratefulness in discovering meaning in life and shares stories from his work with children and families facing death. Joe discusses how grief, while universal and normal, is often mishandled due to societal discomfort and lack of understanding. He urges listeners to acknowledge, embrace, and integrate grief to move forward healthily. The conversation also delves into the commercialization of gratitude and how to return to its core essence as a spiritual practice. The episode concludes with Joe's reflections on living a grateful life, making improbable friends, and asking courageous questions to foster deeper understanding and connections.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes
[01:09] Meet Joe Primo: CEO of Grateful Living
[02:36] The Power of Questions in Grief and Healing
[03:31] A Chaplain's Journey: Lessons from Hospice
[06:18] The Importance of Presence and Connection
[14:39] Personal Reflections on Grief and Loss
[20:54] Exploring the Concept of Grateful Living
[35:09] The Interconnectedness of Grief and Gratitude
[44:34] Anticipatory Grief and Caretaking Challenges
[46:15] The Power of Questions in Understanding Grief
[46:50] Navigating Grief Bursts and Emotional Roller Coasters
[49:00] Insensitive Comments and Their Impact
[51:59] The Importance of Showing Up Despite Awkwardness
[54:57] Shifting Perspectives on Grief and Support
[01:00:10] Embracing Gratefulness and Present Moment Awareness
[01:04:42] The Role of Questions in Healing and Connection
[01:13:15] Empowerment Through Grateful Living
[01:25:31] Final Thoughts and Encouragements
Resources Mentioned
Grateful Living
Brother David Steindl-Rast
What Do We Tell the Children? Talking to Kids About Death and Dying by Joe Primo
Good Grief
Connecticut Hospice
Victor Frankel
John Paul Lederach
You Are Here by Brother David Steindl-Rast
Rainer Maria Rilke
Tao Te Ching
Rabbi Sharon Brous
Grateful Grief Course at Grateful Living
Grateful Gatherings Course at Grateful Living
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
What other secrets did Grandpa have?
What's my point in this story?
How did he enrich your life?
What will you miss most about him?
What about him now or at the end of his life really surprised you?
What do you wish he understood about you that he didn't?
How do I begin this conversation?
What are the questions that I need to ask to achieve those goals I named earlier of understanding
What hopes did you have for baby J while you were pregnant?
How did you imagine your life would change as parents?
What are the best characteristics you think the other parent would've shared and given to Baby J?
What type of life did you envision for him?
Can you not see what everybody else is seeing here?
What else didn't happen?
If you had been able to sit with that 14-year-old self and ask those questions, how do you think that would have changed you?
How did that work?
Am I alone in this?
Are my thoughts ridiculous?
Am I a little crazy here?
What does this mean?
Why is it that there was a draw for you to even be working in that capacity?
Why are we here?
What is the meaning of all of this?
Life is a gift, and what are we to do with it?
What is the object in which we give gratitude?
Is gratitude itself just sufficient to exist?
Does there need to be an object to whom it is the thanks is given?
What are some of the ways gratitude has been cheapened?
What are ways to intentionally undo that or to get back to the heart of it, instead of the cheap knockoffs that we've been paying attention to?
What is misunderstood about grieving?
What is grief?
Why did this happen?
Why did this happen to me?
Why did this happen to the person?
What is the meaning of this?
Where is the meaning in this moment?
How will I live my life based on, or despite the events that have occurred?
Who do I want to become?
How can our questions help us understand what this experience or day is like?
How are you saying this to children?
Are you kidding me?
What questions do you carry with you and often revisit?
What does this moment have to offer me right now?
What can I celebrate today by seeing it a new, rather than something that is mundane
How do you think that's changing your relationship or response to those observations or moments?
How do we become more alive?
What makes us more alive?
What happened to you?
What do you do with this imperfection?
Amy Herman is a recovering lawyer and the founder and president of her company, The Art of Perception. Amy combines her litigation background with her training as an art historian to help a diverse clientele sharpen observation, analysis, and communication skills through a four-step framework of Assess, Analyze, Articulate, and Act. The roots of this work began while she was serving as the head of education at The Frick Collection in New York City. She took medical students out of their clinical setting and brought them to an art museum to teach them how to analyze works of art so that when they returned to the hospital in the clinical setting, they would be better observers of their patients.
Amy subsequently adapted the program for a wide range of professionals and leads sessions for the New York City Police Department, the FBI, the French National Police, the Department of Defense, Interpol, the State Department, Fortune 500 companies, first responders, retailers, and the military. In her highly participatory presentation, she demonstrates the necessity for astute visual literacy and how analyzing works of art affords participants an innovative way to refresh their sense of critical inquiry and skills necessary for sharper performance and effective leadership. The program has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The CBS Evening News, and Smithsonian Magazine.
