In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Ed Ewing, Executive Director of Bike Works, a Seattle-based nonprofit that empowers youth and builds community through bicycles. With over 30 years of leadership experience in marketing, nonprofit strategy, and community building, Ed shares how his deep passion for social justice, racial equity, and cycling fuels the mission at Bike Works. From selling refurbished bikes to funding youth programs, Ed explains how Bike Works operates as a nonprofit bike shop, reinvesting all revenue into the community. His visionary leadership focuses on creating access for underserved communities, especially in Seattle’s South End, while using the bike as a powerful tool for connection and transformation.
Ed dives into how curiosity helped guide Bike Works through the pandemic and beyond. Faced with shuttered youth programs and a rising demand for bike repairs, Ed and his team repurposed their skills to launch the BikeMobile—a roaming shop delivering low-cost and free bike services to neighborhoods in need. He emphasizes the importance of practicing curiosity as a leader: asking questions, listening deeply, and being open to change. Ed’s mantra, “Be curious and don’t take it personally,” helps him navigate uncertainty with compassion and clarity, fostering a workplace culture where growth and feedback are welcomed.
Under Ed’s leadership, Bike Works has become a model for how nonprofits can integrate social justice into every aspect of their operations, from expanding wellness time and pay equity to making room for staff-led innovation. Whether mentoring staff, redefining nonprofit success, or sparking joy through cycling, Ed Ewing embodies what it means to lead with curiosity, transparency, and heart. His story reminds us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask better questions.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
- Website: https://curiositybased.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Ed Ewing:
- Website: https://bikeworks.org/
- Email: ed@bikeworks.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ewing-07b85824
#EdEwing #BikeWorks #CuriosityAtWork #NonprofitLeadership #SocialJustice #RacialEquity #CommunityEmpowerment #YouthDevelopment #LeadershipWithPurpose #SeattleNonprofits #BikesForChange
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