“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

“Curiosity Refines the Limits 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 Refines the Limits 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

“One of the most crucial aspects of leadership is inspiring, motivating, and developing others while achieving results. 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.”

― Samuel Palmisano, Former Chairman & CEO, IBM Corporation

“In Curiosity Refines the Limits, 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’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

“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

“Rod's 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.”

― Jeff Benck, President & CEO, Benchmark Electronics Inc.

“Rod Adkins exemplifies the transformative power of curiosity as a tool for personal and professional growth. Curiosity Refines the Limits 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.”

― Carol Tomé, CEO, UPS

“Curiosity Redefines the Limits encourages us to embrace continuous growth and stay curious through every stage of life.”

― D.G. MacPherson, Chairman & CEO, W.W. Grainger Inc.

“Curiosity Refines the Limits 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.

“Curiosity Redefines the Limits is important because it tells us about Rod's 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. If you want to know how wisdom is acquired, look no further.”

― Dr. Grant H. Cornwell, President Emeritus, Rollins College

“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. Rod'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. 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