Leadership advisor, speaker and professional curiosity merchant Paul McGregor believes most of the world’s problems could be solved if we just asked better questions – or at least stopped avoiding the awkward ones. Paul works with leaders and organisations to think more clearly, listen more deeply and interact like actual humans. He’s just released his new book, The Question Effect, a deep (and very readable) dive into the power of a well-timed question. When he’s not shaking up boardrooms, you’ll find Paul cruising the streets on a brightly coloured e-cargo bike with kids, dog and curiosity in tow.
At the weekend you’ll find me…
On our brightly coloured e-cargo bike with two kids on the back and our little dog Tui on the front. People often point and laugh as we go past.
My real-life superpower is…
Asking the question that everybody else has been avoiding. I'm very curious, so I just can't help prodding and poking around at an idea. It was partly born out of being a shy intellectual kid, but it's invaluable in my work as a leadership advisor and speaker now.
I am most passionate about…
How people interact and create impact. I'm fascinated by how humans work together (and the many ways we confuse and frustrate each other too)!
The world would be a better place with more…
Listening. Sometimes it's like we're yelling at each other in a dark room with earmuffs on. It's even harder now with phones screaming for our attention too.
My simple pleasures are…
Getting a big stack of books from the library with our kids, before settling in to read on the couch with our dog Tui on my lap.
I get myself out of a funk by…
going to one of those ridiculous group fitness classes at the BFT gym. I never thought I'd be a gym-goer, but Pete and the team have created a social environment where you can't help but work out the cobwebs.
At a party you’ll find me…
Still at home. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I went to a proper big party - except for kids' birthday parties. The glamorous life of a parent, hey?
The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is…
Skateboard down Dyers Pass Road in Christchurch. Wait, did you say spontaneous or stupid?
As a child, I was really into…
Finding the smallest possible space in which to create a little den. Under my bed was a favourite spot but also in the agapanthus bushes where there were lots of little mazes.
A random fact I love is…
We actually have over 30 senses. Aristotle came up with the idea of the five senses way back in the day, but it's just not true.
My biggest pet peeve is…
Badly hosted conferences and events. I get really grumpy when so much time and money has been spent getting the right people into a room only for it to descend into this boring lecture. It's why I love MCing!
