Hi there ,

Hope your week has started well.

Reading time: quick ... about 1 min 43 secs

Ever heard of 'Da Vinci People'?

My husband gifted me this fascinating book called The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato last Christmas. Its byline is:

Life design for people with too many interests and talents

Not sure what my husband was trying to tell me...

Anyway... I read it, enjoyed it, and it's now highlighted throughout.

Safe to say it's got me rethinking how we approach hiring, especially for growing entrepreneurial teams and companies.

Lospennato describes Da Vinci People as possessing a unique blend of skills and passions across diverse fields.

They're not specialists in one area.

They're curious.

Creative.

And constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences.

Think Leonardo da Vinci – artist, scientist, inventor, and all-around Renaissance man!

In today's thriving companies, where adaptability and innovation are key, multi-faceted people can be a game-changer for your business. They bring a fresh perspective, connect seemingly unrelated ideas, and thrive in dynamic environments.

Yes, they may test your management skills.

They may be tricky to lead and manage if you try to confine them to rigid structures and traditional hierarchies.

Their inquisitive minds and diverse interests crave autonomy and the freedom to explore.

If your company culture is such that instead of trying to micromanage their every move, you give them space to lead and manage their own projects and areas of expertise... you might be surprised by the innovative solutions and fresh perspectives they bring to the table!

So, how can you attract and hire your own Da Vinci People?

• Look beyond traditional CVs: I've been harping on about this for years as people are so much more than their CV. Don't just focus on specific skills or experience. Look for and be open to candidates with diverse interests and a passion for learning.
• Embrace curiosity: Ask interview questions that uncover their intellectual curiosity and how they approach problem-solving from different angles. I am writing a whole book about this, so I will let you know once it's finished.
• Value creativity: Look for evidence of creative thinking in their past work or personal projects. Encourage them to share their ideas and think outside the box.
• Foster a culture of learning: Create an environment where continuous learning and experimentation are encouraged. Provide opportunities for your team to explore new skills and areas of interest.

By embracing the Da Vinci mindset, you can build a team of adaptable, innovative, and passionate individuals who can help your company thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Happy Hiring!

Helen

P.S. Ready to unleash your inner Da Vinci and build a team of Renaissance people?

Let's chat!

Here's a link to my diary.

Let's talk!