Tina Johnson
CEO & Founder, The CEO Woman
A few months ago, I found myself in a conversation I didn’t expect to be so transformative. I was sitting across from a peer I deeply respect, talking about industry trends and what was (and wasn’t) working in our businesses. Somewhere between coffee sips and strategy talk, she said, “You know, I used to think learning was what I did when things slowed down. Now I know it’s the only reason I’m still in business.”
That moment stayed with me.
It reminded me of something I’ve seen time and time again—not just in others, but in myself: when we’re deep in doing, we forget the power of learning. And not just the formal kind, but the curious, active, intentional kind. The kind that doesn’t wait for a spare moment. The kind that shapes how we lead.
When “Being the Expert” Gets in the Way
As business owners, we work hard to become credible. We build skills, gain clients, and hire teams. We wear the “expert” label like a badge of honor—and in many ways, we’ve earned it.
But there’s a trap in that title. Because when you’re seen as the one with the answers, it can feel risky to admit what you don’t know. We stop asking questions. We stop trying new things. And before we know it, we’re not growing—we’re repeating.
True leadership doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from staying open, curious, and willing to change.
How to Stay in Student Mode (Without Overwhelm)
Learning doesn’t have to mean going back to school or signing up for another degree. It can be as simple as:
- Listening to a podcast with real, actionable strategy instead of surface-level soundbites.
- Bookmarking one article each week that challenges how you think.
- Signing up for a workshop or certification that builds your confidence in a new area.
- Reaching out to a peer and asking, “What’s working for you right now?”
The key is to stay engaged, not just exposed. We all save posts, highlight quotes, and screenshot advice. But what turns information into growth is implementation. When you take the time to apply what you’ve learned—even just one small idea—that’s where the shift happens.
Why Learning Is Essential for CEOs
If you’re in a season of leading others, it’s even more important to lead yourself first. And part of that leadership is recognizing that what worked in one season might not work in the next.
Markets evolve. Client needs shift. Your own energy and capacity change over time.
The best leaders aren’t the ones with the flashiest headlines or the biggest launches—they’re the ones who know how to adapt. And adaptability is born from learning.
Learning gives you context. It gives you perspective. Most importantly, it gives you options.
The Right Rooms Make All the Difference
In my own journey, the most significant growth hasn’t happened when I was behind a screen, it’s happened in rooms where the conversations were different. Rooms where I wasn’t expected to know it all. Rooms where I was reminded what was possible.
That’s why I believe so strongly in creating intentional learning spaces for women CEOs. Places where you don’t just listen—you plan, you ask, you take action. Because when you put yourself in the right room, learning becomes leadership.
Your Next Chapter Might Start With a Question
If you’ve been feeling stretched, stagnant, or uncertain, maybe what you need isn’t more to-do lists. Maybe what you need is a better lens, rooted in curiosity, not comparison.
So here’s your invitation:
What’s one thing you’re curious about right now that you could pursue?
Not to prove anything. Not to add more to your plate, but because learning is one of the most powerful things you can do for your business—and for yourself.