From Curiosity to Collaboration is a practical, research-based guide for anyone seeking “something more.” Drawing on leadership coaching, systems thinking, and behavioral science—alongside real stories of growth—author Ilana J. Sprongl shows how curiosity sparks discovery, courage fuels action, vulnerability deepens trust, and connection unlocks collaboration.
This isn’t another quick-fix manual. Each chapter offers grounded practices, reflective questions, and actionable tools to help you:
🔥 Reignite your curiosity and creativity.
🔥 Act with courage, even when fear whispers “stay safe.”
🔥 Build trust and connection that sustain collaboration.
🔥 Carry these practices forward as lifelong companions for growth.
Whether you’re leading teams, navigating career change, or simply ready to live with more purpose, this book will meet you where you are—and invite you forward with clarity and conviction.
From Curiosity to Collaboration is a practical, research-based guide for anyone seeking “something more.” Drawing on leadership coaching, systems thinking, and behavioral science—alongside real stories of growth—author Ilana J. Sprongl shows how curiosity sparks discovery, courage fuels action, vulnerability deepens trust, and connection unlocks collaboration.
This isn’t another quick-fix manual. Each chapter offers grounded practices, reflective questions, and actionable tools to help you:
🔥 Reignite your curiosity and creativity.
🔥 Act with courage, even when fear whispers “stay safe.”
🔥 Build trust and connection that sustain collaboration.
🔥 Carry these practices forward as lifelong companions for growth.
Whether you’re leading teams, navigating career change, or simply ready to live with more purpose, this book will meet you where you are—and invite you forward with clarity and conviction.
Curiosity is the foundation for growth and meaningful connections. It is the spark that drives discovery, creativity, and innovation, making it essential for a fulfilling life and career. At its core, curiosity is the desire to learn, explore, and understand. It compels us to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out new perspectives.
Curiosity plays a vital role in both personal and professional contexts. In our personal lives, it invites self-reflection and encourages us to explore our values, interests, and goals. Professionally, it challenges us to reexamine the status quo and uncover innovative solutions. It allows us to ask, “What haven’t we considered?” and drives us to dig deeper into complex problems. When paired with intentional practice, curiosity is a powerful tool for unlocking growth, deepening relationships, and navigating life’s uncertainties.
How Curiosity Drives Creativity and Problem-Solving
Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions. It actively reshapes the way we think. It helps us explore ideas, link seemingly unrelated concepts, and challenge the way things have always been done. When curiosity thrives, so does our ability to think creatively and solve problems in unexpected ways.
In the preface, I mentioned that my recommendations are rooted in research. Let’s explore some of that science now. If you’re eager for practical strategies, feel free to skip ahead to the “Find Your Curiosity” section (page 16). But if you’re curious about how curiosity works—and I hope you are—keep reading.
The Science Behind Curiosity and Creativity
Curiosity and creativity are deeply connected. Psychologists Madeleine Gross, Claire Zedelius, and Jonathan Schooler (2020) found that curiosity acts like mental glue, helping us connect ideas in new ways. They highlight a key concept called epistemic curiosity, our innate drive to seek knowledge, which plays a crucial role in the early stages of problem-solving.
Curiosity doesn’t just help individuals, it transforms teams. Organizational researchers Muhammad Zada et al. (2023) discovered that workplace curiosity fuels creativity by encouraging fresh perspectives. Their research also showed that mindfulness enhances curiosity, allowing us to stay open and focused when tackling complex challenges.
And curiosity isn’t static. Psychologists Lydon-Staley et al. (2020) describe a concept called curiosity variability, meaning that our level of curiosity fluctuates based on our environment. The good news? The more we lean into curiosity, the more it grows, and it even improves our overall well-being.
Curiosity enhances creativity in four key ways:
Exploration and Information Seeking
Curiosity drives us to dig deeper—whether it’s researching a problem, trying a new approach, or asking the questions no one else has thought to ask. Researchers Hermish Mehta et al. (2018) call curiosity a bridge between self-leadership and entrepreneurial thinking. The more we explore, the more we uncover opportunities to turn ideas into action.
Linking Ideas
Ever had one idea spark another, and then another? That’s curiosity at work. Management researchers Zada et al. (2023) describe this as “idea linking,” where curiosity helps us take what we know and connect it in new ways. This is critical for solving complex problems and finding fresh solutions.
Broadening Attention
Curiosity expands our awareness. Gross et al. (2020) explain that curiosity helps us notice patterns and connections others might miss. It’s this broad attention that allows us to reframe problems and see solutions from new angles.
