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#23 Curiosity in public libraries with Tom Fay

Video thumbnail: A thumbnail for the Curiosity at Work podcast episode "Curiosity in public libraries" with Tom Fay. It features Julie Pham as the host. The podcast is presented by "Curiosity Based."

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Curiosity at Work: Tom Fay on Curiosity and Innovation in Public Libraries

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Tom Fay, Executive Director and Chief Librarian of The Seattle Public Library (SPL). Tom discusses how curiosity drives innovation in public libraries. With over 42 years of experience, he shares his journey from a library page to leading SPL, which includes 27 branches and over 700 employees.

Curiosity Fuels Library Innovation and Community Support

Tom explains how curiosity helps libraries evolve from simple book lenders to community hubs. Today, libraries offer social services, workforce development, and support for small businesses. By embracing curiosity, libraries can better serve their communities. Tom’s leadership at SPL shows how curiosity can shape the future of public libraries.

Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Curiosity in a Large Institution

Running SPL presents challenges, such as crises like a ransomware attack. Tom shares how he creates a culture where employees are encouraged to take risks and adapt to change. He believes curiosity allows the library to remain relevant, continually improving and engaging with the community. A culture of curiosity ensures SPL provides the best possible services for Seattle residents.

Strategic Planning and Partnerships Focused on Learning

Through strategic planning and partnerships, Tom strives to keep SPL a learning-focused organization. He emphasizes how curiosity allows libraries to stay relevant in a fast-changing world. Libraries can better serve their community and offer valuable services by adapting and evolving with curiosity.

Tom’s Leadership Insights and Passion for Learning

Tom shares his passion for photography and outdoor exploration, which fuels his curiosity. He believes libraries should be spaces where curiosity thrives. These institutions offer people the freedom to explore new ideas and expand their knowledge. Tom’s leadership at SPL demonstrates the power of curiosity in building inclusive and innovative organizations.

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#TomFay #SeattlePublicLibrary #CuriosityAtWork #LibraryLeadership #PublicLibraries #CommunityEngagement #Innovation #LearningOrganization #BannedBooks #PublicService

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

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#16 Curiosity in municipal economic development with Diem Ly

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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.

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#DiemLy #EconomicDevelopment #CuriosityAtWork #Leadership #PublicService #FeedbackCulture #WorkplaceInnovation #InclusiveGrowth #CommunityDevelopment #PostPandemicRecovery

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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.

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

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#1 Curiosity with managing municipal government with Joe Todd

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Join Dr. Julie Pham as she has an insightful conversation with Joe Todd, a longtime public servant and the Deputy City Manager at the City of Bellevue. Joe is also the vice chair of the African American Commission for Washington State. In this episode, Joe shares his journey, experiences, and the values that guide his leadership style.

✨ Episode Highlights:

  • Building and nurturing enduring relationships at work
  • The importance of empathy and love in leadership
  • Navigating challenges as an African-American executive leader
  • The significance of transparency and clear communication
  • Fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement

Joe reflects on his career, the influence of his parents, and the importance of being self-aware and authentic in the workplace. He offers valuable insights into how leaders can support their teams and create inclusive environments.

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Produced by Titan Media Worx: This episode is part of “Curiosity at Work,” a podcast that delves into the journeys of inspiring leaders and the values that drive them. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring conversations that explore the intersection of leadership, empathy, and curiosity.

#Leadership #PublicService #Empathy #CuriosityAtWork #PodcastLife #JoeTodd #JuliePodcast #CityOfBellevue

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