Entrepreneur encourages ‘rebellious curiosity’
During her keynote address at 2025, mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur Yemi Penn encouraged attendees to examine limiting personal narratives that might be hindering their leadership potential. Penn recommended approaching new ideas without preconceptions, "emptying your cup" to make space for growth and innovation. Penn described author Dave Gray’s concept of "liminal thinking," or the idea that being aware of boundaries allows people to move beyond them. She urged audience members to practice “rebellious curiosity” by questioning personal rules that once provided structure but may now be limiting. Ultimately, "the most flexible person influences the environment," Penn said. Leaders can become more flexible by changing daily routines; connecting with colleagues outside their usual circles and asking "high-quality questions" to get at the heart of a problem.