Resources
podcasts, leadership book lists, quick tips, best practices, and more!Jump from the topics below to learn more about the CuriosityBased culture, values and thought leadership.
Leadership Booklist
2026 LGBTQIA+ Authored Leadership Book List n honor of Pride Month, CuriosityBased curated this 2026 LGBTQIA+ Authored Leadership Book List of books written by authors that identify as LGBTQIA+. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are listed in alphabetical order by book title. Check out all of the […]
2026 AANHPI Authored Leadership Books In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, CuriosityBased curated this 2026 AANHPI Authored Leadership Book List of books written by AANHPI authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are listed in alphabetical order by book title. Check out all of the CuriosityBased curated […]
2026 Women Authored Leadership Book List We curated this list 2026 Women Authored Leadership Book List to promote women authored leadership books. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement and the books listed are in alphabetical order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify as LGBTQIA+, AANHPI, Native American, […]
2026 Black Authored Leadership Books We created this list to promote Black authored leadership books. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement and the books listed are in alphabetical order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify as LGBTQIA+, AANHPI, Native American, Women, and Hispanic/ Latino/ […]
In honor of Alaska Native & Native American Month, we’ve updated our Native American & Alaska Native Authored Leadership Book List. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify […]
We created this list to promote leadership books by disabled authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify as LGBTQIA+, AANHPI, Native American, women, and Hispanic/ Latino/ Latinx. […]
In honor of Latin American History Month, we updated our list of leadership books with 132 leadership books written by Hispanic/ Latino/ Latinx authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. Check out our other leadership book lists by […]
In honor of Pride Month, we created this list of 197 leadership books written by LGBTQIA+ authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked in any particular order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify as LGBTQIA+, AANHPI, Native American, women, […]
In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, we created this 2025 AANHPI Authored Leadership Book List of books written by AANHPI authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked in any particular order. You can check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify […]
In honor of Women’s History Month, we created this list of 500+ 2025 leadership books written by women, and by people who identify as women. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked in any particular order. We hope that you enjoyed exploring our 2025 leadership […]
In honor of Black History Month, we created this list of 250+ leadership books written by black authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. Since we work really hard to create these lists, we hope these authors will […]
We created this list of 111 Leadership Books Written by Native American and Alaska Native Authors to promote leadership narratives written by people of Native American and Alaska Native Heritage. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order.
We created this list to promote leadership books by disabled authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify as LGBTQIA+, AANHPI, Native American, women, and Hispanic/ Latino/ Latinx. […]
We created this list of 131 Leadership Books Written by Hispanic/Latino/Latinx Authors to promote leadership narratives written by the Hispanic/Latino/Latinx community. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order.
In honor of Pride Month, we created this list of 160 Leadership Books Written by LGBTQIA+ Authors to promote leadership narratives written by the LGBTQ+ community. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. You can view all of our […]
In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, we created this list of 2024 AANHPI Authored Leadership Book List. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked in any particular order. You can view all of our leadership book lists here.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we created this list of 500+ Leadership Books Written By Women authored by people who identify as women. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked in any particular order.
In honor of Black History Month, we created this list 220+ Leadership Books Written by Black Authors, authored by Black leaders. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order.
We created this list to promote leadership narratives written by people of Native American and Alaska Native Heritage. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order.
We created this list to promote leadership narratives written by the Hispanic/Latino/Latinx community. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify as LGBTQIA+, AANHPI, Native American, women, and those […]
We created this list to promote leadership narratives written by the LGBTQ+ community. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order. Check out our other leadership book lists by authors who identify as LGBTQIA+, AANHPI, Native American, women, and those […]
In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, we created this list of books written by AANHPI authors. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked in any particular order.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we created this list of books authored by people who identify as women. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked in any particular order.
In honor of Black History Month, we created this list of books authored by Black leaders. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order.
We created this list to promote leadership narratives written by people of American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage. This list is meant to be a resource, not an official endorsement. The books are not ranked or listed in any particular order.
