What if the most powerful tool for connection wasn’t what you said—but what you asked?

In our personal and professional lives, the questions we ask—and how we listen—can shape the quality of our relationships. Every Monday, my team and I begin our meetings with a simple question: “De quoi peut-on se réjouir ?” — What can we rejoice about? This small ritual, sparked by a colleague’s thoughtful prompt, has transformed the energy in the room. It’s a reminder that connection starts with curiosity.

During a recent HER dinner, we spoke about asking questions and the art of getting to know someone. I shared that in recent first encounters, the person across from me asked few—if any—questions.

I walked away feeling unsatisfied—craving more depth, a little frustrated by the missed opportunity.

We remember the people who make us feel truly seen. That’s just as true over coffee with a friend as it is in a work meeting. In arecent video,Sophie Hirst, founder of Workbaby—a coaching platform reimagining leadership—shared strategies for asking thoughtful questions while keeping the tone light and open. The result? You skip the surface-level exchange and walk away feeling like you actually met someone.

Networking, lunch with colleagues, even meeting your friends’ friends for the first time—these are all moments where you can flex the muscle of asking meaningful questions. In a world saturated with small talk and surface chatter, choosing curiosity is an act of quiet rebellion—and real vulnerability. Who knows what it can lead to? Ask 36 questions and you may fall in love.Ask one great one, and you might discover a surprising common ground.

So next time, I invite you to lead with curiosity. Just one thoughtful question. Why not give it a try at our next HER dinner?