Curiosity, Connection, and the Human Side of Motivation

As I celebrate my one-year anniversary with One10, I’ve found myself reflecting on what has made this past year so rewarding. Before joining One10, much of my career centered on designing and executing events. The work was fast-paced and client-focused, often requiring immediate solutions and flawless execution.

But joining One10 introduced me to something deeper: the intersection of event strategy, operational excellence, and motivation science. It reinforced a belief I’ve carried throughout my career—that understanding the why behind an initiative is often more important than the tactics used to deliver it. Whether it’s an incentive program, a recognition experience, or a business event, lasting impact comes from understanding the purpose behind the action.

Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to attend several industry events that reminded me just how important curiosity, human connection, and continuous learning are—not only for our industry, but for meaningful business success.

AI, Empathy, and the Power of Human Judgment

My first stop was Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), hosted by MPI Greater New York Chapter. The event focused on a topic that seems impossible to avoid these days: the relationship between artificial intelligence and human empathy.

Like many professionals, I’ve been gradually incorporating AI into my daily work. I certainly wouldn’t consider myself an expert, but I’m increasingly curious about how these tools can help us work smarter and more efficiently.

One insight from the speaker panel stuck with me: the quality of your output depends on the quality of your input.

That observation may have been directed at AI, but it applies equally to leadership, relationships, and personal growth. We tend to get out of things what we put into them. Whether we’re prompting an AI tool, building a team culture, or designing a customer experience, intentionality matters.

What resonated most throughout the discussion was the acknowledgment that AI remains in its early stages. Technological revolutions rarely happen overnight. The internet, mobile technology, and automation all evolved through years of experimentation and refinement before becoming indispensable parts of everyday life. AI will likely follow a similar path.

One audience interaction was particularly memorable. During a closing poll, attendees were asked if anyone was not actively using AI. A recent college graduate raised their hand and shared a thoughtful perspective. Having spent their academic years largely discouraged from using AI, they questioned how to maintain their authentic voice and emotional intelligence when relying on machine-generated content.

I respected the honesty of that viewpoint, and judging by the audience’s response, I wasn’t alone.

At the same time, it reinforced a lesson I believe strongly in: curiosity should always remain open. Skepticism and caution are healthy. But so is exploration. The future belongs neither to blind adoption nor outright rejection of new technology—it belongs to those willing to learn, evaluate, and adapt.

Another attendee shared a story about receiving a proposal that appeared to be entirely generated by AI. The proposal was immediately removed from consideration. It served as a powerful reminder that technology may assist our work, but authenticity, creativity, and human judgment remain irreplaceable.

Why the Next Generation Gives Me Confidence

A week later, I found myself at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn for the SITE Young Leaders Mentor & Mingle event. The format was simple: short conversations between industry veterans and emerging professionals. The experience was anything but ordinary.

As someone who once qualified as a “young leader” myself, I quickly realized it was time to take on a different role. Instead of offering advice, I focused on asking questions and listening.

What I discovered left me incredibly optimistic about the future of our industry.

The young professionals I met were intelligent, curious, respectful, and deeply engaged. They asked thoughtful questions, demonstrated a genuine desire to learn, and approached their careers with an impressive level of enthusiasm. Their backgrounds spanned hotels, cruise lines, and event agencies, creating a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.

One conversation, in particular, stood out. A young hospitality professional had recently relocated from Europe to New York with little more than a backpack, a suitcase, and a willingness to take a chance on a new opportunity. The courage, determination, and optimism required to make a move like that are remarkable.

Stories like these remind me that motivation is often rooted in aspiration. People are willing to embrace uncertainty when they see meaningful opportunities for growth, purpose, and connection.

As someone who has been involved with SITE for many years—including serving as President of the SITE Northeast Chapter—I was especially encouraged to see the industry’s continued investment in developing future leaders. The return on that investment is already evident.

The Motivation Lesson Behind Both Experiences

At first glance, these two events appeared to have little in common. One focused on emerging technology. The other centered on emerging talent.

Yet both reinforced the same principle.

Motivation thrives when people remain curious.

Curiosity fuels learning. Learning drives growth. Growth creates engagement. And engaged individuals are far more likely to innovate, collaborate, and perform at their highest potential.

Whether we’re evaluating new technologies such as AI or helping develop the next generation of leaders, the goal is not simply to accumulate knowledge. It’s to remain open to new perspectives, new experiences, and new possibilities.

Most importantly, both events highlighted something that technology still cannot fully replace: genuine human connection.

In an increasingly digital world, face-to-face interactions continue to create the trust, energy, and inspiration that drive meaningful relationships. Virtual tools help us stay connected, but there is still extraordinary value in being in the room, sharing ideas, and learning from one another in real time.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on my first year at One10, one message stands above the rest:

Stay curious. Keep learning. Make time for human connection.

Whether we’re exploring new technologies, mentoring emerging professionals, or designing experiences that inspire action, growth begins when we remain open to what comes next.

And in a world that continues to evolve at an incredible pace, that mindset may be the most powerful motivator of all.

How is your organization creating opportunities for curiosity, learning and connection?

The answer may have a bigger impact on engagement, performance and long-term success than you think. At One10, we help organizations apply Motivation Science to create experiences that inspire growth and meaningful results. Contact us now to learn more.