What if your credibility as a leader had more to do with curiosity than confidence?

In fast-moving industries, learning isn’t optional, it’s your edge.

In this episode of Let’s Talk, People, Emily sits down with Karen Giberson, President & CEO of the Accessories Council, a nonprofit that represents the hundred-billion-dollar accessories industry, to explore how a thirst for learning keeps leaders relevant, connected, and credible in fast-moving industries.

They unpack what learning actually looks like at the executive level, from staying close to trends and team culture, to rolling up your sleeves and showing up side-by-side with your people.

Whether you’re leading a creative team, steering through industry change, or just trying to stay sharp while managing it all, this episode is a reminder that staying curious is your most strategic move.

Timestamps: 

• [00:03:22] Learning never stops at the top – Emily and Karen discuss why great leaders never “graduate”, and how staying in learning mode builds trust, credibility, and relevance.
• [00:07:20] The power of proximity: learning with your team – Karen shares stories about showing up on the ground, staying close to the work, and why it matters for connection and leadership effectiveness.
• [00:10:24] Mentorship as mutual learning – They explore why the best mentoring relationships are two-way, and how teaching can sharpen your own thinking.
• [00:20:07] Adapting with curiosity, not fear – Karen reflects on how curiosity helps leaders respond to change with openness instead of resistance, and why being a learner keeps your edge.

Access the episode transcript.

Join the Conversation: This year we’re taking audience questions! Send in your toughest people management and leadership challenges, and we’ll anonymize them and tackle them in an upcoming episode. Email Abigail on our Let’s Talk, People team with your situation as a written note or voice memo to [email protected].

Connect with Emily Frieze-Kemeny on LinkedIn and Instagram or explore her work through AROSE Group’s website.

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