Her 2018 TED talk, A Lesson on Looking, has amassed nearly 1M views. Ms. Herman holds an A.B., a J.D., and an M.A. in art history. Her May 2016 book, Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life, was on the New York Times and Washington Post best sellers’ lists. Her second book, Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem-Solving, was published in December 2021, and her third book, smART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain, was published in October 2022.
Amy shares her experiences from law and art history, emphasizing how questioning can broaden knowledge and improve problem-solving skills. Additionally, her expertise underscores the significance of effective communication, human connections, and shared experiences across personal and professional contexts. The conversation touches on themes of situational awareness, self-reflection, and the growth that comes from embracing imperfections, drawing on real-life examples and anecdotes, like learning from a retired prison guard and understanding trauma through the art of kintsugi.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes
[00:48] Meet Amy Herman: Lawyer Turned Art Historian
[02:16] The Power of Questions in Art and Life
[04:44] Art and Observation: Transforming Perspectives
[06:36] Personal Stories and Reflections
[10:29] Engaging with Art and Humanity
[21:06] The Importance of Clear Communication
[31:12] Finding Common Ground Through Art
[40:50] The Unique Perspective of Art Guards
[41:50] Engaging with Art Through Questions
[43:24] Personal Stories and Art
[47:42] The Power of Situational Awareness
[51:29] The Importance of Asking Hard Questions
[55:16] Learning and Unlearning Through Questions
[01:13:29] The Mandate to Share Experiences
[01:14:50] Final Thoughts and Encouragements
Resources Mentioned
The Art of Perception
The Frick Collection
Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy Herman
Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem-Solving by Amy Herman
smART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain by Amy Herman
Helen McKenzie
Mee Shim
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Mrs. Hannah Winthrop by John Singleton Copley
Nicolaes Ruts by Rembrandt
Dr. Edgar Munhall
Monica, son's babysitter
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Hirshhorn
Johannes Vermeer
Faith Ringgold
Mrs. Kate Moore by John Singer Sargent
Cobalt Blue Dress by Amoako Boafo
Philippa Pham Hughes
Kintsugi
Amy Herman on Instagram
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
Do you have any art exercises that I could do with my kids?
how can we ask better questions of looking at art?
In your training as a art historian, are questions an equal part of a foundation of understanding?
How can I ask the right questions to elicit information from this work of art to change how people look so they, in turn, can see better?
how was your son's growing-up experience different as a result of your work?
How did I miss this?
What else am I missing?
What does that balance look like?
What are some consistencies you found regarding the kinds of questions these experts in these various disciplines have adopted?
Am I clear?
Am I being clear?
Do they really mean to say what they're saying?
Is this really what I want to say?
Is this what I want to communicate?
Is this what I don't want to say?
How do you make sure you don't trip over a mahogany table?
Anything I need to know before we go into the operating room?
How do we ensure we don't miss what's hiding in plain sight?
Anything here I'm missing?
Anything I do not see here?
How did he die?
How did you find out?
How would you use questions to get yourself to default to your humanity?
How are you using questions to help you regulate yourself?
What's the best thing that happened to you so far today?
What's something wonderful that happened to you that you couldn't see coming?
What do you think of this?
What do you see here?
What's your favorite piece here?
Do you have a favorite piece?
Is there something you like in this room more than others?
What do you like here?
What is your process for coming up with your questions as you look at a piece of art?
Who thought to put these two together?
Who put these together?
What does the artist look like?
How did they come up with the two of these?
What were the curators thinking?
How does that lay the groundwork for how we're going to see the rest of this exhibition?
Do they know that it's being exhibited here?
How do I see it?
How do other people see it?
Where am I?
How did I get here?
How do I get out of here safely?
How do I communicate to others where I am?
Where am I in this painting?
Did the artist include me in the painting?
Am I shut out of the painting?
Do I identify with the subject?
Do I not identify with the subject?
How can they ask better questions?
How do they ask the difficult questions?
How did I get here?
How did it take me so long?
What got us here?
How do we get out of this?
What is the call to action to change how we got here?
What is your process for helping folks reckon with whatever got them there?
How do we look at ourselves as that piece of art?
What am I relying on for this behavior?
Why do I do this?
How can I leverage this experience to make life better for me, those I care about and the people I work with?
How can I take this experience and make it better?
Why can't you just accept the experience for what it is?
