From the Founder: Why Curiosity & Listening Matters

At Dodson Consulting, we talk a lot about strategy, systems, and execution. But behind all of that is something deeper: The way we lead, collaborate, and build relationships. Our founder, Jessica Dodson, has been reflecting on what’s shaped the way she shows up for clients - and how leading with curiosity has transformed not just our work, but our results.

In this piece, she shares a personal look at the leadership shift that’s redefined how we partner with organizations, build stronger client relationships, and create lasting, meaningful change. And not just in business outcomes, but in how teams collaborate, communicate, and grow together.

Leading with Curiosity and the Power of Listening

I’ve always been someone who speaks up, shares a vision, and creates a clear plan to bring that vision to life. Growing up, that often looked like corralling the neighborhood kids as the oldest on the block - organizing the chaos and guiding everyone toward a common goal (even if that goal was just getting our shoes on before running wild through the field).

At Eagle Creek, it meant understanding Go-To-Market strategies and products so thoroughly that I could streamline processes and improve efficiency across departments.

But as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve come to understand something critical about leadership: The most impactful work doesn’t happen when we’re simply driving a vision forward. It happens when we balance that drive with curiosity and a genuine willingness to listen.

That shift in perspective has made me a better consultant. It’s helped my clients achieve their own best versions of themselves and their businesses.

Just yesterday, a client told me, “You ask the best questions.” It was such a wonderful compliment - and it speaks to one of the core approaches we bring to every engagement.

As a consultant, I see myself as a guide and a detective. A coach, a supporter, a vision caster, and a roadmap maker. At Dodson Consulting, we don’t just offer solutions, we ask questions that spark insight and foster collaboration. By leaning into the expertise of our clients, we uncover new paths forward together.

The truth is, we all have areas of expertise. Each of us brings something unique to the table. But the real magic happens when we lean into one another’s knowledge. It’s not just about what I (or we) know or even what my clients know. It’s about the trust we build, the curiosity we nurture, and the conversations we have together.

We believe clear communication is a game-changer. When ideas and data are expressed openly, when everyone feels heard and valued, that’s when innovation truly thrives. That’s when transformation begins. Not just for individuals, but for teams and organizations.

This blend of vision, expression, and deep listening is what fuels our work. It’s also how we choose our clients. We look for partners who are open to this way of working, because this kind of collaboration creates lasting impact, far beyond a single engagement. When we come together with intention, passion, and purpose, we don’t just achieve great things. We create something truly incredible.

So whether we’re collaborating with a team on a new marketing strategy or coaching an executive through a leadership or market challenge, our approach remains the same: Lead with vision. Balance it with curiosity. And listen deeply.

When we do that, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.

What’s the one thing that’s keeping you up at night?

We’d love to lean in and listen. Book a Discovery Call.