Thriving Through Change: Clarity, Curiosity, and Connection in Leadership

Change is hard. My 12-year-old son reminded me of that when he asked:
“Mom, why do you have to like change so much? You’re weird. Most people hate it.”

He was right—most people dread change. But as a leadership speaker and former corporate executive, I’ve learned that thriving through change comes down to three pillars: clarity, curiosity, and connection.

And when I share these stories in my keynotes, audiences often tell me how refreshing my vulnerability is—because leadership isn’t about pretending you have it all figured out. It’s about leading honestly, even when it’s uncomfortable.

What Is Clarity in Leadership?

Clarity means more than setting goals—it’s about direction and priorities.

I learned this the hard way when a boss once told me I was “too deep in the day-to-day.” I was furious, but he was right: I wasn’t setting the vision, I was focused on firefighting.

Without clarity, teams drift, innovation stalls, and top talent disengages.

Tips to Build Clarity:

Repurpose one meeting into a strategy conversation.
Regularly ask: Where are we going—and is it still the right place?

Why Curiosity Creates Better Leaders

Curiosity isn’t just asking polite questions—it’s about asking the tough, sometimes uncomfortable ones.

When I mentored men in a medium-security prison, one asked:
“If we all had good moms… why are we in here?”

That moment showed me that courageous curiosity drives transformation.

Tips to Stay Curious:

Ask “Are we solving the right problem?”
Create cultures where honesty isn’t risky—it’s expected.

The Role of Connection in Leadership

Even the best leaders need people who will tell them the truth.

For me, that truth came from my five-year-old during the pandemic:
“Mommy, can you be less angry this year? You’re angry all the time.”

That tough-love moment helped me reset, reconnect, and start leading more authentically—with better results at work and at home.

Tips to Strengthen Connection:

Identify who can challenge you without harming trust.
Ask yourself what conversations you’ve been avoiding.

The Bottom Line: Trust Is Built in Brave Moments

Clarity, curiosity, and connection aren’t buzzwords—they’re habits. At the centre of all three is trust.

And trust doesn’t grow when leaders have all the answers. It grows when we’re honest, human, and willing to ask the questions we’d rather avoid.

Challenge for Leaders:
What’s one tough question you’ve been avoiding—and what would it look like to face it this week?

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Shannon Talbot

Shannon Talbot is a sought-after leadership speaker known for her refreshing vulnerability and actionable insights on connection, trust, and team performance.