Do you have any other thoughts or encouragements about questions that we haven't explored?
How are you?
Episode Notes
[00:48] Meet Chaz Scott: A Journey of Transformation
[02:32] The Power of Questions and Mental Wellness
[05:09] Empowering Youth Through Mental Wellness
[10:29] The Role of Self-Reflection and Empowering Questions
[22:03] The Importance of Self-Care and Morning Routines
[27:47] Transformative Power of Morning Routines
[29:15] The Importance of Self-Reflection
[36:56] Challenging Negative Self-Talk
[40:30] The Journey of Personal Growth
[51:29]Empathy Through Experience
[53:29] Encouragement for the Future
[56:21] Connect and Engage
Resources Mentioned
The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Supra Mentem
Positively Caviar
Success Starts Within: Achieve Your Potential Through Radical Self-Care by Chazz Scott
Hampton University
Instinctive Elaboration
Michael Beckwith
Black Panther Movement
David Goggins
The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
Deja Vu with Denzel Washington
Carl Jung
The Patriot Run
Chazz Scott on Instagram
Chazzscott.com/book
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
What's the purpose of my life?
How can I have a happy life?
How can I enjoy my life?
How can I overcome challenges more easily?
Why target the middle schooler?
How do you use curiosity and questions to engage this particular group?
Do you know what negative self-talk is?
Do you know the importance of positive self-talk?
Have you ever heard of meditation or yoga?
What if I can accomplish this?
What if I can get over this fear?
What if I can accomplish that goal?
Were these a series of questions that you had used for yourself?
What was your process for coming up with this list of questions?
What kinds of emotions do I want to feel daily?
What hobbies or passions make me feel excited about my life?
What habit do I need to let go of so I can show up as my authentic self?
Why me?
Why does this happen to me?
What was your personal process as you were going through these questions?
Was that a journaling thing?
How often were you diving into these questions or just ruminating on them throughout the day?
What did that look like for you in your journey to get to transformation?
How would you recommend some of those successful or optimal techniques?
What questions have you found that are underutilized?
Who am I?
How do I want to show up?
Are there any particular questions that you carry with you and revisit?
How do I want to show up as a leader?
Do I want to be empathetic?
Do I recognize when somebody is struggling and I can encourage them?
How do I want to show up as myself?
How can I show up as my true, authentic self daily?
What would your wisest self say to you right now in this situation?
What's the impact of this book on me?
What clarity can I see that I've gained from this book?
What is your Right Now Question?
What's next?
Any other thoughts on how to develop empathy?
"The way you unlearn is by first acknowledging the privileges you have." - Kwame Sarfo-Mensah
Kwame is applying his dual-major Bachelor of Arts and Mathematics and Master of Education degrees from Temple University to the high calling of equipping educators with the tools to create culturally affirming classrooms where every student's identity is acknowledged and celebrated. His third book, Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom, will be released on November 15th, 2024.
Kwame taught middle school math in Philadelphia and Boston before moving to Sierra Leone, where he currently serves as a global education consultant through his firm, Identity Talk Consulting, LLC. Over the last several years, he has also hosted the podcast Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE.
Kwame explores the concept of identity, including personal and social identities, and how these can affect one's experience in the world. The conversation delves into the challenges of addressing identity in educational settings and the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Kwame shares his experiences and insights on the power of questions in navigating contract negotiations, understanding student backgrounds, and self-growth. The dialogue also touches on unlearning ingrained biases and recognizing privileges. The discussion concludes by reflecting on the role of questions in fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes:
[00:50] Meet Kwame Sarfo Mensah
[03:07] Understanding Identity
[08:24] The Power of Questions in Negotiations
[12:56] Navigating DEIA in Education
[24:09] Questions an Educator Asks to Know Their Classroom
[33:46] Unlearning and Self-Work
[37:43] Navigating Accessibility Challenges
[38:37] The Process of Unlearning Privilege
[40:21] Questions for Equity in Education
[42:33] The Role of Allyship and Humility
[46:08] Understanding Positionality and Power
[47:50] The Journey of Self-Knowledge
[50:30] Hope Amidst Social Challenges
[56:13] The Importance of Asking Questions
[01:02:20] International Perspectives on Identity
[01:08:28] Reflecting on Personal and Professional Impact
[01:11:09] Final Thoughts and Resources
Resources Mentioned
The Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
Nice Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw
identitytalk4educators.com
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah on LinkedIn
Kwam_the_identity_shaper on Instagram
identityshaper on X
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
What is your working definition of identity?
Why not keep this basic standard, teach it, and then recognize that variations from that perceived standard exist?
