Curious Leadership Skills for Modern Managers

Name: Curious as Hell: Leading and Growing with Curiosity
Rating: 5 (10 reviews)
Author: Tyler Chisholm
ISBN: B0F4XP7TD1

An honest, no-fluff story about what happens when you choose curiosity in leadership over the need to have all the answers.

Feeling the pressure to be perfect? You’re not alone. You’re smart. You’ve made it this far by being decisive, driven, and determined. But lately? You’re tired.

The pressure to have all the answers is burning you out. Your team is disengaged. And those leadership books filled with jargon and empty frameworks? They don’t work in real life. You’re stuck in a cycle of control, second-guessing, and self-doubt.

What if there was a better way?

Turn uncertainty into opportunity by leading with curious leadership.

Introducing: Curious as Hell

The best leaders don’t have all the answers.

They ask better questions.

Curious as Hell is your guide to leading with curiosity instead of ego. This book, written by podcast host and business leader Tyler Chisholm, reveals how curiosity fuels innovation, strengthens teams, and helps you lead with clarity and confidence—without pretending to be perfect.

This isn’t a theory-filled textbook. It’s a practical, honest, no-BS guide to becoming the leader your team actually wants to follow.

What You’ll Discover

Why the “all-knowing leader” is a myth—and what to do instead
The Curiosity Scale: the three levels of curiosity every leader must master
How to build a workplace culture where curiosity, not compliance, drives innovation
The surprising curiosity in leadership lessons Tyler learned from 650+ podcast interviews
How to overcome imposter syndrome and lead with questions, not fear—core to curious leadership
A variety of curiosity-powered practices to apply immediately at work
How to ditch the pressure of having all the answers and lead with confidence.
Building a culture of curiosity that fuels innovation and engagement.
Asking smarter questions that unlock fresh thinking and better solutions.
Turning uncertainty into opportunity by leading with curiosity.
Co-creating vision with your team instead of carrying the burden alone.

Reflection prompts and exercises to help you build innovative leadership—starting now.

This book is for you if...

You lead a team and feel stuck in old habits
You’re an aspiring leader who wants to set yourself (and your team) up for success
You want to inspire, not micromanage—using innovative leadership practices that rely on questions
You crave a more human, honest approach to leadership
You’re tired of buzzwords and one-size-fits-all leadership advice
You’re ready to lead with purpose—even if you’re still figuring it out
You are a human that wants to be more curious in your life (even if you’re not a “leader”)

Whether you’re managing a team of two or two hundred, or you’re merely wanting to self-improve, Curious as Hell gives you the tools to show up with intention, build trust, and grow a culture that actually works.

What Readers are Saying

"A must-read for anyone! A must-read for anyone who leads (or wants to lead) with heart, clarity, and courage. As someone who has spent years navigating the messy, meaningful work of leadership, Curious as Hell hit home in the best way. Tyler Chisholm has created something rare: a leadership book that doesn’t preach, posture, or play it safe. Instead, it invites you in. With honesty, vulnerability, and real-life stories that stick with you long after you’ve closed the cover. This isn’t your typical business book filled with jargon and impossible frameworks. It’s grounded, practical, and wildly human. Tyler shows you what curiosity looks like to live it, lead with it, and use it to build better teams, companies, and communities. I found myself underlining quotes, bookmarking pages, and immediately applying insights to my own work. Whether you’re running a company, leading a team, or simply trying to be a better person, this book offers a refreshing, actionable way forward. Highly recommend for anyone who gives a damn and wants to show up better." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Curious as Hell by Tyler Chisholm is one of those rare leadership books that feels like a conversation with a wise mentor rather than a lecture. What truly resonated with me was its powerful invitation to ditch the pressure of always having the answers. In a world that often rewards certainty, Chisholm makes a compelling case for leading with curiosity instead—and shows how doing so actually builds deeper trust and better results. I especially appreciated the way the book guides leaders to build a culture of curiosity—one where innovation and engagement thrive because questions are welcomed, not feared. The section on asking smarter questions was gold. It’s not about asking more questions, but about asking the right ones that unlock fresh thinking and real solutions. Chisholm also flips the script on uncertainty, helping readers see it not as something to avoid, but as an opportunity to explore. His advice on turning uncertainty into opportunity by leading with curiosity felt immediately actionable and inspiring. Another standout point: the idea that as a leader, you don’t need to carry the vision alone. Instead, co-creating vision with your team can be more powerful—and more sustainable. It’s a shift in mindset that takes pressure off the leader and empowers the whole team to think bigger. If you’re a founder, executive, or aspiring leader who wants to inspire without burning out, this book is for you. Highly recommend adding Curious as Hell to your leadership stack!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"For those committed to driving change and building stronger teams, Curious As Hell is a must-read. Tyler's thoughtful strategies align beautifully with a leadership approach rooted in accountability, resilience, and continuous learning."

"This book is a must-read for leaders at every level. With refreshing insights and practical 'how-to' strategies, it brilliantly illustrates the power of curiosity as a game-changing leadership skill in business and life."

"Curious As Hell isn’t just another leadership book. It’s a timely, essential guide for leaders navigating a world where the pace of change is relentless and the old playbooks no longer work. The command-and-control model is outdated; curious leadership is the way forward."

"Tyler Chisholm pushes past the typical walls of leadership and presents his most authentic self in Curious As Hell: an honest, no-fluff story about what happens when you choose curiosity over fear and self-doubt. This book is an invaluable resource for leaders at all levels, giving insights, practical lessons, and the inspiration to rethink how you lead, grow, and live."