Podcast: Curiosity at Work
#33: Curiosity in Musical Theater with Ariel Gomez-Bradler In Curiosity at Work podcast episode 33: Curiosity in Musical Theater with Ariel Gomez-Bradler, Julie speaks with Ariel who is the Managing Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre, about curiosity in musical theater and the arts. Theater is more than what happens on stage. It is production teams, designers, […]
32: Curiosity in Life Enrichment with Monika Mathews Curiosity at Work podcast episode 32: Curiosity in Life Enrichment with Monika Mathews, Dr. Julie Pham speaks with Monika, CEO and founder of Queen Care and Life Enrichment Group. They discuss the importance of curiosity in entrepreneurship, the evolution of Queen Care from a nonprofit initiative, and […]
#31: Curiosity in County IT with Viggo Forde In Curiosity at Work podcast episode 31: Curiosity in County IT with Viggo Forde, Dr. Julie Pham speaks with Viggo Forde, the Chief Information Officer for Snohomish County. They discuss the role of curiosity in the IT sector, particularly within government operations. Viggo shares his experiences from […]
#30 Curiosity in Arts & Lecture with Rebecca Hoogs What does curiosity look like in arts leadership? In the Curiosity at Work podcast episode #30 Curiosity in Arts & Lecture with Rebecca Hoogs, Dr. Julie Pham speaks with Rebecca Hoogs, Executive Director of Seattle Arts & Lectures, about curiosity as a core leadership value. Rebecca’s […]
#29 Curiosity in Healthcare IT with Bradd Busick What does curiosity look like inside a healthcare system? In Episode 29 of the Curiosity at Work podcast, Curiosity in Healthcare IT with Bradd Busick, Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Bradd, Senior Vice President and CIO at MultiCare Health, to explore how curiosity shapes healthcare IT, […]
#28 Curiosity in Community Action with Janice Deguchi In episode #28 of Curiosity at Work podcast: “Curiosity in Community Action with Janice Deguchi,” Dr. Julie Pham interviews Deguchi, executive director of Neighborhood House, a community action organization. They discuss the importance of curiosity in the social service sector, the structure and services of Neighborhood House, […]
Curiosity at Work: Dr. Andrew Robertson on Fostering Curiosity and Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham talks with Dr. Andrew Robertson, Vice President and Head of Global Regulatory Policy and Innovation at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. With a career spanning science, law, and health policy, Andrew shares how […]
In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham explores curiosity in nonprofit retail with 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, Ed shares his passion for social justice, racial equity, and cycling. These values drive […]
Curiosity at Work: Melodie Reynolds on Revolutionizing the Beauty Industry with Sustainability and Curiosity In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Melodie Reynolds, founder and CEO of Elate Beauty, a company transforming the beauty industry with sustainability, ethical sourcing, and conscious capitalism. Melodie shares how curiosity in sustainable cosmetics led her […]
Curiosity at Work: Michael Byun on Leadership, Curiosity, and Social Change in Health and Social Services In episode 24 of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Michael Byun, Executive Director of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), to explore how curiosity influences leadership in health and social services. Michael shares how curiosity drives effective […]
Curiosity at Work: Tom Fay on Curiosity and Innovation in Public Libraries In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Tom Fay, Executive Director and Chief Librarian of The Seattle Public Library (SPL). Tom discusses how curiosity drives innovation in public libraries. With over 42 years of experience, he shares his journey […]
In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Jerry Waldron, Interim Construction Management Director and Drainage & Wastewater Project Management Manager at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). With a 35-year career spanning both private sector engineering and public infrastructure, Jerry shares insights on leading large-scale capital improvement projects that directly impact the daily […]
Curiosity at Work: Dr. Amy Morrison on Leadership and Curiosity in Community Colleges In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Dr. Amy Morrison, the ninth president of Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech). Dr. Morrison discusses the importance of curiosity in community colleges and how it has guided her leadership journey. […]
Curiosity at Work: Cynthia Tee on Leadership, Innovation, and Curiosity in Software Engineering In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Cynthia Tee, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Smartsheet. Cynthia shares her leadership journey in software engineering, spanning over two decades, and how curiosity has played a pivotal role in her […]
Curiosity at Work: Shannon Drotning on Curiosity and Innovation in Health Insurance In episode 19 of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Shannon Drotning, Market President for the West Coast at Providence Health Plan. Shannon shares her inspiring career journey, from starting as a customer service representative to becoming a senior leader in healthcare. […]
Curiosity at Work: Harold Scroggins on Leadership, Innovation, and Curiosity in Emergency Services In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Harold D. Scroggins, Chief of the Seattle Fire Department. Chief Scroggins shares his remarkable 35-year journey of curiosity in emergency services and the evolving role of the fire department. He discusses […]
