This article was originally published by MonitorDaily in December 2024.
Reprinted with permission from the author.
True innovation isn’t about technology alone — it’s driven by curiosity, courage and humanity. Deborah Reuben explores how these traits are shaping the future and are vital to formulating a strategic approach to AI and innovation for 2025.
Innovation isn’t just about the latest AI tools or shiny tech breakthroughs. Sure, technology is important, but the real drivers of lasting, meaningful change? It’s us — our curiosity, our courage and our humanity. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with six incredible thought leaders to explore the human side of innovation — how these human traits are shaping the future of technology adoption and change leadership.
Throughout these conversations, three key themes repeatedly emerged: curiosity, courage and humanity. These insights didn’t just challenge my thinking — they inspired me. And I believe they’ll inspire you too. Let’s break down the lessons we can carry into 2025 to lead with clarity, confidence and heart.
Theme 1: Curiosity — The Catalyst for Growth
Far from just a soft skill, curiosity is an engine powering innovation. Rafe Rosato, senior vice president and managing director at Auxilior Capital Partners, shared a perspective shifting way to think about progress: “The biggest leaps in innovation don’t come from groundbreaking ideas; they come from the tiny, consistent improvements you’re already afraid to try.”
We often imagine innovation as this massive, disruptive force. But Rosato flipped that idea on its head — it’s the small, 1% improvements that lead to real breakthroughs. It’s easy to overlook those tiny changes, but they compound over time, transforming everything. What’s one small step you can take today that might lead to bigger changes tomorrow?
Chris Cummins, a sought-after keynote speaker and executive coach, also challenged our traditional ideas of overcoming fear. “The easiest way to beat fear is to stop waiting for confidence and just take the first baby step — because confidence doesn’t come first, action does.”
We tend to wait for that moment when we’ll feel “ready,” when we feel “fearless.” The truth is, confidence doesn’t appear on its own — it’s created through action. Courage is not about waiting for fear to go away. You don’t need to take a giant leap, just start with that first step. Think about that thing that gets you nervous. What baby step can you take today that could shift things for you and your team?
Jen Croneberger, performance psychology expert and founder of the Human Leadership Institute, turned the tables on me with the question I usually ask my guests: “What’s one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?” My answer? “Get curious.”
It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by AI. The flood of shiny tools, hype and endless information can feel like too much. My advice? Don’t let the overwhelm stop you. Pause. Step back. Crank up your curiosity to 11. Get educated about what AI can practically do for you. AI isn’t some mysterious force — it’s a set of power tools we can use right now. The key is to ask, “How can AI help my specific business? How can it streamline our processes and tasks and free up time for more meaningful work?” When you approach AI with curiosity, it stops being a threat and starts becoming a practical asset.
You can use AI to automate time-consuming tasks, generate breakthrough ideas and ultimately free up your team to focus on strategy and creativity. Prioritizing education and experimentation actively levels up a team’s understanding of possibilities and allows the team to excel beyond the basics. Practicing curiosity and continuous learning means raising the standard and changing the game. How are you leveling up your team to take advantage of these power tools?
I believe in equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to not just embrace technology, but to leverage it in ways that solve real-world problems and deliver meaningful business value — right now and into the future. How are you preparing your team today to unlock the practical power of AI for your business?
Theme 2: Courage — Overcoming Fear to Drive Innovation
In my conversation with Rosato, he said, “AI is a tool for the curious mind,” then boldly asked a question we should all ask ourselves, “Do you have the courage to be curious?”
Innovation demands courage. Cummins reframed fear in a way that will likely resonate: The presence of fear means you’re on the edge of growth — if you’re not scared, you’re probably not aiming high enough.
Overcoming fear is a natural part of leadership. It’s also a sign that you’re stepping into new, uncharted territory. If you or your team aren’t feeling a little nervous, it might mean you’re playing it too safe. Growth often comes when we lean into discomfort. What bold step have you been avoiding because of fear?
In our conversation about AI adoption without overwhelm, Rohan Marfatia, AI expert and CEO at Beround, shared a powerful insight on stepping away from the familiar: “Staying comfortable is the biggest risk you can take — because it guarantees you’ll miss the opportunities that discomfort reveals.”
Marfatia’s personal story of moving from India to London shows the value of stepping into the unknown. It was a huge leap, but it opened doors he never would have found had he stayed in his comfort zone. Growth and opportunity often live just beyond what feels safe. Where could embracing discomfort take you next?
Croneberger added another layer to this conversation with her take on failure, saying, “Innovation is a sport of failure — if you’re not making mistakes, you’re not innovating.”
Croneberger’s experience working with professional athletes drives home the point: failure isn’t something to avoid — it’s part of the journey. If we don’t give ourselves and our teams the room to fail, we’ll never experiment enough to innovate. The real breakthroughs come after those initial mistakes. What’s one way you can give your team more room to fail forward?
I’ve seen this play out in my own work. Some of the best ideas and opportunities came after what we initially thought were ‘failures.’ By giving yourself and your team permission to experiment and safely make mistakes, you unlock creativity to drive business growth.
Theme 3: Humanity — Leading with Empathy and Connection
We’re often racing to adopt new technologies, but Jen Swanson, transformation advisor and strategic consultant in heavily regulated industries, brought up a crucial point: “The fastest way to kill innovation is to make your team feel like they have to be perfect.”
You know those cake fails we love watching on TV? Someone tries to bake the perfect cake and ends up with something completely different — and sometimes hilarious. Swanson used this as a metaphor for leadership. When we expect perfection — especially with something as complex as operational transformation — we stifle creativity. Perfectionism kills innovation. Let your team have a few “cake fails,” and you’ll start seeing true creativity flourish. What’s one way you can give your team more space to fail and learn forward?
Bob Rinaldi, president of Rinaldi Advisory Services and a legend in the equipment leasing world, also shared a crucial insight: “Asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s a power move that fast-tracks innovation.”
In a culture that often glorifies self-reliance, Rinaldi’s perspective challenges the notion that great leaders have all the answers. Instead, the smartest leaders know when to ask for help. Vulnerability and humility open doors that ego slams shut. Who could you reach out to today for fresh ideas or perspectives?
Croneberger wrapped up our conversations with another critical point: “Your emotional intelligence is more valuable than your tech stack. Technology without empathy is useless.”
We easily get caught up in the excitement of AI, automation and all the latest shiny tools. What really makes technology work: the people behind it. Empathy is the connection that ensures your tech isn’t just another tool, but a catalyst for change. It’s not about the tools themselves, it’s about the human connection that makes those tools work. When people feel understood and supported, they’re far more likely to embrace new technologies and innovate. Without empathy, you might have the most advanced tech stack, but you won’t see the results you’re after. How are you using empathy to make sure your tech investments are truly working for your people, not against them?
Lead with Curiosity, Courage and Humanity in 2025
As we step into 2025, what’s the biggest lesson we can carry forward? Technology alone won’t drive your success. Curiosity, courage and empathy will set you apart. These human traits will help you lead your team through the challenges ahead and create space for breakthroughs. What’s the small step you can take today that could lead to a breakthrough tomorrow?
Deborah Reuben, CLFP, is CEO and founder of TomorrowZone, an award-winning consulting firm bringing forward-thinking insights and original ideas to help companies explore the art of the possible, innovate and future proof their business. She has held many industry leadership positions and authored The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals’ Handbook 6th-10th editions. Learn more at tomorrowzone.io.
