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#22 Curiosity in public construction management with Jerry Waldron

A thumbnail for the podcast episode "Curiosity in public construction management" with Jerry Waldron. It features Julie Pham as the host. The podcast is presented by "Curiosity Based."

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In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Jerry Waldron, Interim Construction Management Director and Drainage & Wastewater Project Management Manager at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). With a 35-year career spanning both private sector engineering and public infrastructure, Jerry shares insights on leading large-scale capital improvement projects that directly impact the daily lives of Seattle residents.

The Importance of Unseen Work at SPU

Jerry explains that while SPU’s work is often unseen, it plays a crucial role in ensuring essential services like clean water, waste management, and environmental sustainability. His role involves overseeing a diverse team responsible for managing infrastructure projects, collaborating with contractors, and ensuring the city’s aging utilities are maintained for future generations.

Overcoming Challenges in Public Service

However, Jerry also highlights the unique challenges of fostering curiosity in public service, especially within a highly structured and policy-driven environment. He emphasizes that continuous improvement is key. To address this, Jerry encourages his team to question existing processes, all while balancing compliance and efficiency.

SPU’s Skills and Knowledge Transfer (SKT) Program

Moreover, Jerry sheds light on SPU’s Skills and Knowledge Transfer (SKT) program. This program plays a vital role in helping employees develop expertise and navigate the complexities of public works. By fostering collaboration between field workers, engineers, and administrative staff, Jerry ensures that knowledge-sharing and innovation remain central to their operations.

Leadership and Mentorship Beyond SPU

Beyond his work at SPU, Jerry’s passion for leadership and mentorship shines. In particular, he shares how he encourages curiosity in his team by asking critical questions. This approach empowers employees to take initiative and challenges traditional ways of thinking. Drawing inspiration from his love of the Seattle Seahawks, Jerry sees teamwork, strategy, and adaptability as essential to success.

Key Takeaways on Leading with Curiosity

Jerry’s reflections provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to lead with curiosity. By encouraging a culture of continuous learning and curiosity, Jerry demonstrates how leadership can improve workplace collaboration and create lasting impact in any field.

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Connect with Jerry Waldron:

#JerryWaldron #SeattlePublicUtilities #CuriosityAtWork #ConstructionManagement #Leadership #PublicService #WorkforceTraining #Infrastructure #ContinuousImprovement #Collaboration

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#15 Curiosity as a port commissioner with Ryan Calkins

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Curiosity at Work: Ryan Calkins on Curiosity as a Port Commissioner and Public Service Leadership

In episode #15 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 spanning the public and research sectors, Ryan shares how curiosity helps him navigate complex challenges, foster innovation, and balance competing priorities.

Navigating the Port of Seattle and Public Service

The Port of Seattle is a public agency managing the Seattle airport and seaport, with over 2,700 employees, including 1,000 tradespeople. As commissioner, Ryan plays a key role in co-writing the budget alongside the Port’s Executive Director and providing oversight for the agency. In addition to his work at the Port, Ryan advises at PNNL, one of 17 U.S. regional research institutions. PNNL employs 6,500 people, mostly scientists, and Ryan focuses on connecting these scientists with industry to drive innovation.

Overcoming Barriers to Curiosity in Public Service

Ryan discusses the barriers to curiosity in public service, particularly the pressures of balancing stewardship with public scrutiny. As an elected official, he emphasizes the need to adapt to new facts while creating spaces for innovation without compromising essential services. He also reflects on the importance of handling power dynamics carefully, noting that criticizing privately and thanking publicly helps foster trust and collaboration with staff.

Curiosity and Thoughtful Leadership

Through his diverse experiences, from small business ownership to environmental advocacy, Ryan exemplifies how curiosity can fuel thoughtful leadership. Whether addressing complex issues of equity or exploring new opportunities in renewable energy, Ryan’s approach demonstrates the transformative power of curiosity. His leadership not only helps solve challenging problems but also inspires others to innovate and grow.

Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:

Connect with Ryan Calkins:

#RyanCalkins #PortOfSeattle #PNNL #CuriosityAtWork #Leadership #PublicService #Innovation #RenewableEnergy #WorkplaceCulture #EnvironmentalAdvocacy

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