Three Ways to Cultivate Curiosity
By: Gayathri Shukla, February 20, 2025 (This article was originally published on our LinkedIn newsletter.)
“I am because we are.”
I first came across this Ubuntu saying in Landed’s preface, written by the Honourable Salma Lakhani, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. She had reflected on her own experiences and how this phrase speaks to our interconnected humanity—the idea that our individual well-being is deeply tied to the well-being of our communities.
The meaning behind Ubuntu feels more relevant than ever today. At a time when intolerance and polarization are on the rise, we are faced with the urgent question:
➡️How do we build bridges instead of walls?
As someone who facilitates storytelling and belonging-centered conversations, I am often called upon to create space for bridge-building – to hold brave dialogue where differences can be expressed without falling into the trap of argument and despair.
One framework I reflect on is john a. powell’s approach to bridging.
According to powell, bridging doesn’t mean “saming.” It’s not about ignoring differences or homogenizing identities. Instead, it’s about acknowledging diversity while forging connections across the gaps that divide us. Some bridges are transactional—built for temporary cooperation. But others are transformational—built to cultivate long-term understanding and empathy.
Transformational bridging is the essence of Ubuntu.
Storytelling as a Transformational Bridge
This year at Richmond School District No. 38’s Student Voice Forum, I was reminded—once again—of the power of storytelling as a bridge.
I had the honour of delivering a keynote, and two workshops for over 150 students. I witnessed students courageously sharing their experiences of belonging, and their hopes for their schools. Through this sharing, something remarkable happened—they began to see that the labels that often divide us become secondary to the stories that connect us.
Even my 13-year-old son, who was graciously invited by the school team to attend, experienced belonging through small, intentional acts—receiving a school t-shirt, being given a role in the planning, and simply being included as part of the team. These seemingly small moments reinforced what I always say in my keynotes:
➡️belonging isn’t about grand gestures—it’s built through everyday actions.
This experience also took me back to conversations on my podcast, Hearth 2 Heart, such as Inez Ashworth, who came on to chat about her incredible chapter in Landed, Curiosity Starts with a Beer.
Which brings me to a crucial point:
💡 The other side of storytelling is story-listening…and the foundation for it is curiosity.
So, How Do We Stay Curious?
Curiosity is the key to understanding perspectives different from our own. It can move us beyond assumptions, create unexpected connections, and foster empathy when we ask the right questions and listen with an open heart.
Here are three simple yet effective strategies to invite curiosity into conversations:
1. Ask yourself: What is the gap?
Curiosity arises when there’s a gap between what we know and what we want to know. If we assume we already understand everything about another person, we shut down curiosity before it even begins.
A helpful mindset shift:
💡”I’m not engaging with an invalid idea. I’m engaging with a valid person—someone who has their own lived experiences that shaped their beliefs.”
When we approach conversations with genuine openness, we create space for learning, rather than judgment.
2. Ask ‘How?’ instead of ‘Why?’
The way we frame our questions matters.
“How did you come to believe what you believe?” → Encourages reflection and invites people to share their personal journey.
“Why do you believe that?” → Can feel like an interrogation or confrontation.
Reframing questions this way shifts the tone from defensiveness to storytelling. It encourages people to reflect on their own experiences, rather than feeling like they have to “prove” themselves.
3. Ask: What else?
When someone shares their perspective, a common follow-up is:
❓”What are your concerns?”
This is a great conversation-opener, but we can take it one step further by asking:
❓”What else?”
This simple question encourages people to go deeper—beyond their initial, surface-level response. Often, the most meaningful insights emerge after that second or third layer of conversation.
The Future of Belonging: Building Bridges, Not Walls
Belonging is not just a feeling—it’s a practice. It’s cultivated through the small, everyday choices we make—to listen, to invite curiosity, and to create spaces where people feel valued for who they are.
At Richmond School District, I saw firsthand what happens when young people are given the tools to share their stories and build connections. I left with a deep sense of optimism for the future, and I carry these lessons forward—into my keynotes, workshops and consulting work.
So, what’s next?
➡️ Want to dive deeper into the power of curiosity and storytelling?
Subscribe to Hearth 2 Heart podcast which will soon feature Tarah Lynch, PhD, whose upcoming episode is titled, How to Stay Curious by Embracing Your Inner Scientist.
➡️ Looking for ways to bring transformational storytelling to your school or workplace?
Our workshops and keynotes create space for belonging, empathy, and courageous conversations. If you’re interested, let’s chat!
To close, I’ll leave you with this wise clip from Ted Lasso: “Be Curious, not Judgemental.”