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#20 Curiosity in software engineering with Cynthia Tee

Video thumbnail: A thumbnail for the podcast episode "Curiosity in software engineering" with Cynthia Tee. It features Julie Pham as the host in Episode 20. The podcast is presented by "Curiosity Based."

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Curiosity at Work: Cynthia Tee on Leadership, Innovation, and Curiosity in Software Engineering

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Cynthia Tee, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Smartsheet. Cynthia shares her leadership journey in software engineering, spanning over two decades, and how curiosity has played a pivotal role in her career. From engineering roles at Microsoft and Nordstrom to leading Ada Developers Academy as Executive Director, Cynthia’s diverse experience has shaped her approach to leadership and innovation.

Curiosity as a Driver of Innovation and Collaboration at Smartsheet

Now leading a global team of over 530 engineers, Cynthia reflects on how curiosity drives innovation and collaboration within Smartsheet’s remote-first organization. She discusses how Smartsheet’s culture of alignment and openness fosters growth, particularly when integrating diverse perspectives from global acquisitions. Cynthia believes that curiosity is key to adapting and evolving, especially in a fast-paced, rapidly changing industry like software engineering.

Navigating Conflict and Change with Curiosity

Cynthia highlights the challenges and rewards of practicing curiosity, particularly during times of conflict or organizational change. Drawing from her experience in mergers and acquisitions, she emphasizes the importance of building trust and cross-pollinating ideas to create cohesive teams. Cynthia explains how curiosity enables leaders to navigate blind spots, make informed decisions, and balance urgency with thoughtful collaboration.

The Role of Empathy and Adaptability in Leadership

Cynthia’s unique perspective, shaped by her roles in both the tech and nonprofit sectors, underscores the importance of empathy and adaptability in leadership. She shares how being open to diverse ideas and experiences helps create an inclusive and effective team culture. Cynthia advocates for leaders who are curious and adaptable to navigate challenges and opportunities in today’s fast-changing world.

Fostering Curiosity in Software Engineering Teams

As an advocate for continuous learning, Cynthia offers practical advice for fostering curiosity within software engineering teams. From scenario-based recruiting to encouraging reflective practices like learning from mistakes, Cynthia believes curiosity can help engineers grow and innovate. She also recommends the book Think Again by Adam Grant, which inspires readers to challenge assumptions and stay open to new ideas.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, innovation, and building a culture where curiosity thrives. Cynthia’s insights on how curiosity drives success in software engineering and leadership are invaluable for professionals looking to foster growth and innovation in their teams.

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#CynthiaTee #Smartsheet #CuriosityAtWork #EngineeringLeadership #RemoteWork #Innovation #TeamCollaboration #Leadership #ContinuousLearning

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#14 Curiosity for early leaning providers with Phoebe Sade

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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.

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#PhoebeSade #BrightSparkEarlyLearning #CuriosityAtWork #NonprofitLeadership #EarlyLearning #SocialImpact #Leadership #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #EmpathyInLeadership

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