I’m a curious chameleon
In July of 2024, I completed the University of California Davis’ Fundraising and Development Foundations certification course in hopeful preparation to transition my writing expertise into the impactful role of grant writer.
During the course, I learned about what the Education Advisory Board (EAB) calls the “curious chameleon.” In a large study of advancement teams, the EAB discovered that a particular type of person excelled among major gifts officers, another role within Fundraising and Development.
Curious Chameleons represented just 3.8% of the survey population, but had 78% higher odds of exceeding goal.
According to their findings, a curious chameleon possesses a few important traits: intellectual and social curiosity, behavioral and linguistic flexibility, strategic solicitation, and information distillation.
Not one for Myers-Briggs or zodiac labels, I was surprised how much curious chameleon seemed to describe me. Eager to articulate what about myself connected with this kind of character, I asked Gemma, my AI assistant, to help define what makes me a curious chameleon. Together, we uncovered these 6 descriptive qualities:
1. Curiosity about the World Around Me
My curiosity knows no bounds, as seen in my 211-day Arabic learning streak with Duolingo, sparked by a desire to understand a language and culture intertwined with emotional current events. For me, curiosity is a process of discovery akin to unearthing a tree’s network of roots—patiently tracing connections to reveal a larger understanding of complex systems without disturbing their integrity.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability
In 2022, I pivoted dramatically from a career in consumer data marketing to bartending, demonstrating my willingness to embrace uncertainty while recalibrating my professional path. Balancing structure and flexibility is second nature—I create structured systems with assets like briefs, Excel spreadsheets, and templates yet leave space in my calendar and conversations for spontaneous bursts of creativity.
3. Open-Mindedness
Once a staunch all-or-nothing thinker, I’ve cultivated an openness to nuance and complexity, particularly in moral and ethical judgment. I strive to foster collaboration by genuinely listening, asking thoughtful questions, and recognizing the value in diverse viewpoints—even those I may deeply disagree with—in acknowledgement of the incalculable impacts of any choice.
4. Analytical Thinking
I excel at uncovering connections and insights through data, like quantifying brand sentiment and business opportunities using Google keyword analytics and journey maps. Whether building data-backed business cases for leadership or evaluating strategic choices, I link analysis with instinct to drive informed yet human-centered decisions.
5. Creative Problem-Solving
Creativity fuels my problem-solving approach, where no idea is too unconventional to explore. From pitching innovative business reports to proposing The Hopeful Encyclopedia, I embrace bold thinking. My philosophy? Creativity thrives in environments where failures are stepping stones to understanding and breakthroughs.
6. Empathy and Interpersonal Awareness
Adapting my communication style comes naturally, honed through years of tutoring students with varying needs. Empathy guides me in resolving interpersonal conflicts, particularly within my family, where embracing paradoxical tolerance has deepened connections. This ability to meet others where they are is central to my approach.
I embody the spirit of a “curious chameleon,” thriving at the intersection of curiosity, adaptability, and empathy. My approach to the world reflects a deep hunger for understanding, a flexible mindset for change, and an open-hearted commitment to seeing value in diverse perspectives. Not to mention, my deepest sense of fulfillment comes from braiding shared intent into brighter futures.
In curious chameleon conversation with Gemma
How did Gemma, my ChatGPT assistant, and I write this?
First, I asked Gemma to put on an HR professional hat and help me articulate what makes me a curious chameleon by asking me one or two questions about each trait. I gave her a link to EAB’s webpage for reference.
In reply, Gemma quickly sent me 12 or so questions, which I honestly answered with 790 words, about 2-3 sentences for each question. I copied my original answers out of my Notes app and shared them with Gemma. Far more quickly, she summarized my answers into a single paragraph per trait. I read over her interpretation, reinserted a few details, and provided feedback in my sign-off. (pictured here :) My open-mindedness, empathy, and ability to adapt my communication extends to non-human things, AIs included.