When did you first understand the power of questions?
What's your budget for professional development services at your school?
What were some of the amounts that were given?
Will the school receive any grants in the coming months or even years?
Is it predominantly through trial and error that you got that experience?
Are there any other questions that you found helpful as you've done negotiations?
Does your school have a mission statement around diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Is there any living document or statement that supports this work?
What are some things that you've already done to initiate this line of work?
What do you say to clarify what D.E.I. is and is not?
Wouldn't it make sense to at least recognize them or do some school-wide activity where we provide information or give them a chance to express how much their traditions and faiths mean to them?
Why can't we give that same energy to folks who may not celebrate Christmas?
How can this be better as a result of you being here?
What kind of questions can educators use to understand the various identities within their classroom?
What does that process look like for understanding a classroom?
What traditions or customs do you practice in your family or culture?
How do the friends or the community around you influence your sense of self?
What languages do you speak?
What's something that's changed in your me bag?
What questions can we use to unlearn the narrative you are talking about?
Why do I believe what I believe about a certain group of people?
Where do these ideas come from?
Do they come from my schooling?
Do they come from the friends and people who are around me?
Do they come from my family?
What is the origin of my preconceived notions about a particular group of people?
What's the source of this information?
What agenda are they trying to fulfill by disseminating this information?
How does unlearning happen, or what are some steps or milestones along that path?
What does the unlearning process look like?
Have you come across or used any particular questions in your journey for fighting for others or advocating for others?
Does this policy negatively impact a specific subgroup of people over another based on how it's worded? If so, how can we amend that policy to ensure that this doesn't continue?
Are there particular stories that are not being told in these books?
Are there certain protagonists in these books that are not being seen or do not match the backgrounds of students in your class, whether from a racial, linguistic, or cultural standpoint?
What are some things that I am doing that make me complicit in perpetuating the discrimination that my students face?
Is this a situation where I decenter myself, or do I push in?
Do you want any help on this?
Why wasn't one single Palestinian American speaker invited to the DNC in Chicago?
If they're not giving us the answers, where can we find these answers to our questions?
How are you American?
How come you can't speak your language?
Where are you coming from?
What is your right now question?
Have I done enough as far as being present for both of my sons?
Have I done enough as far as being a present partner for my wife?
Have I done enough self-work to be the best human I can be to my family and my loved ones?
Have I done enough professionally to feel good or to at least give myself credit for all that I've accomplished?
Do you have any other thoughts or encouragements that we haven't explored yet, or any other categories regarding questions that we haven't touched on?
"Here's the trick I've learned. Ask a question and listen to the answer." - Bill Reed
Bill Reed has an impressive resume filled with leadership roles across companies such as Intuit and Northwestern Mutual in the financial arena and Sweet Fish Media, helping B2B marketers produce personality-led content. Currently, he is assisting Dwellspring to capitalize on the success of the 12-hour Sound Machine Podcast, with over 1.3M unique listeners per week, to help worldwide listeners get better rest.
A consistent theme throughout his career is dedicating himself to serving others by intentionally nurturing relationships through creative and engaging methods.
The discussion delves into how questions have shaped Bill’s parenting, leadership, and mentoring approach, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and intentional relationship-building. We also explore the impact of effective questioning in meetings and mentoring relationships, focusing on Bill's current endeavors and insights into fostering a culture of transparency and authentic inquiry.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes
[00:49] Meet Bill Reed: A Journey of Leadership and Curiosity
[02:01] The Power of Questions in Parenting
[04:09] The Art of Asking Questions
[07:52] Building a Culture of Inquiry
[15:51] Mentorship and the Role of Questions
[24:13] The Importance of Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
[31:31] The Value of Mentorship and Sacrifice
[44:08] The Wise Thing to Do
[45:12] Empowering Self-Discovery
[49:48] The Art of Asking Questions
[52:55] Curiosity and Connection
[01:00:50] Right Now Questions
[01:07:41] The Dwellspring Sleep Podcast Success
[01:18:08] Final Thoughts and Encouragements
Resources Mentioned
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
George Raveling
Andy Stanley
Lynn Borton of Choose to be Curious
Dwellspring.io
William (Bill) Reed at LinkedIn
Bill Reed email [email protected]
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
What's reasonable, what's fair?
How have you changed your questions as the kids have gotten older?
Was curiosity something your parents encouraged?
What would a growing up look like, did your parents foster that?
What is the problem to be solved?
Why are we here?
what is your question?
Should we hire a new director of marketing?
What have you done to build a culture where questioning up front is seen as an invitation, vice weaponization, and potential judgment?
