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In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Michael Byun, Executive Director of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), to explore how curiosity drives leadership in the nonprofit sector. With over 25 years of experience in health disparities, social justice, and immigrant and refugee issues, Michael leads a team of over 320 employees at ACRS, Washington’s largest health and social service agency dedicated to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. He shares how curiosity helps navigate the complexities of serving diverse populations, managing multilingual teams, and balancing urgent community needs with long-term policy advocacy.
Michael emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of learning and adaptability within ACRS. He discusses the organization’s hybrid work model, designed to support employees in emotionally demanding roles, and the value of creating spaces where staff feel safe asking questions and challenging assumptions. Michael also highlights the need for intentional leadership—recognizing when to pause, listen, and reflect before making decisions, especially in high-pressure situations. Through real-world examples, he illustrates how curiosity plays a critical role in problem-solving, from navigating community safety concerns to advocating for equitable policies.
As a longtime advocate and Obama-appointed member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Michael brings a unique perspective on how curiosity fuels both grassroots efforts and large-scale systemic change. He encourages leaders to embrace different perspectives, recognize the power of inquiry, and create inclusive spaces where innovation can thrive. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to lead with empathy, curiosity, and a deep commitment to community impact.
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 Byun:
- Email: michaelb@acrs.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbyun/
- Website: https://acrs.org/
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