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Curiosity at Work: Diem Ly on Municipal Economic Development and Inclusive Growth
In this episode of Curiosity at Work, “Curiosity in municipal economic development with Diem Ly,” Dr. Julie Pham interviews Diem Ly, Division Director at the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development (OED). Diem shares her unique journey from community journalism and telecommunications to leading citywide efforts for inclusive economic growth. She discusses OED’s mission to support businesses, neighborhoods, and entire industries, ensuring opportunities reach all Seattle residents, regardless of background.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Economic Development
As the city adapts to a post-pandemic landscape, Diem reflects on the challenges of prioritizing the diverse needs of various stakeholders. She highlights the complexities of managing economic growth in a city that is rebuilding after a crisis. With a growing team, OED focuses on fostering inclusive growth while addressing urgent and long-term community needs.
The Role of Curiosity in Public Service
Diem, a relatively new public servant, compares her experience in the private sector to her role in public service. She discusses the importance of continuously learning about the many stakeholders she partners with and how public servants must document and share these insights within the organization. This ensures that community groups are not repeatedly asked for the same information, fostering better relationships with local residents and businesses.
Creating a Learning Culture Within OED
Diem emphasizes the importance of creating a feedback culture within her team. She believes it’s essential to encourage openness about mistakes and to embrace learning opportunities. This approach is key to maintaining a dynamic and responsive team. By fostering an environment where learning is operationalized across OED, Diem helps her department continually improve its processes.
Drawing Inspiration from Diverse Perspectives
Diem also draws inspiration from her family conversations, which inspire her personal curiosity. She believes that embracing different perspectives requires slowing down, acknowledging our assumptions, and being open to change. This practice strengthens her ability to practice curiosity at work, enhancing her leadership style and approach to community engagement. Diem underscores how curiosity, when embraced by teams, can build stronger relationships and lead to more thoughtful solutions in public service.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
- Website:https://curiositybased.com/
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Diem Ly:
- Website: https://seattle.gov/economic-development
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diemtly
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