How do we move from failure to success?
were there any particular things that you discovered that helped ease that process to developing that culture?
What are some of those lessons learned about being able to ask helpful questions and not just abrasive questions?
What if we spend 4 million doing that, what does that look like?
Where have been some consistencies and perhaps some differences between how those either worlds operate within the realm of questions?
Is there anything that you could say to your 30-year-old self that would apply or accept today's wisdom?
Do you think that your 30-year-old self would've listened?
What did mentoring look like, and how might your mentors use questions as you've gone through those different phases and seasons of life?
Is anyone here a mentor?
So when you say that, what does that look like, or what comes to mind for you?
Can I buy you a cup of coffee?
Are there any particular questions that you have found helpful as you've been on either side of that mentoring relationship?
How are you doing?
What's on your mind?
What's going on in your life?
Based on your past experiences, your current circumstances, and your future hopes and dreams, what's the wise thing to do?
What do you want them to say?
One day people will gather to celebrate your life. They'll either have a deep well to draw from, or they'll have to make stuff up. And what do you want them to say is the question?
How did that happen?
How did that make you feel?
Are you really interested in people?
What is your curiosity practice?
What did you just do, you stole the opportunity for them?
What are your Right Now Questions?
What breaks your heart?
What makes you angry and why?
What are you passionate about?
What if a podcast was 12 hours long?
Why can't we do it this way?
"Share your questions. They're not as yours as you think they are.." - David Pearl
David Pearl. David is a performer, author, director, and public speaker who has established himself as an innovator in business, the arts, and social change. In his early years, he sang at the Royal Opera House as the boy soprano soloist for four years. Later, he played double bass and toured as a London School Symphony Orchestra member and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
David is a creative force who has pioneered the use of the arts in business and works as a creative confidant to high-profile CEOs and their teams across the globe. He is the mastermind behind experience engineering, a method for designing and leading high-stakes, high-impact meetings and creating stories for leaders that help harness the power of narrative and leadership.
As an author, David has written several insightful books, including his most recent work, Wanderful, Human Navigation for a Complex World. This book aims to awaken our innate guidance systems to help us navigate life's complexities. He's also the founder of Street Wisdom, an international social venture that brings experiential learning to city streets across the globe. Finally, David is also the creative mind behind Wanderful, a podcast designed to add a bit of wonder to your walking.
The conversation highlights Pearl's journey from his early musical career to pioneering 'experience engineering' and founding the initiative Street Wisdom. Key themes include the transformative power of questioning, the resilience of a playful mindset, and the importance of curiosity in both personal and professional realms. Additionally, we delve into meaningful connections through shared interests and reflective walks, emphasizing how profound questions can build understanding, community, and personal development. The discussion underscores re-evaluating work and life's purpose, creativity, imagination, and the complexities of human interaction.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes:
[02:39] The Power of Questions
[04:28] Challenging Reality and Personal Experiences
[07:13] The Art of Asking Questions
[13:52] The Influence of Polymath Parents
[20:15] The Importance of Playfulness
[21:41] Exploring Creativity and Improvisation
[25:33] The Importance of Naming
[30:31 Street Wisdom and Creative Exploration
[31:25 ]How Questions Inform Improvisation
[36:04] Street Wisdom and the Power of Wandering
[48:57] The Essence of Creativity
[49:32] The Power of Asking Different Questions
[50:11] Inspiration from Everyday Life
[51:04] The Importance of Imagination
[52:17] Learning from the Future
[54:12] Connecting with Others
[55:59] The Impact of Street Wisdom
[57:34] Connecting with Others Through Questions
[58:52] Personal Journeys and Reflections
[01:02:12] The Value of Unanswerable Questions
[01:08:01] The Future of AI and Human Inquiry
[01:15:39] The Role of Questions in Business and Life
[01:17:10] The Future of Learning and Technology
[01:30:21] Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources Mentioned
David Pearl
Royal Opera House
Wanderful, Human Navigation for a Complex World by David Pearl
Street Wisdom
Wonderful Podcast
Placido Domingo
Charles Handy
David Frost
Ken Campbell
Impropera
David Glass
Galapagos - play
Agile Software Development
Richard Bandler
Neuro Linguistic Programming
Derek Sivers
Duende
The Future School
Another World is Possible by Geoff Mulgan
Awareness by Anthony DeMello
George Floyd
Raymond Coates
William Shakespeare
Joanna Macy
Worldwide Wander - 27 September 2024
David Pearl on LinkedIn
Streetwisdom.org
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
Really?
If it is real, is, are you serious?
