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Curiosity at Work: Rachael Steward on Fostering Curiosity and Continuous Improvement in Public Housing
In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham sits down with Rachael Steward, Deputy Director of Housing Operations at Seattle Housing Authority. With 20 years of experience in public service, including roles in higher education and public housing, Rachael shares valuable insights on fostering curiosity and continuous learning in a diverse and dynamic workplace.
Rachael Steward’s Role at Seattle Housing Authority
As the largest affordable housing provider in Seattle, the Seattle Housing Authority houses around 37,000 people across 9,000 units. Rachael provides an in-depth look at the operational challenges and opportunities involved in managing a workforce of nearly 900 employees. Many of these employees work on-site, performing hands-on roles in property management, maintenance, and community services. Rachael discusses the unique dynamics of managing such a large and diverse team while delivering critical housing services.
Cultivating Curiosity and Continuous Learning in Public Housing
Throughout the episode, Rachael emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and curiosity as practices she instills in her team. She shares a personal story highlighting the value of self-awareness and admitting mistakes to foster a culture of mutual learning. Rachael discusses how creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged helps her team innovate and improve the services they provide to the community.
Overcoming Challenges in Bureaucratic Environments
Rachael also addresses the difficulties of practicing curiosity in a bureaucratic setting. She shares her strategies for overcoming these challenges, particularly by understanding and valuing the diverse backgrounds of team members. This understanding, she believes, helps bridge communication gaps and creates a more effective, cohesive team.
Insights on Leadership and Improving Public Housing
Join us for this enlightening conversation as Rachael Steward shares her journey in public service and offers practical tips on cultivating curiosity, fostering continuous improvement, and leading with empathy in the public housing sector. Whether you’re in public service, leadership, or community development, Rachael’s insights provide valuable lessons on how curiosity can drive positive change in the workplace.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn: Julie Pham
- Website: CuriosityBased
- Instagram: Julie Pham, PhD
Connect with Rachael Steward:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-steward-mpa-8719534/
- Website: https://www.seattlehousing.org/
Produced by TitanMediaWorx.com
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