As we look ahead to the SDF Festival of Learning & Development this November 2025, anticipation is building around the keynote from Stefaan Van Hooydonk: Curiosity: The Key Ingredient for Creating a Winning Culture. This session promises to be a highlight for L&D professionals across the higher education sector, especially as we collectively seek new ways to foster innovation and resilience in our institutions.
Van Hooydonk’s message is both timely and timeless: curiosity is the driving force behind the most innovative and competitive organisations. He reminds us that while everyone is born with a natural sense of curiosity, this vital trait often fades as we become entrenched in routines and fixed ways of thinking. The same pattern, he notes, can be seen in organisations—start-ups brim with curiosity and exploration, but as they grow, efficiency and conformity can stifle the very mindset that once propelled them forward.
For those of us in higher education, where the pace of change is accelerating and the need for adaptive learning is greater than ever, Van Hooydonk’s insights are particularly relevant. His research shows that curious professionals and organisations don’t just survive—they thrive. They innovate more, learn faster, adapt to change, and build stronger relationships. Curious leaders, in particular, set the tone for open dialogue, continuous learning, and fearless questioning.
In his interactive keynote, Van Hooydonk will guide us through what science tells us about curiosity, why it is essential for personal and organisational success, and—crucially—how we can intentionally cultivate it. Expect practical strategies, reflective exercises, and inspiration to help you and your teams rediscover the power of asking questions.
As we prepare for the SDF Festival this November, Van Hooydonk’s keynote is a must-attend for anyone committed to shaping a culture where curiosity is not just encouraged, but embedded at every level. Let’s get ready to flex our curiosity muscles and build the winning cultures our sector needs for the future.
Stay tuned for more festival updates and join us in November for this thought-provoking session!