So how well do you think that went?
What would you have done differently?
Are there any questions?
Were they [your parents] forward-leaning on developing curiosity and challenging reality?
Why has your sense of play been so resilient?
How do questions inform your improvisational work?
What's trying to happen here?
How can I serve what's happening?
What do I want to make happen?
What are we going to make happen?
How can I be the facilitator?
How can I be the means by which this thing can happen?
Does it come back, or does it come from you?
Why not?
What if?
What then?
Why not us?
Why do we have to wait for the picture?
What is next?
What is this supposed to be?
What is required?
What is this thing that is next?
What are questions that we've been asked that we missed today?
What would your grandchildren's children thank you for learning today?
What will the future thank you for learning?
What if this worked out?
What if this was better than we could imagine?
If it's true that most people think this doesn't work out, how does it affect our decision-making and choices?
What was the problem again?
If you could see it working out, would your friends have issues with you?
What is that?
What's in this for you?
Are you a racist?
What are you going to do differently?
To be, or not to be?
Where are my people?
What are you going to do with the time you save?
How long would it be before humanity began to make the same mistakes to start to defray that system?
How do we name this differently?
How do we name things playfully?
How can I make this more accessible, more available, more delightful?
How can people learn more without realizing they're learning?
How can we teach without lecturing?
Are there any other thoughts or encouragements about questions we haven't intentionally explored?
How should Palestine represent itself better to the world?
How great would that be?
We're working hard, but is it the right work?
Are the metrics that you're using the right metrics?
What's next?
What can we make happen next?
Where am I heading?
Where, where next?
What is the best place for folks to engage with you and learn more about what you're excited about?
"Be careful of the question you ask because you're going to get a response, and you need to do something with it." - Jimmy D. Smith
Smith is currently serving in dual-CEO roles. In April 2023, Smith started “Smith Advisory Consulting” after retiring as a member of the Senior Executive Service after 32 years at the Department of the Navy. A year ago, Smith joined Pacific Engineering Incorporated, a Nebraska composite material design and manufacturing company.
In 2019, Smith served as the Small Business Director for the Department of the Navy. There, he was the chief advisor to the Secretary of the Navy on all small business matters. In 2017, Smith served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Expeditionary Programs & Logistics Management. In 2013, Smith served as the Director for Integrated Nuclear Weapons Safety and Security within the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. He was charged with the safekeeping of nearly 70% of the Nation’s nuclear arsenal. Smith has held other notable positions for both the Ohio Class Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN) Program and the Virginia Class Submarine Program.
Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University. He has completed extensive graduate-level studies and possesses four executive leadership certificates. Smith has championed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs for grade school students and is a strong advocate for furthering the academic pursuits of college students through scholarships and student employment opportunities.
Smith shares his inspiring career journey from an aspiring pilot to a guardian of the nation's nuclear arsenal, highlighting the importance of persistent inquiry, mentorship, and community engagement. He discusses his unique work habits and strategies for career advancement and introduces the 'Talk Backwards' methodology for relationship building. Smith also emphasizes selflessness, integrity, and his initiatives in STEM programs, particularly with HBCUs, providing scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. Personal anecdotes and life lessons from his mentor, Vice Admiral Paul Sullivan, are woven throughout, encouraging listeners to question, grow, and help others succeed.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes
[01:13] Smith's Early Career and Achievements
[04:36] Learning to Fly at 14-Years-Old
[10:35] Capitalizing on opportunities
[13:12] Mentorship and Career Growth
[25:59] The Importance of Asking Thoughtful Questions
[27:12] How The Submarine Community Asks Questions
[29:07] Non-verbal Communication and Digging Deeper
[34:49] Listening to Make Decisions
[43:30] Developing High EQ Through Active Listening
[56:19] Embracing Friction for Progress
[58:57] Building Culture Intentionally
[01:09:04] A Mentorship Masterclass
[01:14:26] Coaching, Mentoring, and Advocating
[01:21:41] Strategies to Capitalize on Opportunities
[01:25:37] TALK Backwards Explained
[01:28:54] Investing in STEM and HBCUs
[01:39:39] Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources Mentioned
Mr. and Mrs. Dragoo
Eastern Airlines
Brown Flying School
Vice Admiral Paul Sullivan
Naval Sea Systems Command
PEO Submarines
Mr. Jack Evans (SES)
Lie To Me
Vice Admiral Terry Benedict
MIT
Penn State Applied Research Lab
Anthony Martin
Jimmy's email address: [email protected]
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Can you tell me how your mentoring started?
Why did an engineer put that valve there?
