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In this episode 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 serving public and research sectors, Ryan shares how curiosity helps him navigate challenges, foster innovation, and balance competing priorities. The Port of Seattle is a public agency that covers the airport and seaport in Seattle that has 2,700 employees, with 1000 of them are trades people. As commissioner, he co-writes the budget with the Port’s Executive Director and provides general oversight. PNNL is one of 17 regional research institutions for the United States. The nonprofit that manages PNNL employs 6,500 people, most of whom are scientists. Ryan focuses on connecting scientists with industry.
Ryan also reflects on the barriers to curiosity in public service, such as the pressure of balancing stewardship and public scrutiny. As an elected official, he emphasizes the importance of adapting to new facts and creating spaces for innovation without risking essential services. Because he recognizes the power dynamics of his position, he highlights the value of criticizing privately and thank publicly when interacting with staff.
Through his diverse experiences, from small business ownership to environmental advocacy, Ryan exemplifies how curiosity fuels thoughtful leadership. Whether addressing nuanced challenges in equity or exploring opportunities in renewable energy, Ryan’s approach demonstrates the transformative power of curiosity in tackling complex issues while inspiring others to innovate and grow.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
- Website:https://curiositybased.com/
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Ryan Calkins:
- Email: calkins.r@portseattle.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancalkins/
#RyanCalkins #PortOfSeattle #PNNL #CuriosityAtWork #Leadership #PublicService #Innovation #RenewableEnergy #WorkplaceCulture #EnvironmentalAdvocacy
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