From the Publisher
“Rod Adkins shares the wisdom and powerful life lessons that many, including myself, benefited from during his time at IBM. Curiosity is Rod’s superpower, which he leveraged to inspire growth in everyone around him. I am confident he will do the same for any reader of this book.”
— Dr. Arvind Krishna
Chairman & CEO, IBM Corporation
“Rod Adkins is a phenomenal leader and engineer who was an inspiration to me and so many others growing up at IBM. Rod’s strategic approach to continuous learning aligns closely with the principles that have guided my career. 'Curiosity' is about more than just asking questions; it is about learning from everything you do—to solve problems, build confidence, and take bold steps in complex and unpredictable environments.”
— Dr. Lisa Su
Chairman, President, & CEO, AMD
“True leadership is not about having all the answers—much of it is about asking the right questions. Drawing from his experiences as a global executive and board member of leading companies, Rod reveals how curiosity can be a competitive advantage for success. From emerging leaders looking to advance to senior executives wanting to improve, this book will not disappoint.”
— Phil Gallagher
CEO, Avnet, Inc.
“We all have gifts we can share with others, and Curiosity is a gift to share across the generations. Rod brings to light how curiosity has nurtured his soul throughout life, giving us a roadmap for preparing for success and greatness. Let us take him up on it!”
— Jo Ann Jenkins
Former CEO, AARP; Avnet Board of Directors
“Rod’s leadership had a profound impact on IBM’s business performance and culture. One of the most crucial aspects of leadership is inspiring, motivating, and developing others while achieving results. Rod and I have frequently discussed the significance of leadership throughout our nearly two—decade journey together, starting at IBM PC Company, then The Server Group, and with me as head of the Systems & Technology Group. Yes, Rod is driven by an insatiable curiosity, a trait I have witnessed firsthand. After reading this book, you cannot help but develop a deeper appreciation for it. He never faltered when faced with new challenges, intricate problems, or difficult situations. I was fortunate to have Rod on my leadership team. He dedicated himself to innovating solutions that served markets, communities, and individuals through information technology.”
— Samuel Palmisano
Former Chairman & CEO, IBM Corporation
“In Curiosity, Rod makes a compelling case for the power of curiosity and the competitive advantage it presents to those who embrace it. Based on his years of observations and experiences contributing to the IT industry and IBM specifically, Rod provides guidance for those seeking insight and techniques for growth at any career stage. The book is a reflection of his career, told through the lens of taking the high ground, even in difficult situations, and valuing the well—being of those around you.”
— Ken Chenault
Chairman & Managing Director, General Catalyst; Former Chairman & CEO, American Express
“Many of my successes were driven by curiosity and not knowing it ‘could not be done.’ Rod never let difficult or challenging situations stop him from identifying a way to get the job done or to make something happen that most believed was a fool’s errand. He was truly an innovator and willing to take calculated risks. Rod made it possible for me and many others to access opportunities that would not have been available without his leadership, willingness to innovate, and curiosity to take a different approach.”
— Dr. Mark Dean
IBM Fellow; Emeritus and Distinguished Professor, University of Tennessee
“Rod Adkins is an extraordinary and inspirational leader, and this book reflects the wisdom, integrity, and impact he has brought to every stage of his journey. Part memoir, part leadership guide, Curiosity is filled with powerful insights, personal stories, and thoughtful reflections. Rod is candid about the challenges he has faced and the values that have guided him—from his early life and influential leadership at IBM to his board roles and dedication to service, innovation, and STEM education. His unique blend of authenticity, compassion, and insatiable curiosity left an indelible mark on me and so many others. I was at a pivotal point in my career when I first worked with Rod, then a senior vice president at IBM, and the lessons I learned from him have stayed with me ever since. He modeled how to lead with high standards, clarity, respect, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Rod’s journey—and his generous sharing of it—will undoubtedly inspire everyone from emerging leaders to seasoned executives seeking to lead with greater purpose and impact.”
— Dr. Kathryn Guarini
Former CIO, IBM
“I have had the distinct honor of knowing and working with Rod for over thirty years—at IBM and beyond—as my mentor, manager, sponsor, and friend. His unique genius lies in how he channels his deep curiosity across technologies, business models, operational systems, people, and ecosystems—not just exploring them in isolation but weaving them into powerful, synergistic systems that generate far more than the sum of their parts. This ability has driven extraordinary outcomes throughout his career—not just for himself and the businesses he leads but also for countless others to whom he has generously given his time and insight. In this compelling book, you will get a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who turned curiosity into a competitive advantage—and walk away with wisdom that will serve you well on your journey.”
— Dr. Colin Parris
Former GE Officer and Senior Vice President, General Electric Digital
“I had the good fortune to work as a senior executive on Rod’s team when he was the Systems & Technology Group leader at IBM and as a partner with Benchmark in his role on the Avnet board. He has been a consistent force in our relationship for decades and is a great example of strong executive leadership. I credit Rod for giving me a key opportunity early in my career that pushed me outside my comfort zone. His ability to engage you, be curious, and encourage others around him to be inquisitive made an indelible mark on my management style. It was this influence that has led me to always encourage my teams to be learning organizations and, as a result, made me a more effective senior leader. He has been a great boss, coach, and mentor throughout my career journey.”
— Jeff Benck
President & CEO, Benchmark Electronics Inc.