In episode 17 of Curiosity at Work podcast, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Rachel Suman, Chief Experience Officer at the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Rachel shares her inspiring journey from administrative professional to executive leader, providing valuable insights into the evolving role of administrative professionals across industries. IAAP, with over 7,000 members and a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Curiosity at Work: Michael Greer on Leadership and Innovation in the Arts Sector 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. As the CEO of ArtsFund, Michael oversees grant-making, capacity building, and advocacy for over 800 arts organizations […]
In this episode of Curiosity at Work, host Dr. Julie Pham talks with Britt Provost, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Siteimprove. A seasoned HR professional, Britt has over 20 years of experience in global technology. She creates progressive career experiences through her HR team’s efforts. She believes curiosity is essential to HR leadership and […]
Curiosity at Work: Lauren Flemister on Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Community Development Lauren Flemister, Assistant Director of Planning and Public Works at Pierce County, brings over 17 years of experience in community and regional planning, architecture, and public affairs. She has held leadership roles in the City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services Department and […]
Curiosity at Work: Michael Jacobson on Leadership, Performance Management, and Equity in the Public Sector In this episode of the Curiosity at Work podcast, Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Michael Jacobson, an award-winning leader in organizational performance management and Deputy Director at King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget. Michael shares insights from […]
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 […]
Newsletters
Did you observe the kinds of friendships that your parents, or whomever raised you, had while you were growing up? What did you learn from them about how to treat your own friends?
Low-context and high-context communication Listen to Julie read this newsletter on YouTube I often get asked about the different ways that different cultures define respect. While I can share examples from lived experience, they are anecdotal. The 7 Forms of Respect® as a framework is ultimately about having curiosity around what respect means to you and others, so […]
Tips & Best Practices
Self-promotion is an important skill in any professional setting. Being able to talk about your accomplishments helps others understand your value. However, it’s crucial to do this subtly and skillfully to avoid sounding arrogant or boastful. Here are four common mistakes people make when talking about themselves, and tips on how to avoid them. 1. […]
Admitting you’re wrong at work can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of professional accountability. We all make mistakes, and acknowledging them not only shows personal responsibility but also fosters a culture where it’s okay to make errors and learn from them. Here are six tips to help you admit your mistakes gracefully, strengthen […]
Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to progress in the workplace. While it’s often said that “perfection is the enemy of good,” many people, especially leaders, fall into the trap of striving for perfection, which ultimately slows down progress. Overcoming perfectionism is crucial for personal productivity and workplace wellness, as it sets a standard that […]
Burnout is a real issue that affects productivity, team morale, and the ability to achieve organizational goals. Preventing burnout is essential as people are a company’s most valuable asset. Ensuring that your team isn’t overwhelmed or constantly on the verge of burnout will improve overall well-being and contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment. […]
False urgency occurs when people feel unnecessarily busy due to poor planning and unrealistic expectations. It’s easy to fall into a pattern where it feels like you’re always in a state of emergency, putting out fires instead of proactively preventing them. Here are three effective strategies for how to reduce false urgency at work and […]
Planning an interactive online experience requires thoughtful preparation and attention to detail. Whether you’re hosting a workshop or creating content, the logistics of an online event can make or break the experience. In this post, you’ll find three essential tips on how to plan an interactive online experience to help ensure smooth event management and […]
Employee transitions, especially planned ones, can be challenging for any organization. Whether an employee is leaving for a new opportunity or going through a personal change, preparing for a transition can ensure a smoother process for both the departing employee and the remaining team members. Here are six practical tips to managing planned employee transitions. […]
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 […]
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. […]
Whether you’re looking for new experiences, preparing for an upcoming staycation, or hosting out-of-town visitors, these low-budget travel activities can help you enjoy how to be a tourist for cheap in your own city. 1. Start with a Guidebook Find a tourist guidebook for your city. These books often list activities and provide a price […]
