Let’s talk about ...Curiosity 

By Siobhan – We Belong champion

Culture isn’t created in slide decks. It’s shaped in everyday moments, in conversations, in meetings, in small comments that stay with us long after they’re said. And that’s where curiosity plays such an important role. Curiosity has been a constant throughout my career as a Black leader. At times it has led to meaningful, connecting conversations. At other times, if I’m honest, it has left me feeling slightly uncomfortable. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that curiosity itself isn’t the issue. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful qualities we can bring to work. It shows interest. It signals openness. It creates the opportunity to see someone beyond the surface.

What makes the difference is how that curiosity is expressed.

I’ve had someone say to me, “Wow, your hair’s so different — can I touch it? I bet that hurts.” I’ve also had someone say, “I love your hair. It really suits you.” Both comments may have come from curiosity. But one made me feel like a curiosity. The other made me feel seen. The difference isn’t simply about intent. It’s about awareness, empathy and taking a moment to consider how something might land. For me, respectful curiosity means pausing before we speak and asking ourselves a few simple questions: How would I feel if this were directed at me? Is this building connection, or unintentionally putting someone on the spot? Have I taken time to learn something for myself first? If it doesn’t quite sit right when we flip the perspective, it’s usually a sign to rethink it.

An inclusive culture doesn’t mean we stop asking questions.

It means we ask better ones.

We all bring different backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences into this organisation. That diversity is a genuine strength. There is so much we can learn from one another. And when we take the time to really connect, we often discover we have far more in common than we might initially assume different journeys, perhaps, but many of the same values, ambitions and hopes. Part of showing respect is recognising that no one person should feel responsible for educating others about their identity.

We live in a world where we can read, listen and learn before we ask.

When we make that effort, our curiosity feels different. It feels thoughtful rather than impulsive. Appreciative rather than extractive. Instead of asking someone to explain their entire culture, we might say, “I’ve been learning about Jamaican food - it looks incredible. I’d love to try it one day. Are there any dishes you’d recommend?” That small shift shows care. It shows interest. And it opens a door to conversation rather than placing the weight of explanation on someone else.

Trust will be the foundation of everything we’re trying to build. Trust grows when people feel safe to be themselves, when they feel valued for the whole of who they are, not just one part of their identity. Curiosity, when paired with empathy, helps create that environment. It builds understanding. It strengthens relationships. It turns difference into discovery.

So my encouragement to all of us is simple:

• stay curious.

• Keep learning about each other.

• Celebrate what makes us different and what connects us.

Just pause first. Lead with empathy. Think about how you would want that question asked of you. Because how we ask matters just as much as what we ask. And if we get that right, curiosity won’t just deepen understanding, it will strengthen our culture in a way that feels genuine, inclusive and lasting.