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#24 Curiosity in health and social services with Michael Byun

Video thumbnail: A thumbnail for the Curiosity at Work podcast episode "Curiosity in health & social services" with Michael Byun. It features Julie Pham as the host. The podcast is presented by "Curiosity Based."

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Curiosity at Work: Michael Byun on Leadership, Curiosity, and Social Change in Health and Social Services

In episode 24 of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Michael Byun, Executive Director of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), to explore how curiosity influences leadership in health and social services. Michael shares how curiosity drives effective leadership in complex environments and supports social justice, especially for diverse and underserved communities.

Michael Byun’s Leadership in Health and Social Services

With over 25 years of experience in health disparities, social justice, and immigrant and refugee issues, Michael currently leads over 320 employees at ACRS, Washington’s largest agency serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. His work centers on supporting diverse populations and multilingual teams while balancing urgent service needs with long-term policy goals.

Curiosity in Leadership: Embracing Complexity and Adaptability

Curiosity plays a critical role in Michael’s leadership approach. It helps him stay open-minded and adaptable, especially when quick decisions and emotional sensitivity are necessary. Michael explains how curiosity fosters reflection, enabling leaders to remain flexible and make better decisions in complex situations.

Supporting Staff Well-Being Through a Hybrid Work Model

To support staff well-being, ACRS has adopted a hybrid work model that addresses the emotional demands placed on their team. Michael describes how curiosity helps create an environment where employees feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and contribute new ideas. These conversations lead to stronger collaboration and innovation, improving outcomes for both staff and the community.

Intentional Leadership in High-Pressure Environments

In high-pressure environments, Michael emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership. Pausing before making decisions or listening deeply can result in better outcomes. By practicing curiosity and mindfulness, leaders can make thoughtful choices that positively impact their teams and the communities they serve.

Real-World Impact: Curiosity in Action

Throughout the conversation, Michael shares real-world examples of how curiosity has led to positive change. For example, curiosity helped ACRS address community safety concerns, advocate for more equitable services, and push for systemic changes through thoughtful policy engagement.

A Valuable Perspective on Social Change

As a former Obama appointee to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Michael brings a rare and valuable perspective on leadership and social change. His insights demonstrate how curiosity drives grassroots work and fuels broader social change, helping leaders push for more inclusive policies and equitable services.

Valuable Leadership Lessons for Empathy and Purpose

This episode offers meaningful lessons for anyone leading with empathy and purpose. Whether you work in healthcare, nonprofits, or advocacy, curiosity is a powerful and essential tool for making a lasting impact. Michael’s story highlights the transformative power of curiosity in driving social change and creating inclusive, supportive environments.

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#MichaelByun #ACRS #CuriosityAtWork #Leadership #SocialJustice #CommunityAdvocacy #NonprofitLeadership #PublicPolicy #MentalHealth #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkforceDevelopment #HybridWork

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#9 How Curiosity Drives Seattle’s Future: A Conversation with Rico Quirindongo on City Planning and Innovation

Rico Quirindongo smiling for a podcast cover

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In the latest episode of Curiosity at Work, host Dr. Julie Pham welcomes Rico Quirindongo, the Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) for the City of Seattle. Together, they dive into how curiosity shapes the workplace and the dynamic role it plays in city planning. Rico shares insights into the structure of his office, which comprises 50 people, including planners and finance experts, working across divisions like equitable development and land-use policy. Their mission is to shape the future of Seattle in a way that balances sustainability, community needs, and growth.

Rico discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing curiosity with the pragmatism required in the political landscape. As a department heavily scrutinized by both local and international audiences, OPCD constantly navigates the tension between innovative problem-solving and meeting public expectations. He also touches on how the team works both remotely and in-person to foster collaboration, while keeping an eye on their goal of shaping Seattle into a livable, thriving city.

The episode highlights some of the critical projects undertaken by OPCD, such as working with different stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for transit hubs. Rico illustrates the complexity of these projects, where multiple stakeholders, timelines, and budgetary constraints must align. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes that curiosity remains a vital tool for navigating the intricacies of city development, even when political pressures demand concrete results.

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