Intrinsic Motivation
Curiosity is deeply tied to our inner drive. Psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan introduced self-determination theory in their 1985 book Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Their research shows that we’re most motivated when three core needs are met: autonomy (the ability to make our own choices), competence (the feeling that we can succeed), and relatedness (the sense that we belong). When we’re curious, we’re choosing to explore something just because we want to—this supports our sense of autonomy and keeps us more engaged and energized.
Researcher Muhammad Khan (2022) builds on this foundation, applying it to fast-paced workplaces like software development. His research shows that when leaders support curiosity by giving people space to ask questions, test ideas, and learn from mistakes, it boosts creative thinking and innovation across teams. In other words, curiosity isn’t just good for personal growth; it’s a powerful lever for performance and adaptability in high-pressure environments.
Curiosity isn’t just about coming up with clever ideas; it’s about creating the conditions where those ideas can thrive. Whether you’re brainstorming with a team, tackling a tough challenge, or simply pursuing personal growth, nurturing curiosity can reshape how you think and act.
Curiosity Feels Good
Have you ever felt a sense of excitement when learning something new or finally answering a question that’s been lingering in your mind? That spark isn’t just in your head; it’s your brain responding to curiosity as a reward.
Research shows that curiosity activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and learning. In a UC Davis study, Matthias Gruber et al. (2014) found that when we’re curious, dopamine works alongside the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. This means that curiosity not only makes learning more enjoyable but also helps us retain information more effectively.
Interestingly, curiosity doesn’t just help us remember what we set out to learn—it enhances our ability to absorb unrelated information as well. When we’re deeply engaged in a topic, we often recall where we were when we learned it, the book we were reading, or even conversations we had around that time. This spillover effect suggests that curiosity creates an optimal state for learning, making our brains more receptive to knowledge in general.
Beyond learning, curiosity also thrives on novelty. The brain responds positively to new experiences and fresh ideas, which is why trying something unfamiliar—whether it’s taking a different route home, reading about an unexpected topic, or stepping into an unfamiliar conversation—often feels invigorating. This response isn’t accidental; the brain interprets newness as an opportunity for growth and reinforces curiosity with another dopamine release, creating a cycle where the more we explore, the more motivated we are to keep learning.
Understanding this connection between curiosity, dopamine, and memory highlights why curiosity is such a valuable tool. It’s not just about seeking answers; it’s about fostering a state of mind where learning and exploration feel intrinsically rewarding. When we shift our perspective and approach challenges as opportunities to discover something new, we tap into this natural reward system, making even difficult problems more engaging.
Find Your Curiosity
Curiosity is a natural part of who we are. Think about how children approach the world—asking endless questions, exploring without hesitation, and discovering joy in every new experience. But as we grow, many of us lose that sense of wonder. Why? Often, it’s fear that quietly creeps in, but fear isn’t the only obstacle.
Fear can stop curiosity in its tracks, and it’s not always dramatic or obvious. It might show up as self-doubt when we hesitate to ask a question in a meeting, or as avoidance when we shy away from trying something new. Sometimes, it’s the fear of looking unprepared, of getting it wrong, or of stepping into the unknown. These internal barriers, rooted in perfectionism and self-doubt, are some of the most common blocks to curiosity.
But fear isn’t the only barrier. External pressures, like rigid organizational cultures, can discourage exploration by prioritizing efficiency or “right” answers over creative problem-solving. In environments where questioning the status quo is met with resistance, curiosity can feel risky. Even the fast pace of modern life, where busyness leaves little room for reflection, can quietly suppress our natural desire to explore and wonder.
Societal expectations play a role, too. Many of us grow up in systems that reward compliance over inquiry, teaching us to prioritize “getting it right” over asking why. Paradoxically, the overabundance of instant information in today’s digital age can also stifle curiosity by removing the process of searching and discovering—the very heart of exploration.
Here’s the thing: curiosity and fear often go hand in hand because while curiosity pushes us toward growth, it also asks us to take a step outside our comfort zones. And let’s face it, the unknown can feel intimidating. But within that discomfort lies an incredible opportunity. Curiosity invites us to reframe fear as a doorway to discovery; one that, when we walk through it, leads to growth, creativity, and meaningful change.
But fear doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it’s a quiet voice that says, “Don’t bother, they already know more than you” or “What if you fail?” This subtle influence can hold us back in ways we don’t even notice, like sticking to what’s familiar or avoiding questions that might reveal we don’t have all the answers. These moments are where curiosity can truly shine.
What if you could shift that mindset? Instead of seeing fear or other barriers as a stop sign, what if you saw it as a signal that you’re about to learn something new?
