CRITICAL CURIOSITY IN THE AI AGE
Questioning convincing answers. Strengthening leadership judgment. Growing and developing others.
A polished recommendation can make a decision feel easier than it really is. When the answer sounds convincing, especially when it comes from AI, leaders can move toward action before examining the thinking behind it. Important assumptions go untested, and the gaps may only become visible through rework or an uncomfortable surprise.
With growing demands and limited time, the temptation to accept a ready-made answer is understandable. But leaders still need to decide whether that answer holds up in their particular context, and help their employees develop the judgment to do the same.
In this engaging keynote and interactive workshop, executive coach Leslie Rohonczy helps leaders recognise when confidence is closing down curiosity. Participants explore how to ask questions that strengthen a recommendation while developing the thinking of the person presenting it
STRONGER DECISIONS. MORE CAPABLE PEOPLE.
Critical curiosity serves two important leadership purposes: testing the quality of a proposed decision and helping others become more thoughtful, accountable decision-makers.
Through practical examples and guided reflection, Leslie explores the Judgment Gap: the distance between an answer that sounds plausible and a recommendation that has been sufficiently examined to act on. Participants learn to notice that gap and choose questions that bring the underlying reasoning into view.
The session introduces Leslie’s E.C.H.O. Check, a practical framework for examining recommendations and strengthening ownership. In the interactive workshop, participants practice using it with realistic situations relevant to their work.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL EXPLORE
How speed, familiarity and confident language can narrow inquiry.
The difference between a convincing answer and a well-supported recommendation.
Questions that reveal assumptions, examine evidence and surface missing perspectives.
How to challenge someone’s thinking while supporting their development.
Where an established process needs closer examination before AI accelerates it.
How to keep responsibility for decisions clear when AI contributes to the work.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE AWAY
Greater awareness of the moments when they accept an answer too quickly.
A practical framework for testing recommendations before committing to action.
Stronger skills in asking questions that create insight and improve decisions.
A way to develop employees’ judgment through everyday leadership conversations.
A specific opportunity to apply critical curiosity in their own work.
WHO THIS SESSION IS FOR
This session is designed for executives, people leaders and professionals who evaluate recommendations or make decisions in complex environments. It is particularly relevant to teams incorporating AI into their work and leaders who want employees to take greater ownership of their reasoning.
The examples and exercises are tailored to the audience’s responsibilities and organizational context. Participants work with the kinds of decisions they actually face, making the learning relevant beyond the event.
KEYNOTE & INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP
The keynote combines candid stories with practical leadership insights and audience reflection. The interactive workshop adds structured practice, giving participants the opportunity to test their questions and apply the E.C.H.O. Check.
The focus is leadership judgment and the quality of the conversations that shape decisions. Participants explore how to stay curious when an answer seems ready to act on, and how to help others do the same.
BRING CRITICAL CURIOSITY TO YOUR LEADERSHIP EVENT
What recommendations do your leaders need to examine more carefully? Where could stronger questions improve decisions and develop your people?
Connect with Leslie to shape a session around your audience and the leadership challenges that matter most to your organization.
Ready to take your leadership to the next level?
Let’s start the conversation. Book a discovery call today: