Brian Turner is the first to admit that he’s not the smartest person in the room. He’s rarely been the best at anything, whether as a high school baseball player or student or leader. How did he become a strong player, a good student, and the CEO of a $100+ million consulting company? In everything he’s done, curiosity has been his lifeline.
In this unique conversation we get inside the mind of Brian, the person and leader. He speaks about how curiosity is central to his leadership style, using imagination to change his team’s perspective, and the simple thing he does to stay present. We also dive into the challenges and shifts of his first year as CEO and want he wants to improve moving forward. As always, listen to the end or read below to hear his advice for recent graduates.
(1) Curiosity and learning. It’s clear Brian got to where he is today in part by seeing every person, conversation, job, and experience as a chance to learn. He also advises future leaders to always be asking questions to understand the why and the why behind that.
(2) The power of imagination. Central to Brian’s style is asking questions to shift the perspective in a conversation. He asks others to imagine “what if” scenarios, picture four years down the line, and put themselves in someone else’s shoes to analyze the situation. Brian ends every meeting by saying “let’s go create magic” and part of that magic seems to come from the imagination.
(3) Being present. As you can imagine, there’s a lot competing for Brian’s headspace and attention. The only way for him to manage is to just be present, wherever he is and whoever he’s with. Before conversations, he takes a moment to figure out what he wants to learn and remind himself to be fully there. Being present is critically important and like anything, it takes practice.
Advice: (1) It’s not the job you get that matters, but what you do with it. Learn all you can from the experience. (2) Curiosity is the lifeblood of a future leader. Be excited about understanding the why and the why behind that. (3) Every relationship you make is a lifelong relationship. Treat it as such.
Believing in magic
Early context and path to consulting
Which role at Point B pushed you the most?
What’s been the biggest shift of becoming CEO?
Vision for Point B
How should employees bring the vision to reality?
What does showing up as a great leader look like for Brian?
Do you self-analyze?
How does he stay present?
The power of asking questions
Where did his curiosity come from?
Impact of his executive coach
Using imagination to change the perspective
What he wants to improve as a leader in 2023
Importance of listening
Advice for recent graduates