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How to Promote Yourself Professionally Without Bragging

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Talking about your accomplishments is an important part of career growth. However, it can feel uncomfortable or awkward, especially when you don’t want to come across as bragging. Dr. Julie Pham shares five practical tips on how to promote yourself professionally without bragging and in a humble and impactful way. These strategies allow you to share your achievements without feeling boastful, helping you gain recognition and build stronger connections in your career.

1. Focus on the Impact

When sharing an accomplishment, shift the focus to the impact it had on others. For example, rather than just saying “I created a business development program,” talk about how it helped generate new revenue and customers for 10 independently owned restaurants. By highlighting the results and the benefits to others, you demonstrate your value without sounding self-centered.

2. Share a Lesson Learned

Talking about a lesson you’ve learned not only shows your growth but also adds value to the listener. Dr. Pham shares her experience of creating a program to connect people across different industries. In the process, she learned how to tailor her communication style to suit different audiences. By framing your accomplishments as learning experiences, you make your success relatable and valuable to others.

3. Share the Glory

When discussing your achievements, it’s a great opportunity to give credit to others involved. For example, Dr. Pham mentions how she created a program with three other inspiring entrepreneurs. By sharing the credit, you show that you value teamwork and collaboration, which also makes your accomplishment feel more genuine and grounded.

4. Share Why It Matters

When talking about your accomplishments, explain why it’s meaningful to you. Sharing the personal significance behind an achievement allows you to connect with others on a deeper level. Dr. Pham, for example, is proud of earning a graduate degree because no one in her family went to college. Providing context and showing what you value makes your accomplishments more relatable.

5. Share What Others Have Said

You can also promote yourself by referencing positive feedback you’ve received from others. For instance, Dr. Pham shares how many audience members have told her that her keynote was meaningful. This provides external validation and reinforces your achievements without you having to say much about it yourself.

Conclusion: Promoting Yourself with Confidence

Promoting yourself can be difficult, but sharing your accomplishments adds value to a conversation and helps others get to know you better. It’s not about bragging—it’s about showcasing your contributions and experiences in a way that builds connection and recognition.

If you found these tips helpful, please like and share this post! You can also check out our video on four tips to avoid sounding arrogant 

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Seven Free Ways to Boost Your Creativity and Learn New Things

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7 Free Ways to Boost Your Creativity and Learn Something New

If you’re looking to open yourself up to creative inspiration, here are seven free ways to boost your creativity and learn something new. These simple activities can spark fresh ideas and help you engage with the world around you in a new way.

1. Volunteer for an Unfamiliar Organization

Volunteering for a cause outside of your usual interests is an excellent way to expand your perspective and learn. Dr. Julie shares her experience volunteering with an organization that brings visitors to prisons. During her time at Monroe prison, she had meaningful conversations with incarcerated individuals, gaining incredible insights into the prison system and justice. Volunteering in unfamiliar settings can broaden your knowledge and inspire creative thinking.

2. Browse the Library’s “How-To” Section

The library is a goldmine for learning new skills—especially practical ones. Check out the “how-to” section to pick up a book on home maintenance or another topic that sparks your curiosity. Libraries offer free access to a wide variety of knowledge and skills, providing countless opportunities for creative learning.

3. Go for a Phone-Free, GPS-Free Walk in an Unknown Area

Take a walk in a new part of town without your phone or GPS. This forces you to engage your mind, look for landmarks, and navigate without technology’s help. If you get lost, you’ll have to ask for directions, turning the experience into a fun and interactive way to engage with your surroundings.

4. House Sit in a Different Neighborhood

House sitting offers a unique way to experience new environments without spending money. Look for house-sitting opportunities in different neighborhoods or house styles than you’re used to. It gives you the chance to immerse yourself in a new setting, see how others live, and embrace the experience of living in a different space for a while.

5. Talk to a Stranger

Stepping out of your comfort zone and talking to someone you don’t know can be a source of new ideas and inspiration. Unexpected conversations can offer valuable insights, historical context, and creative sparks that you might not otherwise encounter.

6. People Watch

Engage in people-watching to boost your creativity. Visit a local park, community center, or shopping mall and observe the interactions around you. As an amateur anthropologist, you’ll notice body language, behaviors, and social dynamics that can inspire new ideas. This simple activity can provide a fresh perspective on human behavior and inspire creative thinking.

7. Play Tourist in Your Own City

Tourism doesn’t have to mean traveling far. By playing tourist in your own city, you can gain a fresh perspective on familiar places. Explore with the eyes of an outsider, rediscovering hidden gems and new spots in your area. This shift in perspective can be eye-opening and inspire new creative ideas.

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We hope these tips help you break out of your routine, embrace new experiences, and spark your creativity. If you found this post useful, please like and share it!

Also, check out her video on How to Be a Tourist for Cheap in Your Own City  for more inspiration.

#16 Curiosity in municipal economic development with Diem Ly

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Curiosity at Work: Diem Ly on Municipal Economic Development and Inclusive Growth

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, “Curiosity in municipal economic development with Diem Ly,” Dr. Julie Pham interviews Diem Ly, Division Director at the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development (OED). Diem shares her unique journey from community journalism and telecommunications to leading citywide efforts for inclusive economic growth. She discusses OED’s mission to support businesses, neighborhoods, and entire industries, ensuring opportunities reach all Seattle residents, regardless of background.

