Steve Jobs is remembered as a revolutionary innovator whose impact on technology and business is still felt today. But what truly set him apart? Beyond his genius, charisma, and bold risk-taking, it was his unrelenting curiosity.
For valuation professionals navigating a complex and ever-changing industry, Jobs’ mindset offers invaluable lessons on fostering growth, innovation, and leadership.
The Power of Staying Curious
Jobs exemplified what Apple’s former chief design officer, Jony Ive, described as “ferocious, energetic, and restless curiosity.” He approached challenges with intention and rigor, always seeking to push boundaries and explore the unknown. As Jobs famously put it:
“It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”
This mindset, rooted in curiosity, can inspire valuation professionals to rethink conventional approaches, innovate in client engagements, and cultivate leadership within their firms.
Think Like a Beginner
In Zen Buddhism, the term shoshin or “beginner’s mind” refers to approaching problems with openness and eagerness, as if seeing them for the first time. This perspective allows leaders to:
- Challenge assumptions about valuation methodologies.
- Encourage teams to experiment with fresh approaches to complex client challenges.
- Cultivate an environment where new ideas are welcomed and explored
For valuation professionals, this could mean rethinking how to approach intangible asset valuations or exploring novel ways to communicate value to clients.
Challenge Your Worldview
Curiosity drives leaders to question entrenched beliefs and embrace new perspectives. Jobs and other great innovators like Albert Einstein believed in constantly testing their assumptions. For valuation professionals, this might translate to:
- Reexamining long-standing approaches to market comparables or cost of capital.
- Exploring emerging valuation technologies and software.
- Broadening expertise into niche industries or services, like ESG-related valuations.
By questioning “the way it’s always been done,” valuation firms can adapt to industry trends and stand out in a competitive market.
Practical Tips to Cultivate Curiosity
Curiosity is not just a trait—it’s a skill that can be developed with practice. Here are three actionable steps to infuse curiosity into your daily professional life:
- Observe: Pay close attention to emerging trends in valuation, client industries, and technology. For instance, how are AI tools or ESG frameworks reshaping valuation practices?
- Ask Questions: Dive deeper into why certain methodologies are used or how clients perceive the valuation process. Curiosity leads to innovation.
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Attend industry conferences, experiment with new technologies, or collaborate with professionals from different fields.
Curiosity Drives Growth
Jobs’ success stemmed from his ability to lead with curiosity and empower his team to do the same. For valuation firms, adopting a curious mindset can unlock innovative solutions, enhance client relationships, and drive sustainable growth.
By staying curious, questioning the status quo, and encouraging fresh ideas, valuation professionals can create lasting impact in a dynamic industry. As Albert Einstein once said:
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
Let curiosity be your guide to greater success.