One of my favourite coaching moments involved a client who was hesitant to take on a leadership role. They were curious about the opportunity but overwhelmed by doubts: “What if I’m not ready? What if I fail?” We worked together to reframe their thinking. Instead of focusing on potential failure, they began asking questions like, “What skills could I develop through this experience?” and “What’s the best that could happen if I succeed?” That curiosity gave them the courage to step into the role, and their growth was incredible to watch.
Another client faced external barriers; a rigid organizational culture that valued tradition over innovation. They had an ambitious idea but feared rejection and criticism. Together, we reframed their approach. Instead of focusing on the fear of rejection, they chose to see their pitch as an opportunity to learn about their team’s priorities and concerns. By leaning into curiosity, they approached the meeting with questions like, “What are the biggest risks you see with this approach?” and “How could we make this idea even stronger together?” The result? A better idea, stronger team buy-in, and a newfound confidence in navigating high-pressure situations.
A third client wrestled with societal and familial expectations. They had grown up in an environment where success was narrowly defined: stick to the familiar, take the safe route, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. When they felt the pull to pursue a path that didn’t fit within those expectations, they hesitated, unsure how to face the potential judgment and criticism they might face.
Together, we explored how those societal and familial norms shaped their thinking and whether those assumptions still served them. By shifting their focus from external approval to internal fulfillment, they began asking questions like, “What impact could I have if I followed my curiosity?” and “How can I take small steps to explore this path while staying grounded in my values?” Over time, they found the confidence to challenge those expectations, forging a path that aligned with their vision and made a meaningful difference to those around them.
These moments highlight a fundamental truth: curiosity doesn’t eliminate fear, nor does it erase external or societal barriers. But it gives us a way to move through them. When we replace “What if I fail?” with “What could I learn?” or “What’s possible here?” we start to see obstacles not as barriers but as invitations to grow.
This shift isn’t always easy. It takes practice to notice when fear, doubt, or external pressures are holding you back—and even more practice to respond with curiosity rather than retreating. But every small step matters. The next time fear whispers in your ear, or a rigid structure makes curiosity feel difficult, pause to ask yourself, What am I afraid of? or What might I discover if I lean into this? You might be surprised by what happens when you give curiosity the chance to lead.
Curiosity is about more than just asking questions; it’s about cultivating a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities, not threats. It’s about daring to explore, even when the path feels uncertain. And when we embrace it, curiosity becomes a powerful force for change—not only in how we see the world but also in how we see ourselves.
Curiosity in Action: How a Website, a Rally Car, and a Conversation Changed My Life
Back in the late 1990s, like many people at the time, I had a personal website. It was a collection of thoughts and remembrances of my late husband. random interests, and, honestly, a fair amount of nonsense—including a dream I had about driving a Formula One car. It was just something I had written down, a casual wish with no expectation of it ever becoming real.
Then, one day, someone reached out to me because of that website. They said, “It’s not Formula One, but have you ever tried performance rally?” I was familiar with the World Rally Championship, but I had no idea that performance rally existed in Canada, where I was living at the time. That one message sparked my curiosity. Could I actually do something like this? What would it take?
I decided to find out. I reached out to my local rally club, just to see what was involved. The next thing I knew, I was sitting behind the wheel of a rally car, taking my first steps into a world I hadn’t even known existed.
That single moment of curiosity—choosing to ask myself, What would it take to do this?—set off a chain reaction. It didn’t just lead me to an incredible experience racing cars. It also led me to meet the man who would become my husband and the father of my child.
Curiosity is like that. It starts as a question, an impulse to explore, but when we follow it, it can take us places we never expected. In my case, what started as a simple internet post turned into a decision that altered the trajectory of my life.
Practical Techniques for Cultivating Curiosity
Once you’ve started to address the fear that holds you back, you can begin intentionally nurturing your curiosity.
Ask Better Questions
Great questions lead to great insights. Instead of asking, “Why did this happen?” try open-ended questions like:
“What patterns might explain this?”
“How could we approach this differently next time?”
“What if we tried a completely new approach?”
Tip: These questions encourage exploration and fresh thinking. When faced with a challenge, try asking, “What would success look like if this obstacle didn’t exist?”
Journal Your Curiosities
At the end of each day, jot down three things that piqued your interest. They can be simple observations or big ideas you want to explore. Over time, you’ll begin to notice patterns in what sparks your curiosity.
Tip: Reflect on why these things intrigued you. What do they reveal about your values, interests, or aspirations? This habit can help uncover areas of deeper passion or growth.
Flip Your Routine
Disrupting autopilot can spark curiosity. Try one of these:
Take a new route to work or explore an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Read a book or watch a documentary on a topic you know nothing about.
Approach a familiar project in a completely new way.
Challenge: Dedicate a day to doing things differently. For example, a “day of opposites” could involve approaching daily tasks from a fresh perspective, like brainstorming solutions with the mindset of a beginner.
Practise Active Listening
Curiosity isn’t just about learning; it’s about how you engage with others. When listening, ask follow-up questions like:
“What inspired you to think that way?”
“What led you to that idea?”
Tip: During disagreements, instead of debating, lean into curiosity. Ask questions like, “What’s your perspective on this?” or “What experiences shaped your view?” This deepens conversations and builds mutual understanding.
Celebrate Curiosity Wins
Acknowledge the moments when curiosity pays off—whether it’s a breakthrough idea, an unexpected discovery, or a meaningful conversation. Celebrating these wins reinforces curiosity as a habit.
Reflection: Share your wins with a trusted friend or journal about them. Revisiting these moments can remind you of the power of curiosity and keep you motivated.
Explore the “Why” Behind Your Curiosity
Curiosity is often tied to underlying motivations. Take time to reflect on what’s driving your interest in a particular topic or question. Ask yourself:
What am I hoping to achieve by exploring this?
Is this about learning, growth, or connection?
Tip: Understanding your “why” can help you direct your curiosity more intentionally and align it with your goals.
Embrace Playfulness
Playfulness is a powerful partner to curiosity. It breaks down barriers and invites you to approach challenges with a sense of wonder. Try these ideas:
Brainstorm the most outlandish solutions to a problem and see what ideas emerge.
Imagine you’re seeing the problem through the eyes of a child—what would they notice or ask?
Use storytelling as a way to reframe challenges or explore new perspectives.
Practise Mindful Observation
Slow down and notice the details around you. This can be as simple as observing nature, paying attention to architecture, or watching interactions in your daily environment.
Prompt: Choose an everyday object or situation and ask, What don’t I know about this? Explore it with fresh eyes, as if encountering it for the first time.
Take a Curiosity Walk
Go for a walk with the intention of noticing things you usually overlook. Ask yourself:
What surprised me?
What questions does this observation spark?
This practice can uncover hidden details and inspire new ideas or perspectives.
Ask for Others’ Perspectives
Curiosity grows when we step outside our own viewpoint. Seek out conversations with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, or expertise.
Activity: Host a curiosity exchange where you and a friend or colleague share something you’ve recently learned or been curious about. This exchange of ideas can spark connections and inspire new ways of thinking.
Curiosity in Action
Curiosity isn’t just something I encourage; it’s something I’ve seen transform lives in real and practical ways. Through coaching, conversations with peers, and my own experiences, I’ve witnessed how curiosity can help people break out of ruts, rethink challenges, and uncover new possibilities. Let me share a few stories that illustrate how powerful curiosity can be when we choose to nurture it.
Story 1: A Walk That Changed Her Perspective
This illustrates practical techniques 3 and 9; “Flip Your Routine” and “Take a Curiosity Walk.”
A former colleague of mine, Emma, once shared how she was feeling stuck in her leadership role. Her days were a blur of meetings, emails, and endless to-do lists. “I don’t have time to think, let alone feel creative,” she admitted over coffee one day.
I suggested something simple: carve out 20 minutes in the morning to do something completely different. “Take a walk,” I said. “No phone, no agenda—just notice what’s around you. Give your mind space to wander.”
A few weeks later, she told me how that small change had made a big difference. At first, the walks were just a break from her routine, but soon she started noticing things—how the light hit the trees, how the same street looked different depending on the weather. One morning, she spotted a plant growing in the shade and thought, Not everything needs the same conditions to thrive.That realization stuck with her.
When we caught up again, she told me how it had changed the way she thought about her team. Instead of managing everyone the same way, she began tailoring her support to meet each person’s unique needs. Those 20-minute walks didn’t just help her recharge—they sparked new ideas that transformed how she led her team.
Story 2: A Question That Opened the Door
Illustrates practical techniques 1 and 4; “Ask Better Questions” and “Practise Active Listening.”
During my time as a manager, I worked with someone I’ll call David. He was struggling to connect with a colleague, Sarah, who’d become quiet in meetings and seemed disengaged. One afternoon, David vented to me: “She’s just not interested anymore. I don’t know how to get through to her.”
“Have you asked her about it?” I prompted. David gave me a skeptical look, so I added, “What if you approached it with curiosity? Instead of assuming she’s disengaged, try asking what’s on her mind.”
A few days later, David came back to me with a different tone. He’d asked Sarah, “What’s one thing about your workday that feels frustrating?” At first, she was hesitant, but eventually, she told him about a workflow issue that was making her job harder than it needed to be.
