Curiosity at Work

Curiosity at Work | Michael Greer, ArtsFund, a nonprofit that supports arts organizations

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.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
Website:https://curiositybased.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Michael Greer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelromygreer
Website: https://www.artsfund.org/

Curiosity at Work | How Curiosity Fuels HR Leadership and Talent Strategy: Insights from Britt Provost, CHRO of Siteimprove

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.
 
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
Website:https://curiositybased.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Britt Provost:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-provost-2ba461/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britt_provost/
Company website: https://www.siteimprove.com/press/britt-provost-joins-siteimprove-as-its-first-chief-human-resources-officer/

Curiosity at Work | Cultivating Curiosity and Innovation in Public Planning with Lauren Flemister

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.
 
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
Website:https://curiositybased.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Lauren Flemister:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-flemister-2481449/
Website: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/4999/Planning-Public-Works

Curiosity at Work | Curiosity and Leadership: Michael Jacobson, Deputy Director at King County

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.
 
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
Website:https://curiositybased.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Michael Jacobson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jacobson-measure
Website: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive/governance-leadership/performance-strategy-budget

Curiosity at Work | How Curiosity Drives Seattle's Future

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.
 
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
Website:https://curiositybased.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Rico Quirindongo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricoquirindongo
Website: https://www.seattle.gov/opcd
Transforming communities through architecture | TEDxSeattle: https://youtu.be/OexH-soVbxw?si=xO5a7LBt1D824fU1

Curiosity at Work | How do you lead with curiosity in a fast-growing nonprofit?

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/
Website:https://curiositybased.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
 Connect with Joe Sky-Tucker
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sky-tucker/ 
https://businessimpactnw.org/about-us/staff/ 
Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com.
#Leadership #CuriosityAtWork #NonprofitLeadership #EmpathyInLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #LearningOrganizations #Podcast #Curiosity

Curiosity at Work | Harnessing Storytelling and Curiosity in a Remote Culture with Jennifer Strachan

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/
Curiosity Based
https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com
#CuriosityAtWork #Storytelling #RemoteWork #Leadership #OrganizationalCulture #Communication

Curiosity at Work | Fostering Curiosity in Public Housing with Rachael Steward

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.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
LinkedIn: Julie Pham
Website: CuriosityBased
Instagram: Julie Pham, PhD
Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com
#CuriosityAtWork #PublicHousing #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #SelfAwareness #RelationshipBuilding #ClearCommunication #ContinuousLearning #SeattleHousingAuthority

Curiosity at Work | Practicing Curiosity in Hunger Relief with Amythst Shipman

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Amythst Shipman, Director of Project Management at Food Lifeline, Western Washington's largest hunger relief organization. Amy shares her experiences and insights on how curiosity plays a vital role in their mission to fight hunger.
Learn about the diverse roles within Food Lifeline, from warehouse employees to grant writers, and how they manage a hybrid work environment. Discover the challenges and creativity involved in coordinating a workforce of 120 staff and over 17,000 volunteers annually.
Amy emphasizes the importance of fostering self-awareness, building relationships, and clear communication within the organization. She shares stories of how bringing people along in her learning journey has led to shared insights and improved processes. Listen as she discusses the significance of passion and curiosity in their work, especially during the hiring process.
Explore how Amy navigates the complexities of hunger relief work, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, and the continuous practice of curiosity. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in enhancing their workplace culture and leadership approach through curiosity.
Connect with Amythst Shipman:
LinkedIn: Amythst Shipman
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
LinkedIn: Julie Pham
Website: CuriosityBased
Instagram: Julie Pham PhD
Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com
#CuriosityAtWork #HungerRelief #Leadership #SelfAwareness #RelationshipBuilding #HybridWork #FoodLifeline #Mentorship #Coaching #WorkplaceCulture

Curiosity at Work | Embracing Curiosity and Building Connections with Mikaela Kiner

Join Dr. Julie Pham in this engaging episode of Curiosity at Work as she sits down with Mikaela Kiner, founder of Reverb, a people operations consulting firm. Mikaela shares her extensive experience in HR and entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights into cultivating curiosity, self-awareness, and clear communication in the workplace.
Tune in to learn how Mikaela's approach to curiosity and relationship building can inspire you to create a more connected and dynamic workplace.
Key Points:
Mikaela's professional background and the founding of Reverb.
Practical tips for giving and receiving feedback to enhance self-awareness.
Building and maintaining relationships in a hybrid work setting.
The role of psychological safety in fostering open communication.
Mikaela's personal experiences with remote work and how they inform her leadership style.
Don't miss this insightful episode packed with actionable advice for leaders and HR professionals looking to integrate curiosity into their workplace culture.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
https://curiositybased.com/
https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Mikaela Kiner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelakiner/ 
https://reverbpeople.com/ 
Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com
 
