Diane Hamilton, Ph.D. is the Founder and CEO of Tonerra, and Co-Founder of DIMA Innovations, which are consulting and media-based businesses. She is a nationally syndicated radio host, keynote speaker, and the former MBA Program Chair at the Forbes School of Business. Diane is the author of multiple books which are required reading in universities around the world, including Cracking the Curiosity Code: The Key to Unlocking Human Potential and The Power of Perception:  Eliminating Boundaries to Create Successful Global Leaders. She created the Curiosity Code Index® assessment, which is the first and only assessment that determines the factors that inhibit curiosity, and the Perception Power Index, which determines the factors that impact the perception process. Her work helps organizations improve innovation, engagement, and productivity. 

What inspires you to create?

I am a very curious person.  I get inspired to create when I am curious about something new.  I created my Curiosity Code Index because I was frustrated that there was no way to determine what held people back from being curious. I figured if you wanted to fix something, you needed to measure what inhibits it, so I figured out how to do that. 

How has your career influenced your passions (or vice versa)?

I have followed more of my passions as I have gotten older.  When I was young, I took the path of what I thought were smart jobs like being a pharmaceutical representative.  I never really loved that job and leaving allowed me to explore things that I was more passionate about, like doing what I do now with my companies. 


What is something that you must do every day (by choice)?

I try to exercise most days.  It makes me feel better. I never really liked exercise until I was in my mid-30s, and then once I liked it, I do not like to do without it. 

What are some things that you would tell your younger self, if you had the opportunity to offer advice retrospectively?

I would tell myself not to be so afraid to try new things.  I was very hesitant to think I could shoot for higher-level positions. I turned down many things because I was not willing to relocate. I could have been braver.  

If you could be answering these questions from another location, anywhere in the world, where would that be?

Hawaii!  I try to get there at least once a year, so this year has been very strange because I have not gone this long without going there. 

Who are some role models in your life?

I admire people who run organizations.  I admire people like Keith Krach, former CEO of Docusign.  He was kind enough to write the foreword of my book on curiosity.  It meant the world to me.

What are some common misconceptions about getting older that you’d like to change?

I do not think that most people I know want to retire and do nothing.  That would be so boring.   Many people think of people over 65 as golfers or knitters.  Most people I know that age work as hard as ever.

What is something you appreciate now that you hadn’t before? 

I appreciate history more now that I have traveled more. When I was young, I found history more boring.  

What’s a lesson you learned within the last year that you’d like to share?

I learned patience to be able to give up the freedom to travel.   I am sorry it is due to recent events, but I am glad to see more virtual working opportunities. 

What kinds of relationships are important to your work?

I network a lot. Having a platform is critical for my position. I like to ask guests from my radio show to introduce me to other people who think they are interesting for future shows. 

What would you like to be doing exactly five years from today? Ten years?

I would like to have my consulting company acquired so that I can travel.  I want to learn more about technology. I am a life-long learner. 

What one idea would you like to share with the Silver Disobedience community?

Get curious! Do not let fear, that voice in your head (aka assumptions), technology, or your environment that inhibit your curiosity! 

How can our readers follow you on social media?

My handle is @drdianehamilton on all Social Platforms. Come connect and chat with me!