What was your process for developing questions?
How would you interrogate this particular example?
What kind of questions would you ask of yourself to get through?
What were some expanding questions that the Admiral asked you?
What just happened?
how did you get to that point?
Are you getting someone looking in your eye?
Are they doing the eyes up and to the right?
How do you know when you need to keep asking questions?
Can you believe what you're being told?
How did you get here?
Did they do what they were supposed to do when they gave me that response?
Did they behave the way I thought they were going to behave?
Is the answer a logical, thoughtful answer?
Do you have any particular processes or favorite questions you have used in relation to making decisions?
If this were the case, would that answer still be what you think it should be?
If that broke, and that broke, and that broke, do we lose lives?
Did you ever struggle with the notion that if I ask a question, I'm going to look stupid?
How did you develop your EQ consciousness?
If you ever got into a situation where you had a concern come up like this scenario, who would you go talk to?
How have you used questions to inspire the organizations that you've led?
How do you use friction strategically?
Why are we doing this?
How do you differentiate between coaching, mentoring, and advocating?
What are you doing now?
What are you doing to give back?
"I always knew from that point on that a good question could get you to the most powerful person on earth." - Cal Fussman
Cal has lived an exciting and passionate life in which questions have played a key role. His experiences place him at the top of the list of the most interesting of people. He has either been there and done that himself, or hung out with those who have.
Cal grew up in Long Island, New York, and attended college in Missouri. He went from writing sports articles and having drinks with the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, to worldwide wanderer for ten years, to writing for Esquire magazine and interviewing Muhammad Ali, Mikhail Gorbachev, Serena Williams, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson, and other icons of the last 75 years, to a decade of eating daily breakfast with communications master, Larry King, to hosting the Big Questions Podcast and speaking about how to harness the power of questions.
Cal shares anecdotes from his experiences, such as the impact of writing to President Lyndon B. Johnson at seven, his path through journalism school, and his unique interviewing style that emphasizes curiosity and connection. From interviewing world leaders and celebrities to teaching corporate workshops on communication, Cal explains how thoughtful questioning can build trust, foster belonging, and elicit profound insights. He also reflects on his travels and the importance of understanding core human stories. The conversation underscores the transformative power of questions in shaping lives and careers.
This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.
Keep questioning!
Episode Notes
[02:28] The Inaugural Question: A Childhood Curiosity
[09:05] From Childhood to Journalism: The Evolution of a Questioner
[13:25] Breaking into Sports Journalism: A Pivotal Moment in Nebraska
[23:37] The Art of Asking: Crafting Questions with Impact
[28:28] Creating Comfort in Conversations
[29:40] The Evolution of Questions
[31:12] Traveling the World with No Money
[35:52] Interviewing World Leaders and Celebrities
[37:26] Connecting in the Age of Remote Work
[39:45] The Power of Vulnerability in Storytelling
[44:58] Different Interview Styles
[51:11] The Power of Personal Stories
[56:00] Conclusion and Contact Information
Resources Mentioned
Cal Fussman
Hunter S. Thompson
Muhammad Ali
Mikhail Gorbachev
Serena Williams
Jeff Bezos
Richard Branson
Big Questions Podcast
Tim Ferriss
John F. Kennedy
Lyndon B. Johnson
University of Missouri
University of Nebraska
Tom Osborne
New York Yankees
George Steinbrenner
Miami Herald
St. Louis Post Dispatch
Johnny Depp
Inside Sports
Jimmy Carter
Donald Trump
Jack Welch
Larry King
Biq Questions Episode Larry King: The Great Farewell
Charlie Rose
Oprah Winfrey
Barbara Walters
Derek Sivers
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
How has your use of questions changed, but also remain the same through these various chapters in your life?
What's this guy feeling right now?
How does he feel?
Is he happy to be the president?
Is he sad to be the president because he's only the president because of the assassination?
How did your questioning technique evolve as you got older?
Hey, if I want to do what you do, where do I go?
Is this Kramer Hall?
Are you using that press pass right now?
How could you possibly prepare for what happened?
Why is it that no one else asked that question?
What goes into your preparation to format the question so that it's easier to receive and still gets at the heart of the matter?
So, is your intuition/insight into being able to get to that based on research that you do?
Is that true that you're using questions as a form to create belonging or foster belonging?
Is that like a list of five questions that you always use, is that a heart posture of worldview?
What kind of structure are you putting around that?
You think it'd feel that way if the person worked next to you and you knew that your kids went to the same elementary school, and you went down the elevator and talked about commonality?