#CuriosityAtWork #HRLeadership #SelfAwareness #RemoteWork #FeedbackCulture #WorkplaceRelationships #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipTips

Curiosity at Work | Harnessing Curiosity with Elizabeth Scallon: Innovation, Leadership, and Tech

Join Dr. Julie Pham in an enlightening conversation with Elizabeth Scallon, a dynamic leader in the tech world. Elizabeth has an impressive background spanning higher education, startups, industry, and funding. Currently, she holds the title of Director of Corporate Incubation at HP, where she helps bring innovative ideas to life and make a significant impact.
In this episode, Elizabeth discusses her role in fostering curiosity at work, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, relationship building, and clear communication. She shares her experiences in the tech startup world, the value of early customer feedback, and the challenges of managing expectations.
This episode is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, the role of curiosity in innovation, and the continuous journey of professional growth. Don't miss this chance to learn from Elizabeth's wealth of experience and apply her insights to your own work environment.
About Elizabeth Scallon:
Elizabeth Scallon is the Director of Corporate Incubation at HP. With a rich career that includes roles at the University of Washington, Amazon's corporate venture arm, and WeWork, Elizabeth has a deep understanding of the tech startup ecosystem. She also founded Find Ventures, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds with early-stage funding.
Connect with Host Julie Pham:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
CuriosityBased: https://curiositybased.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Elizabeth Scallon:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethscallon/
https://x.com/E_Scallon
Produced by: TitanMediaWorx
#CuriosityAtWork #Leadership #SelfAwareness #WorkplaceCulture #TechInnovation #JuliePham #ElizabethScallon #RemoteWork #Startups

Curiosity at Work | Jim Loter on Building a Connected Workplace Culture

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham chats with Jim Loter, Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Seattle IT, about how curiosity drives innovation and fosters a positive workplace culture. With a rich background in higher education, local government, and libraries, Jim shares valuable lessons from his career.
Jim discusses the importance of self-awareness, his journey from self-criticism to recognizing strengths, and the power of one-on-one coaching. He emphasizes relationship building in a hybrid work environment, advocating for psychological safety and debunking myths about productivity and employee well-being. Learn about the strategies Seattle IT uses to create a supportive workplace, including their innovative annual learning conference.
Why Watch: Get inspired by Jim Loter’s insights on leadership, self-awareness, and fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation.
Guest Information: Jim Loter is the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Seattle IT with extensive experience in technology leadership and public service.
Connect with Jim Loter:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimloter/
https://www.jimloter.com/
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
https://curiositybased.com/
https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com
Hashtags: #CuriosityAtWork #SelfAwareness #PublicService #WorkplaceCulture #TechLeadership #RelationshipBuilding

Curiosity at Work | Julie Interviews Joe Todd

Joe Todd: Leadership, Empathy, and Curiosity in Public Service
Join Dr. Julie Pham as she has an insightful conversation with Joe Todd, a longtime public servant and the Deputy City Manager at the City of Bellevue. Joe is also the vice chair of the African American Commission for Washington State. In this episode, Joe shares his journey, experiences, and the values that guide his leadership style.
✨ Episode Highlights:
Building and nurturing enduring relationships at work
The importance of empathy and love in leadership
Navigating challenges as an African-American executive leader
The significance of transparency and clear communication
Fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement
Joe reflects on his career, the influence of his parents, and the importance of being self-aware and authentic in the workplace. He offers valuable insights into how leaders can support their teams and create inclusive environments.
Connect with:
Julie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/ 
Joe Todd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephctodd/ 
Produced by Titan Media Worx: This episode is part of “Curiosity at Work,” a podcast that delves into the journeys of inspiring leaders and the values that drive them. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring conversations that explore the intersection of leadership, empathy, and curiosity.
#Leadership #PublicService #Empathy #CuriosityAtWork #PodcastLife #JoeTodd #JuliePodcast #CityOfBellevue