#35: Curiosity in Hunger Relief with Lianna Olds
What does curiosity look like in hunger relief?
In Episode 35 of the Curiosity at Work podcast, Dr. Julie Pham speaks with Lianna Olds, Deputy Director of Emergency Food Network, about curiosity in nonprofit leadership and food access.
Food is often described as a unifying topic. Yet behind every meal distributed are complex systems, data decisions, fundraising relationships, and advocacy efforts.
In this episode, they explore:
• Why curiosity is essential for nonprofit leadership
• How data tells stories about community needs
• Moving fundraising beyond transactional relationships
• Navigating advocacy across diverse perspectives
• The role of feedback and trust in effective communication
• How parenting and practicing stillness shape personal growth
One line that stayed with us: “Food is a unifying topic.”
Curiosity helps leaders look beyond numbers to understand the human stories underneath. It builds trust. It strengthens advocacy. It deepens service.
Hunger relief work requires operational excellence. It also requires empathy, interpretation, and the willingness to ask better questions.
More Curiosity at Work episodes at: https://curiositybased.com/category/curiosity-at-work-podcast/
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