At the root of every successful business is an idea good enough to gain traction. Steph Korey is the founder of Away, an international lifestyle brand that rose from the ground seemingly overnight into its multi-million dollar valuation. As a dedicated entrepreneur with years of industry experience, Korey turned to what she did best in order to find success within her field. What did Korey do? She explored her curiosity, of course.

In today’s discussion, we are going to focus on the role of curiosity in an entrepreneur’s toolbox. We’ll see the different ways that a curious entrepreneur can find success and an edge over their competition.

Yearn For More By Exploring New Ideas

While hard work and good ideas are integral to finding success as an entrepreneur, there is more that goes into the ingredient list. Curiosity is absolutely essential for any individual looking to succeed in an unstructured role such as entrepreneurship may demand. Steph Korey quickly came to realize that her curiosity was her greatest asset. Korey suggests that an open mind is integral to understanding where gaps in knowledge may exist.

An open-minded entrepreneur who retains their sense of curiosity will be willing and ready to learn and educate themselves where necessary to fill in the cracks left behind by a lack of preparation. An enduring sense of curiosity should lead to a better-informed professional more ready to meet the tasks and challenges ahead.

What’s more, Korey suggests that a sense of curiosity and a desire to engage with the larger world will lead to larger and more complex conversations. Korey points to curious children as future entrepreneurs, suggesting that they like to bury their parents with endless questions because they are so eager to learn.

Understanding Risk and Accepting Failure

When entrepreneurs understand the potential for risk and are willing to face failure, they tend to find the most success. Korey suggests that curiosity-driven professionals have a better ability to dust themselves off when they fall from grace, finding the climb more than capable enough to do twice. While nobody wants to endeavor for failure, curiosity-minded individuals can overcome their failures.

Steph Korey understands that entrepreneurs live in a perpetual state of uncertainty. Finding success is about weighing risks, exploring strategies, and minimizing downsides. In the event that failure occurs, Korey thinks that the most successful entrepreneurs will use the opportunity to learn.

Using Storytelling to Complete Puzzles

Finally, Korey believes that curious entrepreneurs can explore complex puzzles to invite the attention of their targeted audience. Using questions and effective narratives will help people get excited about what you have to offer. After all, nobody is really excited about a new toaster – but they do like the story you told them with your branding efforts.

Steph Korey says of her work with Warby and Casper, “People don’t get excited by eyeglasses or mattresses, but they get excited about the story those brands are telling.”