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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 growing nonprofit that has expanded from 35 to 145 staff members. BrightSpark supports providers in King and Pierce counties, helping them access essential services to offer the best possible care for children and families.
Navigating Organizational Growth and Scaling Challenges
Phoebe reflects on the challenges of scaling an organization, especially with 40% of the team hired in the last two years. She emphasizes the importance of adapting communication and decision-making processes to better serve both staff and the communities they serve. Phoebe’s leadership style encourages flexibility and innovation as her team navigates the complexities of growth while maintaining the core values of the organization.
The Role of Curiosity in Creativity and Innovation
Phoebe highlights the role of curiosity in fostering creativity and finding innovative solutions. She shares how her team has rethought traditional approaches, such as moving from one-on-one coaching to group models. Despite constraints like funding limitations in government contracts, Phoebe shows how these challenges can spark transformative ideas and approaches. Her leadership philosophy encourages staff to ask questions, challenge norms, and seek sustainable solutions that meet community needs without burning out.
Empathy and Openness: Core Values of Effective Leadership
Through candid reflections on her journey, Phoebe underscores the importance of empathy and openness in leadership. Whether managing rapid organizational growth or rethinking long-standing practices, she exemplifies how curiosity can drive change and create impactful solutions. Phoebe’s story is a powerful reminder of how curiosity, when embraced, can fuel innovation and help leaders navigate complex challenges in the nonprofit sector.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
- Website:https://curiositybased.com/
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Phoebe Sade:
- Email: sade@childcare.org
- Website: https://www.brightspark.org/
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