Hey Collective Crew, Shaun here.
What is the single most important tool for growth? On Friday’s The Collective podcast, we argued it’s “Curiosity.” To make the point, Chance and I were joined by two CANSOFCOM veterans, Arjun Grewal and Randy Turner, for a deep and insightful exploration of this fundamental human driver. We began with the word’s true origin – curiosity is not a fleeting interest, it’s more correct definition is a “deep caring to know” – and we used that as a launchpad to discuss how curiosity shapes our lives. The conversation covered its role in leadership, post-military transition, and the critical ability to challenge our own beliefs, ultimately framing curiosity as a skill that can be honed and a force that, when directed, can change everything.
This Week’s Curious Minds:
– Arjun Grewal: CANSOFCOM Veteran and a leader in technology and systems thinking, sharing his perspective on how curiosity drives innovation and transition.
– Randy Turner: CANSOFCOM Veteran and founder of Direct Action Combat, offering insights on curiosity as the fuel for continuous learning and resilience.
Key Insights from Our “Curiosity” Discussion:
1. The Birth of “Critical Curiosity”
Building on the idea of deep caring, we coined a new term: “Critical Curiosity.” This is the potent combination of critical thinking and an inquisitive mind. It’s not enough to just ask questions; you must ask the right questions, challenge your own cognitive biases, and remain humble enough to accept that your perspective might be wrong.
2. The Dark Alley Test of Self-Belief
I posed a question that became a central theme: When did you stop fearing the noise in the dark alley and start becoming curious about it? That shift represents a critical point in personal evolution, where your self-belief and sense of capability grow to a level where you feel comfortable facing the void of the unknown.
3. Internal vs. External Curiosity
Arj introduced a key framework by categorizing curiosity into two domains: internal and external. He noted a widespread lack of internal curiosity, which is the courage to ask difficult questions about our own performance, motivations, and biases. This was contrasted with external curiosity, which focuses on the world around us. His point emphasized that you cannot effectively practice one without the other, as you are the common denominator in every situation, bringing your internal state to every external inquiry.
4. The “All-In” Approach to Learning.
Randy described his personal philosophy as an “all-in effort,” a belief in committing 100% to any task, big or small. This mindset links curiosity directly to action and an acceptance of risk. He argued that by going “all-in,” you embrace the process and trust that the world will provide the necessary feedback – even if it’s humbling. It’s a commitment to the journey itself rather than being fixated on a guaranteed outcome.
5. Curiosity as the Engine of Transition
Both Randy and Arj identified curiosity as the essential tool that powered their successful transitions out of the military. When faced with the overwhelming uncertainty of a new life, they used curiosity to seek new knowledge, ask for mentorship, and learn the rules of a completely different game, turning a potentially dark period into one of massive growth.
6. Mentorship Through Questioning
Randy shared a powerful leadership technique: answering a question with another question. Instead of simply giving someone the answer, he prompts them to think for themselves. This method doesn’t just solve their immediate problem; it builds their capacity for critical thought and empowers them to develop their own solutions in the future.
7. The Veteran as Ambassador
Arj passionately made the case that a good veteran acts as an ambassador for the military. This means being open to the curiosity of young Canadians, answering their questions with transparency, and continuing to serve by helping to shape and inspire the next generation of service members.
8. Knowing When to Dial it Down
We made the point that you can have too much curiosity, especially if it isn’t tempered with social intelligence. Relentlessly asking questions beyond a reasonable point can overwhelm some people. Part of honing your curiosity is learning to read the room and understanding when to listen and observe rather than just inquire.
Final Thought: Curiosity is a Determination of how much you Care
Curiosity is not a passive trait you are born with; it is an active skill you must cultivate. It is the deliberate choice to care deeply enough to ask why, to challenge what you think you know, and to step confidently into the discomfort of the unknown. It is the engine of all discovery, the antidote to stagnation, and the foundation of a life of continuous evolution.
What are you critically curious about today?
Listen to the full “Curiosity” discussion here: Curiosity
Keep asking,
Shaun & The Collective Crew
