From Curiosity to Connection: Mastering the Art of Influence with Molly Ketcham
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In this episode, leadership expert Molly Ketcham explores how curiosity can be a transformative leadership skill, helping leaders build deeper connections and drive meaningful results. Molly shares her journey from corporate success to professional speaking, revealing how asking better questions, rather than having all the answers, can improve leadership effectiveness. She highlights the need for authentic connection, especially in a world where many employees and managers are disengaged. By discussing the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets, Molly provides practical strategies for using curiosity to foster stronger relationships, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments. Through her insights, she demonstrates that our natural curiosity—once a superpower as children—can be rekindled to enhance both our leadership and everyday experiences.
Highlights from this episode:
- Curiosity exists on multiple levels, from gathering information to understanding values and tuning into others' emotional energy
- The transition from fixed to growth mindset often begins by rekindling the curiosity we all had as children
- Leaders who shift conversations from transactional to relational build stronger connections and more engaged teams
- Remote work environments require even greater curiosity to understand team members without non-verbal cues
- Genuine connection happens when you attune to others' energy and meet them where they are emotionally
- Using "I wonder" as a powerful tool to understand others' experiences and perspectives
- Smiling is scientifically proven to increase trustworthiness and can significantly impact interactions
Molly Ketcham's Bio
Molly works with people and organizations who want more influence—so they can motivate their teams and close more deals.
With two decades in the meetings and events industry, she’s led teams, negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts, and driven company growth—discovering along the way that success depends on how well we connect with others.
Now a keynote speaker and mastermind facilitator, Molly helps audiences harness curiosity to spark inspiration, build trust, and create meaningful connections. She’s a Distinguished Toastmaster, a member of the National Speakers Association, and President-Elect of NSA Ohio—on a mission to help people lead with curiosity and impact.
- Website: https://www.mollyketcham.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyketcham/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molly_ketcham/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molly.ketcham/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyketcham
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Chapters
1. From Curiosity to Connection: Mastering the Art of Influence with Molly Ketcham (00:00:00)
2. The Pivot to Speaking: Discovering Purpose (00:03:00)
3. The Role of Toastmasters in Building Confidence (00:08:00)
4. The Evolution of Leadership Through Curiosity (00:15:00)
5. The Power of One-on-One Conversations & Building Trust (00:22:30)
6. Curiosity as the Bridge Between Fixed and Growth Mindsets (00:24:30)
7. The Impact of Curiosity in Remote Work & Hybrid Environments (00:41:20)
8. Energy, Vibrations, and Emotional Attunement (00:47:00)
9. Curiosity and the Workplace: A Catalyst for Positive Change (00:49:30)
10. Closing Thoughts: Stay Curious, Keep Asking Questions (00:54:00)
39 episodes