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#26 Curiosity in nonprofit retail with Ed Ewing

A thumbnail for the Curiosity at Work podcast episode "Curiosity in nonprofit retail" with Ed Ewing. It features Julie Pham as the host. The podcast is presented by "Curiosity Based."

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham explores curiosity in nonprofit retail with Ed Ewing, Executive Director of Bike Works, a Seattle-based nonprofit that empowers youth and builds community through bicycles. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Ed shares his passion for social justice, racial equity, and cycling. These values drive the mission at Bike Works, where all revenue from selling refurbished bikes is reinvested into the community.

Building Access for Underserved Communities

Ed’s visionary leadership focuses on creating access for underserved communities, particularly in Seattle’s South End. By using bicycles as a tool for connection, Bike Works fosters a sense of empowerment and belonging. This episode explores how curiosity plays a central role in guiding Bike Works through challenges.

For instance, when youth programs were shuttered during the pandemic, Ed and his team quickly adapted. They launched the BikeMobile, a mobile shop delivering low-cost and free bike services to neighborhoods in need. This initiative highlights the importance of being open to change and listening to the community’s needs.

Leading with Curiosity

Ed believes that curiosity is key to effective leadership. He encourages his team to ask questions, listen deeply, and challenge assumptions. His mantra, “Be curious and don’t take it personally,” has been vital in navigating uncertainty with clarity and compassion. This mindset fosters a workplace culture where growth and feedback are welcomed.

A Model for Social Justice in Nonprofits

Under Ed’s leadership, Bike Works has become a model for integrating social justice into nonprofit operations. The organization has made strides in expanding wellness time, ensuring pay equity, and supporting staff-led innovation. Ed’s leadership demonstrates how nonprofits can thrive while staying true to their core mission of equity and justice.

Whether mentoring staff, redefining nonprofit success, or sparking joy through cycling, Ed Ewing embodies leadership driven by curiosity and heart. This episode is a reminder that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers. Instead, it’s about asking better questions and leading with empathy.

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#EdEwing #BikeWorks #CuriosityAtWork #NonprofitLeadership #SocialJustice #RacialEquity #CommunityEmpowerment #YouthDevelopment #LeadershipWithPurpose #SeattleNonprofits #BikesForChange #YouthPrograms #CommunityBuilding #BikeRepairServices #CuriosityInLeadership”

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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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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe! By subscribing, you’ll never miss an episode filled with inspiring leaders and valuable discussions on how curiosity drives innovation, leadership, and workplace culture. Join us on the journey of continuous learning—subscribe now and stay curious!

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

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#13 How Curiosity Fuels Arts Organizations: Insights from Michael Greer, CEO of ArtsFund

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Curiosity at Work: Michael Greer on Leadership and Innovation in the Arts Sector

Michael Greer, CEO of ArtsFund, joins Dr. Julie Pham on the Curiosity at Work podcast to explore how curiosity drives leadership in the arts sector. As the CEO of ArtsFund, Michael oversees grant-making, capacity building, and advocacy for over 800 arts organizations across Washington State. In this episode, he shares how curiosity helps him manage a hybrid team, balance the needs of grassroots organizations with larger entities, and lead through uncertain times.

Fostering Curiosity and Innovation in the Arts

Michael highlights the importance of creating an environment where innovation is encouraged, and failure is seen as an opportunity to learn. By fostering curiosity, organizations can better adapt and thrive, even during challenging times. He explains how curiosity helps the arts sector move forward by driving new ideas and solutions.

Navigating Uncertainty and Embracing New Technologies

Drawing from his global experience in arts and business leadership, Michael discusses how curiosity plays a critical role in overcoming uncertainty. Arts organizations today face many challenges, but curiosity can help them thrive. Michael shares how ArtsFund goes beyond providing financial support. They also focus on leadership and collaboration across the sector. Additionally, he urges arts leaders to embrace new technologies and entertainment formats. Rather than viewing these changes as competition, they should see them as opportunities to engage new audiences.

Strategies for Cultivating Curiosity and Resilience

Michael’s leadership journey has been shaped by diverse experiences. From his early career as a professional ballet dancer to his time working in China and India, his journey reflects the power of curiosity. He shares practical strategies for cultivating curiosity within teams. His leadership philosophy encourages his team to ask questions, experiment, and embrace calculated risks. These strategies help build innovation and resilience in the arts sector.

Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:

Connect with Michael Greer:

If you enjoyed this insightful conversation, don’t forget to subscribe! By subscribing, you’ll never miss an episode filled with inspiring leaders and valuable discussions on how curiosity drives innovation, leadership, and workplace culture. Join us on the journey of continuous learning—subscribe now and stay curious!

#MichaelGreer #ArtsFund #CuriosityAtWork #ArtsLeadership #ArtsAdvocacy #NonprofitLeadership #GrantMaking #InnovationInTheArts #WorkplaceCulture #HybridWork

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