This season, join host Frances Johnson as she explores the topic of continuous curiosity, asking: What is curiosity? Why is it important? And what roadblocks prevent us from being curious in our work, homes, and communities? Throughout this season, we’ll also hear from guests who have used curiosity to pursue something new – a degree, a profession, or a passion.

In this episode, Frances chats with Jason Sloan and Brooke Lenzen, who lead the Executive Education department at the David Eccles School of Business. Jason and Brooke share their tips for growing – or pivoting – your career through continuing education and go in-depth about the resources offered through the Exec Ed program.

Episode Quotes:On who can benefit from executive education

Brooke Lenzen (3:59): “We never stop learning in our lifetime. Learning is not a destination. It's really a journey. And what executive education provides is the opportunity for people to be lifetime learners. So what I love to see in all of our classes is individuals that not only receive promotions or additional compensation in their careers but gain so much personally as well. We have our MBA programs that are offered underneath executive education for those seeking a degree, but we also have the non-degree certificate-based programs that allow someone to up-skill in certain areas that provide them that next step in their educational journey and the opportunity to really increase their curiosity and grow as leaders, both personally and professionally.”

Jason Sloan (21:30): “What we're seeing from organizations that encourage that curiosity is that they build a little bit of loyalty. And that the investment that they're putting into individuals, they are getting retention from those individuals because they know that they're continuing to grow.”

On finding a work-life integration, not “work-life balance”

Brook Lenzen (20:16): “Change is constant. And so preparing yourself for change means that there's not a balance. And that's okay, it's about finding rhythm. And that rhythm doesn't end when you walk into the office, right? That rhythm is still there. It's there 24/7, and it's going to change as individuals change and as their lives change and their priorities change as well.”

On the long-term benefits to employers and organizations

Jason Sloan (21:49) “When people look to change, they're seeking something different, right? Something in that organization is not working. Are they growing? I think that's what a lot of people are looking for. They feel that the organization is not allowing them to explore a new space, encouraging them to grow. And … by offering an opportunity for them to seek out ways to engage that curiosity, I think that is potentially an antidote for some of the quiet quitting and great resignation that we've seen.”

Show Links:* Brooke Lenzen’s bio * Jason Sloan’s bio * Executive Education page