“She had a great idea for fixing it,” David said, still surprised. “I hadn’t even realized it was an issue.” The change they implemented made everyone’s work smoother, and Sarah started contributing more openly to meetings.
David’s curiosity didn’t just solve a problem—it built trust. All it took was one thoughtful question and a willingness to listen.
Story 3: Rediscovering Passion Through Curiosity
Illustrates practical techniques 5 and 6; “Celebrate Curiosity Wins” and “Explore the ‘Why’ Behind Your Curiosity.”
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with Sophia, a co-worker who felt stuck in her career. “I’ve done everything I’m supposed to,” she said one day. “Good grades, a steady job, all the right steps. So why do I feel like this isn’t enough?”
We started talking about what used to bring her joy. Almost shyly, she mentioned painting. “I used to love it as a kid,” she said, “but I haven’t picked up a brush in years. It feels silly now.”
“What if it’s not silly?” I asked. “What if it’s exactly what you need?”
A few months later, Sophia told me she’d bought a small set of paints and started experimenting again. It wasn’t about creating masterpieces—it was about rediscovering something that made her happy. When she shared a few pieces with friends, their encouragement gave her the confidence to show her work at a local event.
“That little step changed everything,” she said. “It reminded me that life isn’t just about following a path. It’s about exploring what lights you up.”
Sophia didn’t quit her job or make drastic changes, but by following her curiosity, she found a sense of fulfillment she hadn’t felt in years.
~
These stories are a reminder that curiosity isn’t just about solving problems or learning new things; it’s about opening doors, even when you’re not sure what’s on the other side. Whether it’s changing a routine, asking a thoughtful question, or rediscovering a forgotten passion, curiosity gives us the power to see the world—and ourselves—differently.
From Curiosity to Courageous Action
Finding your curiosity isn’t about eliminating fear; it’s about recognizing fear as a signpost and using it to guide you toward growth and discovery. When we take deliberate steps to cultivate curiosity—whether by asking better questions, trying new approaches, or celebrating our small wins—we lay the foundation for transformation.
But curiosity alone isn’t enough. It opens the door to possibilities, but courage is what moves us to step through it. Courage is the bridge between curiosity and action, helping us confront fear, embrace uncertainty, and take meaningful risks. Every time we act on our curiosity—despite fear or discomfort—we engage in an act of courage.
The next time you feel fear creeping in, consider this: What would courage look like in this moment? How might stepping forward—however small the step—help you turn curiosity into something tangible?
In the next chapter, we’ll explore how courage serves as a catalyst for growth and action. We’ll look at how it empowers us to take risks, face the unknown, and make decisions that align with our values and aspirations. Together, we’ll build on the foundation of curiosity to discover how courage can transform the way we approach challenges and opportunities alike.
Thoughtful Questions to Ask Yourself
Take a moment to reflect on these questions before moving on. You might want to journal your thoughts or discuss them with a mentor or friend.
When was the last time you followed your curiosity? What did you learn from the experience?
What fears or barriers stop you from asking more questions?
How can you create more opportunities for exploration in your daily life?
What’s one small action you can take this week to reignite your sense of curiosity?
Short and concise, Ilana Sprongl's From Curiosity to Collaboration is a guide to life that can be applied both on a personal and profrssional level. Covering what I'll call the four C's (curiosity, courage, connection and courage), each chapter shows how one leads into the next.
I generally don't take to self-help books as a rule, but this one caught my interest because it's not a one and done kind of solution, but rather, it's a habit. Sprongl encourages readers to take each trait and turn it into something that becomes a part of their everyday lives and relationships with others. She emphasises that it's a continuous process that doesn't reallg have an endpoint since it becomes a habit to apply the behaviours she outlines.
Of particular interest to me is are the chapters on vulnerability and connection. Personally, these feel like the basis around which the other chapters revolve, since you can't really exhibit curiosity or courage without vulnerability, and you can't collaborate without connecting with others, something the author herself points out.
I also really liked that there were anecdotes atrached to each chapter that connected the lessons imparted within to practical uses. It's all well and good to say that one should do x, after all, but Sprongl actually uses these stories to show us, the reader, how these guidelines and tips can be applied. They were especially helpful with some of the harder topics to internalise, and I don't think the book would be the same without them.
That said, I do think the length worked against the book just a little bit. It's not enough to throw off the message being imparted, but I do think a longer page count could lead to the concepts within being more clearly demonstrated.
If you're looking for a book that works to form healthy habits for connection and working with others, I'd definitely check this one out. It's short and quick, but there's a lot of wisdom within its pages just waiting for you to find it.