Navigating Post-Pandemic Economic Development

As the city adapts to a post-pandemic landscape, Diem reflects on the challenges of prioritizing the diverse needs of various stakeholders. She highlights the complexities of managing economic growth in a city that is rebuilding after a crisis. With a growing team, OED focuses on fostering inclusive growth while addressing urgent and long-term community needs.

The Role of Curiosity in Public Service

Diem, a relatively new public servant, compares her experience in the private sector to her role in public service. She discusses the importance of continuously learning about the many stakeholders she partners with and how public servants must document and share these insights within the organization. This ensures that community groups are not repeatedly asked for the same information, fostering better relationships with local residents and businesses.

Creating a Learning Culture Within OED

Diem emphasizes the importance of creating a feedback culture within her team. She believes it’s essential to encourage openness about mistakes and to embrace learning opportunities. This approach is key to maintaining a dynamic and responsive team. By fostering an environment where learning is operationalized across OED, Diem helps her department continually improve its processes.

Drawing Inspiration from Diverse Perspectives

Diem also draws inspiration from her family conversations, which inspire her personal curiosity. She believes that embracing different perspectives requires slowing down, acknowledging our assumptions, and being open to change. This practice strengthens her ability to practice curiosity at work, enhancing her leadership style and approach to community engagement. Diem underscores how curiosity, when embraced by teams, can build stronger relationships and lead to more thoughtful solutions in public service.

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#15 Curiosity as a port commissioner with Ryan Calkins

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Curiosity at Work: Ryan Calkins on Curiosity as a Port Commissioner and Public Service Leadership

In episode #15 of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commissioner and advisor at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). With two distinct roles spanning the public and research sectors, Ryan shares how curiosity helps him navigate complex challenges, foster innovation, and balance competing priorities.

Navigating the Port of Seattle and Public Service

The Port of Seattle is a public agency managing the Seattle airport and seaport, with over 2,700 employees, including 1,000 tradespeople. As commissioner, Ryan plays a key role in co-writing the budget alongside the Port’s Executive Director and providing oversight for the agency. In addition to his work at the Port, Ryan advises at PNNL, one of 17 U.S. regional research institutions. PNNL employs 6,500 people, mostly scientists, and Ryan focuses on connecting these scientists with industry to drive innovation.

Overcoming Barriers to Curiosity in Public Service

Ryan discusses the barriers to curiosity in public service, particularly the pressures of balancing stewardship with public scrutiny. As an elected official, he emphasizes the need to adapt to new facts while creating spaces for innovation without compromising essential services. He also reflects on the importance of handling power dynamics carefully, noting that criticizing privately and thanking publicly helps foster trust and collaboration with staff.

Curiosity and Thoughtful Leadership

Through his diverse experiences, from small business ownership to environmental advocacy, Ryan exemplifies how curiosity can fuel thoughtful leadership. Whether addressing complex issues of equity or exploring new opportunities in renewable energy, Ryan’s approach demonstrates the transformative power of curiosity. His leadership not only helps solve challenging problems but also inspires others to innovate and grow.

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#RyanCalkins #PortOfSeattle #PNNL #CuriosityAtWork #Leadership #PublicService #Innovation #RenewableEnergy #WorkplaceCulture #EnvironmentalAdvocacy

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#14 Curiosity for early leaning providers with Phoebe Sade

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Curiosity at Work: Phoebe Sade on Leadership and Innovation in the Social Sector

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, “Curiosity for early leaning providers with Phoebe Sade,” Dr. Julie Pham interviews Phoebe Sade, Executive Officer of BrightSpark Early Learning Services, to explore how curiosity shapes leadership in the nonprofit sector. Phoebe leads a rapidly growing nonprofit that has expanded from 35 to 145 staff members. BrightSpark supports providers in King and Pierce counties, helping them access essential services to offer the best possible care for children and families.

Navigating Organizational Growth and Scaling Challenges

Phoebe reflects on the challenges of scaling an organization, especially with 40% of the team hired in the last two years. She emphasizes the importance of adapting communication and decision-making processes to better serve both staff and the communities they serve. Phoebe’s leadership style encourages flexibility and innovation as her team navigates the complexities of growth while maintaining the core values of the organization.

The Role of Curiosity in Creativity and Innovation

Phoebe highlights the role of curiosity in fostering creativity and finding innovative solutions. She shares how her team has rethought traditional approaches, such as moving from one-on-one coaching to group models. Despite constraints like funding limitations in government contracts, Phoebe shows how these challenges can spark transformative ideas and approaches. Her leadership philosophy encourages staff to ask questions, challenge norms, and seek sustainable solutions that meet community needs without burning out.

Empathy and Openness: Core Values of Effective Leadership

Through candid reflections on her journey, Phoebe underscores the importance of empathy and openness in leadership. Whether managing rapid organizational growth or rethinking long-standing practices, she exemplifies how curiosity can drive change and create impactful solutions. Phoebe’s story is a powerful reminder of how curiosity, when embraced, can fuel innovation and help leaders navigate complex challenges in the nonprofit sector.

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe! 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!

#PhoebeSade #BrightSparkEarlyLearning #CuriosityAtWork #NonprofitLeadership #EarlyLearning #SocialImpact #Leadership #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #EmpathyInLeadership

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