An encouragement for folks to find a style that works for you and just keep playing with that and honing that style. Is that a fair conclusion?
Who's the first person that comes to mind, being most successful?
Have there been any particular questions that you have carried with you through your life?
Who is this person?
What made this person?
What are the events that shaped that person's life?
Have there been any other instances where you found your research paid off in such rich dividends?
"We're very much unprepared to meet another life form because we're unprepared to meet ourselves." - Nikki Giovanni
Ms. Nikki Giovanni is a titan of American poetry, activism, and education. With a career spanning over five decades, her powerful voice has shaped literature, inspired generations, and challenged societal norms. Ms. Giovanni has established herself as one of the most influential figures in American literature and the Black Arts Movement, fueled by her participation in the 1960s Black Power movement. Her work explores race, gender, sexuality, and the Black American experience.
Nikki has published dozens of volumes of poetry, essays, illustrated children’s books, and edited anthologies. Her list of nominations and awards is exhaustive and spans the written word, music, culture, and film. She is an Emerita Professor at Virginia Tech, where she taught for 35 years in the Department of English. The 2023 award-winning documentary Going To Mars combined her biographical story with her deep love of space.
The conversation explores Nikki's reflections on the significance of the power of words, influential librarians, and growing up Black in America. Giovanni shares impactful moments and discusses age, curiosity, societal challenges, and learning philosophies. The dialogue delves into her deep understanding of history, human nature, black women's significance, and space exploration. Giovanni's personal anecdotes and poems provide a rich narrative on societal issues, the beauty of nature, joy, curiosity, and the importance of chosen relationships over familial ties.
Episode Notes
Discovering the power of words [2:17]
Reflections on Aging and Health [5:56]
Human Evolution and Environmental Concerns [10:16]
Social Issues and Personal Beliefs [16:05]
An American racial snapshot [23:25]
The Role of Teachers and Librarians [26:10]
Teaching college students about slavery [36:52]
Contemplating the Galaxy and Space Exploration [42:24]
Appalachian Hospitality [44:30]
The Role of the Supreme Court and Civic Education [45:42]
Appalachian Culture and Historical Significance [47:07]
Names, Words, and Personal Identity [51:02]
The Language of Dogs and Human-Dog Relationships [54:54]
The Significance of Spirituals and Folktales [58:38]
Reflections on Family and Love [1:02:01]
The Concept of Safety [1:11:42]
Interactions with Wildlife [1:16:15]
Finding Balance in Life's Challenges [1:21:00]
The Yellowjacket, Ego Trippin, and The Wisdom of Black Women [1:29:58]
Engagement with the Civil Rights Movement [1:38:08]
Exploring the Universe and Beyond [1:45:12]
Culinary Aspirations and Final Thoughts [1:53:02]
Resources Mentioned
Joe Biden
Queen Elizabeth
King Charles
Prince Phillip
Dr. Robert J. Baker University of Texas
Leaf-Nosed Bat named for Nikki Giovanni
Caitlin Clark
Billie Jean King
Bobby Riggs
Rosa Parks
Ron DeSantis
A Library by Nikki Giovanni
Mrs. Long (librarian)
Sister Althea (teacher)
Flora Alexander (teacher)
Rachel Carson
Andrew Carnegie
Charles Darwin
Kwame Alexander
The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Viola Liuzzo
The Isley Brothers
Carol Jenkins
The Godfather
Mario Puzo
Marlon Brando
I Married My Mother (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
Willie Mays
Titanic
Elmer Gantry
Donald Trump
The Yellow Jacket (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
Ego Trippin (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
Pullman Porters
Louis Armstrong
Thurgood Marshall
Nat King Cole
Nikki-Rosa (poem) by Nikki Giovanni
Dr. Charles Bolden
Bobby Flay
Beauty Pill
Producer Ben Ford
Questions Asked
When did you first understand the power of questions?
How do you use questions in your creative process?
Why did somebody say this?
Why do we think this way?
Why do we do something right now?
How have your questions changed over the decades?
What are we missing?
What is the life in the rest of the galaxy?
What does it mean to be alive?
Has that changed for you over the years?
Have you been wrestling with some of these [questions] for a while?
Are there any particular questions you carry with you and revisit?
What is the constitution by which we live?
What are we seeking to go forward to?
How do you see any intersection with questions in the spirituals?
What does it mean to pray?
Why would I intrude?
How come grandmother never goes to the market?
How do you think of the term courage?
What kind of slave owner would you be?
Don't you know that hurts?
How do you use questions to bring to bear the wisdom of black women?
How long will it take her to recognize that buying this car was not a good idea?
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