Ep. #176: Curiosity as a Business Tool, with Tara Palacios

Curiosity is hot in the business world, but what does it look like on the ground, and for small businesses, away from the glitz of Forbes and Inc.? Tara Palacios knows. Tara is founder and director of BizLaunch, Arlington’s small business and entrepreneurial assistance network. She joins me to explore curiosity as a business tool -- especially as she and others discovered the power of a good and curious pivot in the face of the pandemic! Learn more about Arlington Economic Development's BizLaunch offerings: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business/Small-Business-Programs The business case for curiosity is strong. Check out the the research by Francesca Gino in Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2018/09/the-business-case-for-curiosity Tara loved the analogy of "seeing the mighty oak in the acorn" that I learned from my conversation with George Mason professor Tojo Thatchenkery about curiosity and appreciative intelligence: https://lynnborton.com/2020/05/27/appreciative-intelligence-with-tojo-thatchenkery/ Our theme music is by Sean Balick. “The Shoes They Wear” by Delray, via Blue Dot Sessions.