Curiosity: The Leadership Superpower No One Talks About
Most leaders think their job is to have all the answers. But the best ones? They ask better questions.
In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Marliz Briano, Operations Manager at Cydcor, shares how curiosity shaped her leadership journey. She opens up about the challenges of shifting from a hands-on doer to a leader who empowers others—and why that transition is harder than most people expect. We also dive into the power of hiring for culture fit, how a strong team environment fuels growth, and what it really means to live out a company’s vision instead of just talking about it.
Great leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being open to learning, adapting, and growing alongside your team. If you’ve ever struggled with stepping back, trusting your people, or figuring out how to create a culture where curiosity thrives, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
[01:35] Marliz Briano’s Leadership Journey
[03:23] The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership
[05:12] Mentorship and Growth Opportunities
[06:10] Transitioning to Management Roles
[08:01] Hiring High-Performing Team Members
[10:03] Key Interview Questions for Culture Fit
[12:05] Collaborative Learning and Team Dynamics
[14:13] Authentic Leadership and Team Trust
[15:30] From Doer to Leader: Navigating Challenges
[17:25] Living the Company Vision
[20:23] Future Goals and Bucket List Items
[22:49] Final Thoughts on Growth and Comfort Zones
Quotable Moments:
“Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. The best leaders embrace discomfort as the price of progress.”
“Skills can be taught, but alignment with your team’s values and vision? That’s non-negotiable. Hiring for culture fit isn’t just important—it’s the foundation of a thriving organization.”
“Every conversation, every challenge, every perspective—leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about continuously learning from those around you.”
“True leadership isn’t about holding on—it’s about empowering others. The moment you start letting go, you start leveling up.”
Action Steps:
- Cultivate curiosity: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning by asking insightful questions and exploring new perspectives. Curiosity fuels growth and drives better decision-making.
- Seek mentorship intentionally: Proactively build relationships with mentors who challenge and support your leadership development rather than waiting for formal assignments.
- Create a safe learning environment: Foster a culture where team members feel encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow without fear of failure.
- Hire for both skill and culture fit: Prioritize alignment with company values alongside technical expertise to build high-performing, cohesive teams.
- Ask better questions: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about uncovering the right ones through thoughtful inquiry and critical thinking.
- Leverage team dynamics: Understand how collaboration and communication influence growth, leadership style, and overall team success.
- Lead with authenticity: Build trust by showing up as your true self, fostering stronger connections and deeper collaboration within your team.
- Empower others to lead: Transitioning from doer to leader requires letting go of control and equipping your team with the confidence and skills to take ownership.
- Live the company vision: Align daily actions with organizational values to enhance engagement, motivation, and long-term success.
- Step outside your comfort zone: Growth happens when you challenge yourself beyond what feels safe and familiar.
About Marliz Briano
Marliz Briano, Operations Manager at Cydcor, began her journey with the company six years ago as part of the compliance team. In this role, she oversaw agent onboarding and ensured ongoing regulatory compliance for representatives. As her responsibilities expanded, she transitioned into a leadership role, merging compliance with the service desk team to create a unified department focused on both compliance and operational support.
Sponsor For This Episode
The People Strategy Podcast is proudly sponsored by the Leadership Development Program from Elevated Talent Consulting.
Are you supporting leaders who are new to people management? Transitioning into a leadership role requires more than just technical expertise—it’s about mastering time management, delegation, coaching, accountability, and change management.
This program empowers emerging leaders to develop their own leadership style while gaining the skills needed to lead with confidence. Partner with us to build stronger, more effective leaders.
Learn more and sign up today!