When it comes to gift giving – which is better spending money or time? Gifts of service and gifts that cost money each have pros and cons. Thoughtful gift-giving of either can deepen relationships. Dr. Pham walks through the benefits and challenges of both approaches. Monetary Gifts: The Pros and Cons Pros of Gifts that […]
We all fail sometimes, but learning how to embrace failure can lead to growth. Failure is not the end; it’s a stepping stone to success. Three mindset shifts are crucial as you prepare for potential failure, endure it during the process, and recover from it so you can grow stronger. Whether struggling with setbacks in […]
Building meaningful friendships in professional environments can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible. Read on for four simple tips to making friends at work. You’ll learn how you can form friendships at work, blend your work and personal life without making things messy, and navigate the challenges of turning colleagues into friends. Friendly vs. Friends […]
Are you looking to boost your creativity without breaking the bank? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to learn new things. Here are five low-budget ways to spark creativity, immerse yourself in new experiences and open up to learning from life. 1. Ride the Local Bus Take a local bus ride. This […]
Do you want to explore your city like a tourist without spending a dime? Maybe you’re looking for new experiences, preparing for a staycation, or entertaining an out-of-town visitor. Whatever your reason, we’ve got some great tips to explore your city as a tourist — for free! Here are some ways to get you on […]
Many leaders often feel overwhelmed and overworked because they struggle to delegate effectively. One way to ensure optimal energy levels is by identifying which parts of your work drain your energy and which ones boost it. This awareness allows for thoughtful delegation. Here Dr. Julie Pham shares three tips on how leaders can master delegation […]
Before delivering her first TEDx talk on curiosity as a practice, Dr. Julie Pham spent over ten weeks drafting around 30 different versions and practicing with more than 70 people. This post will help you learn some of Dr. Julie’s effective presentation tips for TEDx success. Let’s dive into her insights! Effective Presentation Tips for […]
Everyone faces mental blocks, no matter what work they do. Sometimes, you need to reignite your creativity. Dr. Julie Pham shares valuable tips for what to do when you are out of ideas to overcome these mental blocks, find inspiration from new sources, and break away from routine thinking. 8 Tips to Spark Creativity When […]
Building strong relationships at work is essential for creating a positive environment and enhancing collaboration. Whether you’re new to your workplace or looking to deepen existing connections, Dr. Julie Pham shares these 5 simple ways to build strong relationships at work that will help foster a supportive and productive work atmosphere. These strategies are effective […]
Drawing from her experience running her family’s newspaper during the Great Recession, to managing her own small business with a remote team, Dr. Julie Pham knows how to make the most of limited resources. Here she shares 5 budget-friendly gift-giving ideas at work. The spirit of gift-giving during the holiday season is all about demonstrating […]
There’s a common misconception that making a lasting impression requires talking a lot. However, asking meaningful questions encourages others to open up and share their stories. This can have a far greater impact than what we say about ourselves. Check out our video on “Making a Lasting Impression: Unique Ice Breaker Questions.” Our favorite icebreaker […]
Gossip can undermine a workplace leading to toxic environments, lower morale, and decreased productivity. At CuriosityBased, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for gossip. Here are five proven strategies strategies to stop gossip at work: 1. Don’t Participate If you catch someone gossiping, set a clear boundary by saying something like, “I don’t feel comfortable discussing […]
4 Leadership Lessons from Family-Owned Businesses: Insights from Dr. Julie Pham We often seek business advice from CEOs of large companies, assuming that their revenue and employee numbers add credibility. However, there are valuable leadership lessons from family-owned businesses. These businesses often boast decades of experience, high employee retention, and loyal customers, providing a wealth […]
When someone hurts, disappoints, or frustrates you, it’s easy to assume you know their intentions and motives. This assumption can prevent you from truly understanding their actual intentions and can lead to denial, passiveness, misunderstanding, and resentment. Taking the time to understand why learning someone’s intent matters allows you to build trust, foster empathy, and […]
How to Give Constructive Feedback with Curiosity: The CAFA Conversation Structure Providing feedback is crucial for personal and professional development, but it can often be challenging. We’re often concerned about how the other person will react or whether they might become defensive. At CuriosityBased, we approach constructive feedback with curiosity. Our goal isn’t to change […]
Press & Cameos
What if prosperity isn’t about having more — but having more freedom? On the Plunge into Prosperity podcast hosted by Brandi Kolosky, Julie shares her journey from arriving in the U.S. as a Vietnamese refugee to earning a PhD at Cambridge, running her family’s newspaper through the Great Recession, and founding CuriosityBased during the pandemic. […]