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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:
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