Breakout Session Speaker

In Courageous Curiosity: The First Step in Solving (Almost) Every Interpersonal Challenge, we explore how curiosity — when practiced deeply and intentionally — can transform the way we navigate relationships, resolve conflicts, and build trust. Participants will learn to distinguish among shallow curiosity, predatory curiosity, and deep curiosity. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, we’ll examine how deep curiosity can de-escalate tension, bridge differences, and lead to more productive outcomes in even the most challenging interactions. The session will offer concrete strategies for remaining curious when conversations become emotionally charged and will highlight ways to embed a culture of curiosity across teams and organizations to foster empathy, collaboration, and innovation.

Julie McDonald, Ph.D. has been a practicing clinical psychologist for 29+ years. Dr. McDonald completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. She completed her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with specialty training in Medical Psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her clinical internship at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. She is on the board for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center, which provides assistance across the state of Alabama for women dealing with breast cancer. She is also a member of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, where she has served on the Calling Committee and Vestry. She enjoys travel, creating miniature gardens and pressed flower art, and taking hip-hop/Zumba dance fitness classes. She is married, has two young adult children, and two funny French bulldogs. Lisa Goldstein Graham, Ph.D. has practiced in the field of organizational psychology for over 27 years. Dr. Graham completed her undergraduate work at Emory University. She received a M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. She enjoys being involved with several nonprofit organizations and currently serves on the board of Spring Valley School -- a school for bright students with learning differences. She enjoys reading fiction, makeup artistry, Dance Jam, modern design, and spending time with family and friends. She is married and has two teenage daughters.