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45 Questions to Ask Instead of, "What do you do?"

leadership self-growth
questions to ask instead of "what do you do?"

The importance of meaningful, soulful questions. 

The questions we ask shape the depth and quality of our connections - especially in a world where surface-level interactions often dominate. Asking someone "What do you do?" may offer a glimpse into their profession, but it rarely opens the door to their inner world, including their passions, values, and unique perspectives. Especially when we consider how multifaceted everyone is - professionally and personally.

Being asked, "What do you do" used to make me anxious as it was difficult to describe. I do a bunch of things, fuse multiple systems, and leverage techniques and modalities that few even understand. And since clarity creates connection, and confusion creates disconnection - any type of answer I provided either sparked more questions... or an immediate disconnect, or even worse, mistrust.

As multifaceted visionaries and leaders, we have an opportunity to cultivate conversations that spark meaningful dialogue and invite people to connect with their true essence. By shifting away from transactional questions to more purposeful, heart-centered ones, we create space for genuine connection and mutual inspiration.

These types of questions help us move beyond labels and roles. They encourage people to share what truly lights them up, what they are working towards, and what makes them come alive. When we ask someone about their dreams, passions, or recent reflections, we create an environment where authenticity thrives. This leads to more fulfilling relationships, deeper trust, and opportunities for collaboration that are rooted in shared purpose.

 

Purpose & Passion-Oriented Questions

  1. What’s lighting you up right now?
  2. What’s your “why” behind what you create?
  3. What impact do you most want to make in the world?
  4. What makes you feel most alive?
  5. What problem are you passionate about solving?
  6. If you could dedicate your life to one cause, what would it be?
  7. What’s your favorite way to express your creativity?

 

Soulful & Reflective Questions

  1. What’s been your biggest lesson recently?
  2. What do you love learning about?
  3. How do you want to be remembered?
  4. What feels most meaningful to you right now?
  5. What’s a recent experience that shifted your perspective?
  6. What’s your current edge for growth?
  7. What brings you a sense of fulfillment?
  8. How do you align your work with your values?

 

Human-Centered Questions

  1. What’s a project you’re excited about right now?
  2. What’s a typical day in your life like?
  3. What part of your life feels most aligned with your purpose?
  4. What inspires your creativity?
  5. What’s something people often misunderstand about you?
  6. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
  7. How do you celebrate your wins?

 

Curiosity-Driven Questions

  1. What’s a passion project you’re working on?
  2. What’s something you’ve always wanted to create?
  3. What’s one skill you’d love to master?
  4. If you had unlimited time and resources, what would you do?
  5. What’s something that surprised you recently?
  6. What’s your favorite way to connect with others?

 

Future-Oriented Questions

  1. What’s next for you in this season of life?
  2. What’s a dream you haven’t shared with many people?
  3. If you could shape the future, what would you want it to look like?
  4. What vision are you currently manifesting?
  5. Where do you see the most potential for positive change in the world?
  6. What future trend excites you the most?

 

Playful & Unconventional Questions

  1. What’s your superpower?
  2. If your life were a book, what would this chapter be called?
  3. If you could give a TED Talk on any topic, what would it be?
  4. What advice would your future self give you today?
  5. What’s something you’re geeking out about?
  6. What’s your favorite way to recharge your energy?

 

Introspection & Self-Discovery Questions

  1. What’s your personal definition of success?
  2. How do you want to grow in the next year?
  3. What do you want more of in your life?
  4. What role does intuition play in your decision-making?
  5. What belief or mindset has had the biggest impact on your journey?

 

Meaningful conversations are the foundation of impactful relationships. They remind us that we are not defined solely by what we do, but by who we are and what we contribute to the world. By choosing to ask questions that go beyond the surface, we show others that we see them as whole, multi-dimensional beings. We create moments of connection where they feel truly seen and heard. Ultimately, these conversations empower us all to show up as our most authentic selves and co-create a world where purpose, passion, and humanity are at the forefront.

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