Curiosity at Work

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commissioner and advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Ryan shares how curiosity drives his leadership in public service, from fostering innovation through skunkworks programs  and connecting scientists with industries at PNNL. He reflects on navigating challenges as an elected official like public scrutiny, balancing competing priorities, and empowering teams to embrace creative problem-solving. Tune in to learn how Ryan uses curiosity to inspire innovation and tackle complex issues in public and research sectors.

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In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham chats with Phoebe Sade, Executive Officer of BrightSpark Early Learning Services, about how to apply curiosity to a rapidly growing nonprofit that relies primarily on government funding. Phoebe shares insights from leading BrightSpark through adapting communication for a younger, diverse workforce and rethinking coaching models to serve communities while preventing staff burnout. She emphasizes the role of empathy, openness, and giving staff permission to ask questions, challenge norms, and create impactful solutions within constraints. Tune in for practical lessons on fostering curiosity and driving meaningful change in the social sector.

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If you enjoyed this insightful conversation, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button! By subscribing, you'll never miss an episode filled with inspiring leaders and valuable discussions on how curiosity drives innovation, leadership, and workplace culture. Join us on the journey of continuous learning—subscribe now and stay curious!

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Michael Greer, CEO of ArtsFund, joins Dr. Julie Pham on the Curiosity at Work podcast to explore how curiosity drives leadership in the arts sector. In his role at ArtsFund, Michael oversees grant-making, capacity building, and advocacy to support over 800 arts organizations across Washington State. He shares how curiosity helps him navigate the challenges of managing a hybrid team, balancing support for grassroots organizations with the needs of larger entities, and leading in uncertain times. Michael emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity by creating environments where innovation is rewarded, and failure is a learning opportunity.

Drawing on his global experience in arts and business leadership, Michael discusses the critical role curiosity plays in addressing the fear and uncertainty faced by arts organizations today. He explains how ArtsFund promotes not only financial support but also leadership and collaboration across the sector. Michael encourages arts leaders to embrace new technologies and evolving entertainment formats as complementary rather than competitive, urging them to view these changes as entry points for engaging new audiences.

Through his unique leadership journey, including his early career as a professional ballet dancer and his global experiences in China and India, Michael shares practical strategies for cultivating curiosity in the workplace. His commitment to empowering his team to ask questions, try new approaches, and embrace risk serves as a blueprint for fostering innovation and resilience in the ever-evolving arts landscape.

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• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelromygreer

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, host Dr. Julie Pham chats with Britt Provost, a seasoned people and talent executive with over 20 years of experience in global tech. Currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Siteimprove, Britt is committed to creating progressive career experiences through the efforts of her HR team. Having previously held executive roles at Accolade, Promethean, and Apptio, Britt shares her insights on how curiosity plays a vital role in talent development and leadership within fast-paced tech environments.

Throughout the episode, Britt discusses the unique challenges that come with leading a global team across multiple locations. She highlights how fostering curiosity in the workplace can drive innovation, particularly in the tech industry, where risk-taking and adaptability are crucial for success. Britt also explains the importance of having ready structures for people to use to start engaging effectively..

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how curiosity helps shape Britt’s leadership philosophy, both in her current role at Siteimprove and throughout her extensive career. Britt’s dedication to people development and her strategic approach to HR underscore the importance of creating cultures that encourage continuous learning and open dialogue, especially in dynamic industries like tech.

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• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-provost-2ba461/

Lauren Flemister, Assistant Director of Planning and Public Works at Pierce County, brings over 17 years of experience across community and regional planning, architecture, and public affairs. Her impressive career includes leadership roles in the City of Tacoma's Planning and Development Services Department and the City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development. In the Curiosity at Work podcast, Lauren shared insights about how curiosity can transform complex work environments. One of her key approaches is fostering an environment where employees feel safe to ask questions and challenge traditional ways of thinking. This, she believes, is essential for organizations to adapt and thrive in the face of rapid change.

During the podcast conversation with Dr. Julie Pham, Lauren highlighted the importance of bridging long-range planning with infrastructure development. At Pierce County, she oversees a diverse range of operations, from maintaining roads to managing airports and solid waste. Her current focus is on integrating strategic planning with implementation, ensuring that underserved communities receive the attention and resources they need. By creating a workplace culture that values curiosity, Lauren encourages her team to view obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth.

Lauren’s unique background in architecture, urban planning, and public affairs influences her leadership style, making her a bridge-builder within the organization. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and innovation, even in environments where people have long tenures. Whether it’s through supporting staff in career development or ensuring seamless knowledge transfer during the "silver tsunami" of retirements, Lauren’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that fostering curiosity not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens communities.

