TEDx Speaker · ICF Certified Coach · Co-Author, The Power of Curiosity · Amazon Bestseller

After 15 years working with leaders across healthcare, government, law, and financial services, I've noticed a consistent pattern, regardless of industry or title:

Most professionals don't struggle due to a lack of ability. Instead, under pressure, their awareness narrows, habits take over, and they revert to familiar behaviors, even when those behaviors no longer serve them.

This is most evident in the difficult conversations we continue to avoid.

I first witnessed this as a competitive swimmer, seeing equally prepared athletes perform very differently under pressure.

Later, in a decade spent in the entertainment industry, I learned that staying calm and clear-headed amid chaos wasn't just helpful, it was essential.

That insight has shaped the work I've developed over 15 years. These toolkits distill that experience into practical frameworks, scripts, and reflection tools you can use anytime a conversation can't wait.

Stay curious when it matters most.

— Kirsten instituteofcuriosity.com