David Achord Says Curiosity Is a Professional Skill, Not Just a Personality Trait

• California attorney explains why asking better questions and embracing lifelong learning can create opportunities far beyond a single career.

California, USA, Jul 30, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Curiosity is often viewed as a personality trait, something people either have or they don’t. California attorney David Achord sees it differently. After more than 20 years practicing law, he believes curiosity is a skill that professionals can develop throughout their careers, and one that often leads to unexpected opportunities.

From building a successful legal practice to spending years researching blockchain technology, launching charitable initiatives, and teaching himself guitar by ear, Achord says many of the most meaningful experiences in his life started with a simple question.

“I’ve never felt like I had to know everything,” says Achord. “What has helped me most is being willing to ask questions, keep learning, and stay open to ideas that are outside my comfort zone.”

Achord believes curiosity has become even more valuable in today’s rapidly changing professional environment. Industries evolve quickly, technology advances at a rapid pace, and the people who continue learning are often the ones best prepared to adapt.

For him, that mindset has shaped his legal career from the beginning.

“Law is one of those professions where you never stop learning,” he says. “Every client brings a different situation, and every case teaches you something new. If you stop asking questions, you stop growing.”

That same curiosity eventually led him beyond the legal profession.

More than eight years ago, Achord became interested in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Rather than focusing on headlines or speculation, he dedicated time to understanding how the technology worked and why it had the potential to influence industries far beyond finance.

“I wasn’t interested because it was popular,” he says. “I wanted to understand the technology itself. Once you understand how something works, you can have much better conversations about where it might be useful.”

Achord believes curiosity has practical value because it encourages people to think critically instead of accepting assumptions.

“You don’t have to become an expert in every subject,” he says. “But you should stay curious enough to keep learning. That’s how you continue improving, regardless of your profession.”

The same approach influenced his work outside of law.

Achord founded Shoes for Kids after recognizing that something as simple as proper footwear could make a meaningful difference for children. Through his personal contributions, the initiative has already helped deliver more than 500 pairs of shoes to children in Africa. He is also developing Water for Life, a nonprofit focused on providing durable water filtration systems to communities without reliable access to clean drinking water.

“I think curiosity also applies to helping people,” he says. “When you ask why a problem exists, you start thinking about solutions instead of simply accepting the way things are.”

Even his hobbies reflect that philosophy.

After playing drums for more than two decades, Achord decided to learn guitar. Rather than enrolling in formal lessons, he began teaching himself by listening to songs and figuring them out by ear.

“It’s definitely a slower process,” he says with a laugh. “But I’ve always enjoyed learning by experimenting. Every mistake teaches you something, and eventually those small improvements add up.”

Looking back, Achord sees a common thread connecting each chapter of his career and personal life. Whether practicing law, studying emerging technologies, building nonprofits, or learning music, each pursuit began with a willingness to ask questions and keep exploring.

He believes professionals sometimes place too much emphasis on already having the right answers instead of developing the habit of finding them.

“The people I admire most aren’t the ones who pretend to know everything,” he says. “They’re the ones who never stop learning. Curiosity isn’t something you outgrow. It’s something you keep developing throughout your life.”

About David Achord

David Achord is a California attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience. A graduate of the University of California, Davis School of Law, he has helped recover more than $100 million for clients throughout his career. He is also the founder of Shoes for Kids and Water for Life, charitable initiatives focused on expanding access to essential resources for underserved communities. Outside of his legal practice, Achord has spent more than eight years researching blockchain technology and enjoys fishing, music, and lifelong learning.