“Rod Adkins exemplifies the transformative power of curiosity as a tool for personal and professional growth. His book Curiosity is a testament to his unique ability to harness curiosity as a competitive advantage, offering readers a treasure trove of tips and techniques drawn from his remarkable life experiences. From childhood to the boardroom, Rod’s journey answers pivotal questions about envisioning success, crafting a recipe for achievement, and uncovering life’s most valuable lessons. His story provides an inspiring framework for all. As a UPS board member and chair of the Risk Committee, Rod continues to demonstrate leadership and insight, making his journey not just a narrative of curiosity but a blueprint for achieving excellence. His ability to weave these lessons into actionable advice makes his book an indispensable guide for anyone striving to unlock their full potential.”
— Carol Tomé
CEO, UPS
“Over the past nine years, I have been fortunate to see Rod’s curiosity elevate our board of directors discussions. His dedication to lifelong learning is a cornerstone of his success, both personally and professionally. This book encourages us to embrace continuous growth and stay curious through every stage of life.”
— D.G. MacPherson
Chairman & CEO, W.W. Grainger Inc.
“It was great to have the opportunity to recruit Rod to join the PayPal board of directors. However, it was considerably more rewarding to learn from him. We shared common views on the importance of technology and common values that aligned around the importance of employees and our role in their development, and creating opportunities for advancement. Curiosity unveils Rod’s insights and strategies for navigating this critical component of effective leadership.”
— Dan Schulman
Former President & CEO, PayPal
“A wonderful description of a life journey anchored in joy, passion, and resilience! Rod draws a reader into the joy with which he began to learn early in life and never loses. He takes us on his unique path but shows how we can emulate it in our own ways. It is an outstanding memoir by an incomparable leader.”
—** Michael Critelli*Former CEO, Pitney Bowes Inc.*
“I have been lucky to have met a few exceptionally talented people I can call friends. Rod Adkins is one of those. And not just Rod, but also Michelle. They are a true power couple in the best sense of that term. Rod, like me, is a Georgia Tech alum, and I first met him on campus when I became president. I knew from day one that I could use his help. He answered the call by serving as a member, and later as chair, of our national advisory board and then as a member of the Georgia Tech Foundation. When I retired from Georgia Tech and was appointed secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, he answered the call again. He served as a member and then director of the Smithsonian National Board. He and Michelle were founding donors to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Rod is never just a joiner. When he commits, he gives it his all. His book is important because it tells us about his story, what values he learned that led to his career accomplishments, and his willingness to give back to his community, his country, and the institutions that made a difference in his life. It is a great read.”
— Dr. G. Wayne Clough
Secretary Emeritus, the Smithsonian; President Emeritus, Georgia Institute of Technology
“We live in an era when information is ubiquitous, while wisdom is in short supply. Enter Rod Adkins. This is a story of a life well lived, not an easy life or a life without turbulence, but a life lived with integrity and motivated by curiosity. As the vice chair of the board of trustees at Rollins College, Rod leads with style & grace, and wisdom that cuts through the noise to solve problems or shape strategy. His educational pathway, combining the liberal arts with STEM, was prescient, and he equipped himself to become the leader the emerging global economy would need. If you want to know how wisdom is acquired, look no further.”
— Dr. Grant H. Cornwell
President Emeritus, Rollins College
“Anyone who reads this book will recommend it to other people of different ages. Adkins provides priceless lessons about the importance of balance, focus, timing, listening, and excellence. His journey inspires us to keep asking good questions, reflecting and learning, and to keep hope alive!”
— Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III
President Emeritus, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
“In this inspiring and insightful book, Rod takes the reader on a journey down the various stages of his life to reveal how an insatiable curiosity can be the defining catalyst for success. Through personal stories, powerful reflections, and boardroom breakthroughs, he demonstrates that the keys to greatness involve more than talent and ambition but include the need to ask questions, the courage to bet on yourself, and the application of life’s lessons. This is a must—read for anyone looking to unlock their full potential.”
— Jimmy McMikle
President, CEO, & Chairman, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
“Both on and off the court, I have learned that curiosity is the foundation for growth, leadership is the catalyst for change, and success is the reward for unwavering dedication. As a former player in the NBA, past union president, and advocate for fairness, I have seen how innovation and leadership inspire collective action. I worked alongside Rod as cochair for the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s annual fundraising event, Building the Dream Klassic. With its slogan, ‘No dreamer is ever too small, no dream is ever too big,’ the event exposes young adults to positive role models and provides scholarships for college and stipends for workplace entry. Working closely with someone so committed to a shared vision of preparing the next generation was an honor. My friend’s journey shows that pursuing knowledge, integrity, and vision can lead to successive achievements in industry and life. His insights inspire you to embrace curiosity, lead with purpose, and strive for success in every endeavor.”
— Oscar Robertson (Big O)
Former Professional Basketball Player; NBA Hall of Famer
“As a former NBA champion with the Miami Heat and a Naismith Hall of Famer, I know firsthand that winning a championship takes more than just talent; it requires a team of like—minded individuals, united by a common goal, driven by perseverance, and committed to excellence. The same holds true in sparking the curiosity of inner—city youth who desire to achieve greatness, but the odds seem like they are stacked against them. At OYC Miami, we persistently fight to break down barriers and level the playing field by empowering and exposing youths and families to the greatest of possibilities and providing them with the resources to attain them. Rod is a critical player on my team—a philanthropic center—helping to build a solid foundation so kids and families can win. Rod is more than a supporter; he is my brother in service and a living, breathing example of what is possible. He is a role model who inspires the next generation to aim higher and not miss their shot in life.”
— Alonzo Mourning
Former Professional Basketball Player; NBA Hall of Famer
