Our Why.
Curious Leadership exists to help leaders and organizations clarify their purpose, identify their talents, and align their habits to achieve exceptional results—all in service of others.
Welcome
I taught my first college course in 2005. I fell in love with it and earned a Ph.D. from Florida State University in 2012. For the next decade, I taught students Literature, History, and Humanities while pastoring in local churches. I wanted to help people thrive. My desire to invest in others remained the same when I transitioned to work as an Executive Director at Chick-fil-A.
I admit my professional path has been a curious one, but curiosity is one of my core values. I want to know the world and understand what makes people tick. I want to make the world a better place. This is best accomplished by employing my gifts to help others thrive. Everyone has the potential to live a life of purpose, and I want to help individuals overcome the obstacles between them and their goals.
My curious path made me a curious leader. I think differently, lead differently, and help others do the same. Join me, and let's do something great.
Why you should work with us.
I founded Curious Leadership to help high-capacity leaders grow and build thriving teams. As a Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Business Made Simple Coach, and Full Focus Certified Pro, I combine proven frameworks with 20 years of leadership experience. I personally coach a small number of clients selected based alignment around a vision to use their talents to make a positive impact on the world, their readiness to level-up, and their drive to do what others won’t to achieve what others can’t.
Origin Story
I launched Curious Leadership in summer 2024 after seeing how talented individuals often struggled to reach their potential. Often I was frustrated by overwhelming demands as an Executive Director at Chick-fil-A. I could see burnout as my eventual destination. By working with an executive coach, installing a new set of routines focused around my most important work, and then training my team to do the same ignited a passion to serve others through coaching and consulting.
Founder Background & Values
Shawn has led in nonprofits, higher education, and business operations. His work is rooted in four key values:
- Curiosity – Grow through learning and bold thinking
- Stewardship – Develop the gifts and opportunities entrusted to us
- Generosity – Always exceed expectations
- Connection – Support leaders in high-pressure, high-stakes roles
