What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't a lack of resources—but a belief you've never stopped to question?
In this solo episode, I'm sharing one of the biggest insights that came out of a recent retreat with the incredible women in The Connect, my coaching community. A simple phrase kept surfacing: "We don't do that." Inspired by corporate anthropologist Dr. Andi Simon, I explore how those four words can quietly limit our leadership, our businesses, our relationships, and our ability to see new possibilities.
I also share one of the most personal examples from my own life—how choosing curiosity instead of following the expected script completely changed the way I approached my divorce. That decision led to a healthier co-parenting relationship and, years later, my sons thanked me for making a different choice than many people expected.
Whether you're leading a business, growing a team, or navigating change in your personal life, I want to challenge you to stop assuming you already know the answer. The most powerful breakthroughs often begin with a simple question.
This episode is my invitation to trade certainty for curiosity—because I've found that joy often begins where our assumptions end.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Curiosity Opens Doors That Assumptions Keep Closed
One of the most dangerous phrases in leadership and life is, "We don't do that." Dr. Andi Simon encourages leaders to notice these automatic responses and replace them with curiosity that uncovers new possibilities.
Audience follow-up → Where have you automatically dismissed an idea because "that's not how it's done"?
Community Interrupts "Stinkin' Thinkin'"
Lori reflects on hosting women from The Connect at a Hudson Valley retreat and shares why meaningful connection matters. Isolation often reinforces limiting beliefs, while community provides perspective, encouragement, and new ideas.
Audience follow-up → Who are the people helping you challenge your thinking instead of simply agreeing with it?
Your Story Isn't Fixed
Lori vulnerably shares her divorce journey and how she intentionally chose collaboration over conflict. Rather than following the expected script, she became curious about what would create the healthiest future for everyone involved—including her children.
Years later, her sons thanked her for making that choice.
Audience follow-up → What story have you accepted as "the only way" that may deserve a second look?
Your Customers Will Tell You What They Need—If You Listen
Businesses often believe they understand how customers use their products or services. Lori explains that curiosity—not certainty—is what leads to innovation and stronger customer relationships.
The best insights don't come from assumptions—they come from asking better questions.
Audience follow-up → When was the last time you asked your customers what they actually value instead of assuming you already knew?
Joy Is a Leadership Strategy
Choosing joy doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations—it means approaching challenges with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Leaders who remain curious create stronger relationships, healthier teams, and better decisions.
Audience follow-up → What would change if you approached your next challenge with curiosity instead of certainty?
🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:
- Dr. Andi Simon – Corporate anthropologist and keynote speaker who challenges organizations to rethink assumptions and embrace curiosity.
- The Connect – Lori's coaching community for ambitious women committed to leading with greater purpose, joy, and connection.
- Hudson Valley Retreat – A community retreat focused on meaningful connection, personal growth, and leadership development.
- "We Don't Do That" Mindset – The limiting belief that often prevents innovation, creativity, and personal transformation.
- Customer Curiosity – Using feedback, observation, and questions to better understand how people truly experience your products or services.
✨ Reflection Prompts:
- Where in your life are you saying, "We don't do that" without questioning why?
- What assumptions have you made about your customers, your team, or yourself?
- Who helps you challenge your thinking instead of reinforcing it?
- What would become possible if curiosity replaced certainty this week?
- How can choosing joy help you become a more effective leader?
🧠 Who This Episode Is For:
- Leaders looking to create more innovative, adaptable teams
- Business owners who want to better understand their customers
- High-achieving women ready to question limiting beliefs
- Professionals navigating change or major life transitions
- Anyone who wants to replace fear, assumptions, and certainty with curiosity, growth, and joy
📩 Want to Go Deeper?
Follow Lori on LinkedIn to continue the conversation
Learn more about Andi Simon on https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/ or her website: https://www.andisimon.com/
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