Curiosity as a Competitive Edge for Founders | The WIP by OrangeWIP

Curiosity doesn't get nearly enough credit for driving real growth. The founders who move fastest? They're not the ones with flawless plans or deep pockets. They're the ones asking sharper questions, poking holes in their own assumptions, and genuinely listening to people they wouldn't normally talk to.

When you bake curiosity into how your team operates, something shifts. You spot problems before they blow up. You pivot without drama. Decisions get easier because you actually understand what you're working with.

It's the kind of mindset that makes teams stronger, strategy smarter, and keeps you from getting stuck in place.

This week, we're digging into why curiosity might be the most overlooked competitive advantage you have.

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Some leaders follow the script. Elena Ciccotelli built her own lane in an industry that rarely rewards originality.

As the founder of EVs for Everyone, she turned a simple EV podcast into a growing EV media brand with real influence inside the electric vehicle industry. Elena gets real about the chaos of content burnout, the pressure of consistency, and what it takes to stand out in B2B marketing for automotive when the space is crowded and technical.

Hear how she turned chaos into clarity and why trusting your voice is the fastest way to build real industry power.

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Do you have an entrepreneur story to tell? A point to make? An idea to share? We want to hear from you! Sign up to be a Hello Chaos guest today.

Twelve years after starting as a 3-person operation, UniComm Media Group has quadrupled in size and comprises two agencies. As UMG grows, co-founder and principal Ramon Nieves-Lugo’s needs as a leader have changed. Ramon talked with OrangeWIP about what kind of support combats the loneliness of leadership and makes a difference in the business.

Do you ever feel lonely or isolated as a business leader?

I won't lie to you, yes. Even if you have business partners, you could feel lonely at times of making decisions.

But that's what leadership is. That's an entrepreneur. You’re it. Ultimately, you're making that decision, and sometimes you stand by yourself alone. And it's not a bad thing, but that’s why I truly believe in having a group of people, counsel, then it doesn't feel as lonely.

But yeah, it’s real. I think a lot of people don't admit it, though, and they should. But the ones that do admit it, it’s because they have a good group of people that advise them that are there with them. I'm not even talking about a board of advisors or even the business partner. I'm talking about just that round table of people that are just around you. And that’s why I don’t feel that way anymore. At the beginning, I felt lonely, but that’s normal.

Build Your Business With a Community That Has Your Back

Village Launch is a Greenville based program helping under resourced founders get the clarity, tools and encouragement they need to bring their ideas to life. Their ten week Entrepreneur Academy gives early stage entrepreneurs hands on training that turns concepts into action, with applications opening each March.

Beyond the academy, Village Launch fosters a community of creators and builders who learn from each other, share resources and grow together.