"Curious As Hell is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their impact in self-awareness, conversations, relationships or strategy—whether you're a leader or simply eager to contribute more meaningfully, this is a must-read. With fresh insights, engaging stories, and practical takeaways, this book is both inspiring and immediately useful."

"Tyler Chisholm is on to something with 'Curious as Hell'. Easily digestible content serves as a valuable reminder that cultivating a trait—like curiousity—almost can’t help but build rapport and credibility with peers and clients alike. Implementable strategies and insightful anecdotes contextualize the intentional use of curiousity to bridge communication gaps and build consensus. I have known Tyler for a long time —curiousity is manifest in our routine correspondence, naturally fostering a productive collaborative relationship. It pays to Get Curious as Hell."

"Perfect gift choice for aspiring business leaders. After reading reviews I gifted this book to a family member who just started their MBA. They are a passionate entrepreneur and devoured it. A+ choice for any new business leader setting course in their careers." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Your blueprint for curiosity as a leadership tool. I tore through this book. Curiosity already powers much of my life, and Tyler’s lens sharpened it even more, especially in Chapter 5, 'How to Lead with Curiosity by the Hour.' He shows that curiosity is not some flaky mood; it is a daily discipline. Leaders who treat it that way quit the quick-fix, transactional style and build a real connection with their teams, clients, and partners. Tyler’s section on 'avoiding the jump' nails why: rushing to answers kills possibility, while staying curious keeps doors open. If you own a business (or just run your own life), make curiosity the culture around you, not just a private habit. We all need more of it. This book is a solid blueprint for getting there." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A must read! Tyler’s book is a compelling exploration of the power of curiosity and its transformative impact on both personal and professional life. Tyler delves into the depths of curiosity, encouraging you to go beyond surface level questions and engage in persistent inquiry." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A practical guide to building curiosity into leadership and culture. Curious as Hell is a sharp and refreshing read for anyone looking to challenge their thinking and approach leadership differently. Tyler Chisholm offers practical tips on how to seek out contrary opinions, ask better questions, and embed curiosity into your organization’s culture. He provides useful frameworks and actionable ideas to bring curiosity to life—and helps you zero in on the right questions to ask along the way. A valuable read for both individuals and teams." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Loved this book! Tyler’s take on things and his challenge for us to be more curious is refreshing." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"This book was incredibly very practical and easy read, filled with actionable items that you can start applying right away. What really stood out to me were the powerful sentences sprinkled throughout—lines that made me pause and truly reflect on the importance of being curious in our everyday lives. If you’re looking to improve your self-awareness and open yourself up to a world of new perspectives, I highly recommend this book. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone eager to grow, learn, and see things differently." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"From page one, Tyler Chisholm tosses the old leadership playbook out the window and says, “Hey, it’s cool not to have all the answers.” Instead, he makes a strong case for curiosity being the real leadership superpower. No fluff, no jargon. Just down-to-earth advice, relatable stories, and examples from someone who’s clearly been in the thick of it (not just talking from a fancy podium). It’s refreshing. Rather than stressing about being the person who always knows everything, you’re encouraged to explore, try things out, and lean on your team. It’s all about embracing curiosity. If you’re ready to shake things up and connect with your team in a real way grab this book. It’s smart, energizing, and just the nudge you need to lead with curiosity—and confidence." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FAQ

What is curiosity in leadership?

Curiosity in leadership starts with self-awareness. It’s the mindset shift from needing to have all the answers to exploring what’s possible. Curious leaders ask better questions, listen fully, and co-create solutions—but it begins by getting curious about themselves. Curious as Hell shows how to turn this mindset into daily habits and build a culture where ideas flow, teams thrive, and leaders carry less pressure

How does curious leadership boost innovation?

When questions are welcome, ideas move faster and risks drop. The book links curiosity in leadership to measurable gains in idea generation, problem solving and revenue growth.

Who benefits from innovative leadership strategies?

Founders, managers, and new leaders gain tools to guide teams through change without carrying the full burden. Innovative leadership skills fit any sector.

Is Curious as Hell practical or theory?

Each chapter ends with exercises you can use the same day—no jargon, just clear examples and ways to approach it daily.

How can I start practicing curiosity in leadership today?

Pick one meeting, replace statements with open questions, and note ideas raised. The book lists ten quick prompts for immediate use.

Does curious leadership help reduce burnout?

By shifting to curious leadership, teams share the load, feel heard, and burnout rates fall; research inside shows lower turnover rates and increased employee satisfaction.

How is Curious as Hell different from other leadership books?

Most leadership books offer one-size-fits-all tips. Curious as Hell is different—it’s grounded in over 15 years of leadership experience and built around a practical, tiered framework of curiosity (self, relational, and strategic). Instead of theory, it offers real stories, reflection prompts, and actionable shifts that help leaders lead with less pressure, more clarity, and stronger results.

Meet the Author: Tyler Chisholm

Tyler Chisholm is a business leader, podcast host, and the CEO of clearmotive marketing. Over the last 15+ years, he’s led teams through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—and discovered that curiosity is the most powerful (and underrated) leadership skill of all. He’s not here to sell perfection – he’s here to share curiosity-in-leadership tactics that work.

"Leaders don’t need all the answers. They need to ask better questions."

— Tyler Chisholm

He’s hosted over 650 podcast episodes across They Just Get It and Collisions YYC, creating space for bold conversations about innovation, failure, and growth. This book is rooted in real life: the lessons that helped Tyler double his agency’s profitability, build stronger relationships, and lead with less stress and more clarity. He’s not here to sell perfection—he’s here to share what works.

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