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• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-flemister-2481449/

In this episode of the Curiosity at Work podcast, Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Michael Jacobson, an award-winning national leader in organizational performance management and the Deputy Director at King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget. During the conversation, Michael shares insights into his extensive work establishing King County’s performance management systems, including the first countywide strategic plan and public performance reporting. He also dives into the complexities of his role and the challenges of balancing strategic planning with managing diverse teams working on criminal legal system reform, homelessness, and community grants.

Michael discusses how practicing curiosity has shaped his approach to leadership and team dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of creating a work environment where team members feel safe to express curiosity, even in a bureaucratic system filled with rules and limitations. His anecdotal experiences, like building relationships through informal lunches with colleagues, illustrate the positive impact of fostering curiosity and authentic connections within large, complex organizations. Michael’s candid thoughts on navigating hierarchy, politics, and equity in government work provide a nuanced view of what it takes to lead with curiosity and purpose in the public sector.

The episode also touches on Michael's unique perspectives on equity and social justice, including his experience with the Interbranch Equity Team and his ongoing efforts to incorporate equity analysis into performance measurement. He shares his thoughts on the role of historical markers and public narratives, challenging listeners to reflect on who gets to tell these stories and how they evolve over time. It’s a thought-provoking discussion that offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in public service, organizational leadership, or simply how to cultivate curiosity in a structured environment.

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• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jacobson-measure

In the latest episode of Curiosity at Work, host Dr. Julie Pham welcomes Rico Quirindongo, the Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) for the City of Seattle. Together, they dive into how curiosity shapes the workplace and the dynamic role it plays in city planning. Rico shares insights into the structure of his office, which comprises 50 people, including planners and finance experts, working across divisions like equitable development and land-use policy. Their mission is to shape the future of Seattle in a way that balances sustainability, community needs, and growth.

Rico discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing curiosity with the pragmatism required in the political landscape. As a department heavily scrutinized by both local and international audiences, OPCD constantly navigates the tension between innovative problem-solving and meeting public expectations. He also touches on how the team works both remotely and in-person to foster collaboration, while keeping an eye on their goal of shaping Seattle into a livable, thriving city.

The episode highlights some of the critical projects undertaken by OPCD, such as working with different stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for transit hubs. Rico illustrates the complexity of these projects, where multiple stakeholders, timelines, and budgetary constraints must align. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes that curiosity remains a vital tool for navigating the intricacies of city development, even when political pressures demand concrete results.

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• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricoquirindongo

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham chats with Joe Sky-Tucker, CEO of Business Impact Northwest, to explore how curiosity shapes leadership and culture in the nonprofit world. Joe shares stories from his journey—moving from a micromanager to a leader who deeply listens to his team and finds creative ways to say "yes" whenever possible.

Joe talks about the power of promoting from within, trusting people to step into leadership roles, and why it’s important to admit when we don’t have all the answers. Julie and Joe also dive into the challenges of maintaining curiosity when everyone is swamped with deadlines and how finding time to pause and reflect can make all the difference.

If you’re interested in creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, you’ll want to listen in. This conversation is full of practical advice and real talk on how to lead with empathy, especially when things get tough.

Listen to this episode and let us know in the comments: How do you keep curiosity alive in your work? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone who could use a dose of inspiration.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/

 Connect with Joe Sky-Tucker

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sky-tucker/ 

https://businessimpactnw.org/about-us/staff/ 

Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com.

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In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham is joined by Jennifer Strachan, CEO of inReach, a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of storytelling to reshape cultural narratives. Jennifer shares insights from her 25-year career in public and commercial media, including her experiences as an Emmy Award-winning producer. She discusses how inReach has navigated a major organizational shift, embraced a fully remote work model, and fostered curiosity among a diverse team.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of understanding individual communication styles in remote settings, the role of values in defining workplace culture, and creative ways to build connections, such as sharing personal stories and images that bring joy. Tune in to explore how curiosity can drive transformation in both storytelling and organizational culture.

Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/

Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com

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In this episode of Curiosity at Work,"Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Rachael Steward, the Deputy Director of Housing Operations at Seattle Housing Authority. Rachael brings a wealth of experience from her 20-year career in public service, including roles in higher education and public housing. She shares her insights on fostering curiosity in a diverse and dynamic workplace.

Rachael provides an in-depth look at the Seattle Housing Authority, which serves as the largest affordable housing provider in the city, housing around 37,000 people in 9,000 units. She discusses the operational challenges and opportunities in managing a workforce of nearly 900 employees, most of whom work on-site due to the hands-on nature of their roles in property management, maintenance, and community services.

Throughout the episode, Rachael emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and curiosity as a practice, which she instills in her team. She recounts a personal story that highlights the need for self-awareness and the value of admitting mistakes to foster a culture of mutual learning. Rachael also touches on the difficulties of practicing curiosity in a bureaucratic environment and how understanding the diverse backgrounds of team members can bridge communication gaps.

Join us for this enlightening conversation as Rachael Steward shares her journey and practical tips on how to cultivate curiosity and continuous improvement in the public housing sector.

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Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com

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