Suggestions
Becki Saltzman
Founder of Applied Curiosity Lab & LinkedIn Learning Instructor
Becki Saltzman is a multifaceted professional based in Portland, Oregon, who has been serving as an Ambassador for ShelterBox USA since November 2019.1 Her role at ShelterBox USA involves supporting disaster and humanitarian relief efforts.1
Professional Background
Becki is the founder and Chief Curiosity Seeker at Applied Curiosity Lab, a position she has held since 2013.1 In this role, she conducts engaging online and in-person training workshops, provides consulting services, and delivers speaking events for organizations aiming to improve their leaders' thinking processes.1
Additional Roles and Experience
- LinkedIn Learning Instructor: Becki has been creating courses for LinkedIn's learning platform since 2019.1
- Principal Broker: She worked at Windermere Cronin and Caplan Realty Group, Inc. for 19 years, from 1993 to October 2012.1
- Buyer: Earlier in her career, she worked as a buyer for Meier & Frank Merchandise Co, Inc. from 1988 to 1992.1
Education
Becki holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, which she earned between 1983 and 1987.1
Expertise and Certifications
Becki has several certifications from LinkedIn, showcasing her expertise in areas such as:
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Anticipating the future as a leader
- Applied curiosity
- Generative AI in critical thinking1
Her work focuses on cultivating a culture of applied curiosity, critical thinking, and wise decision-making in organizations through various mediums including workshops, coaching, and speaking events.1
Highlights
Ever catch yourself thinking, "If I lived back then, I’d never have done or thought that!"? That’s presentism—the bias of believing we’d hold our current values no matter the era.
Recognizing this isn’t about excusing bad behavior or pretending people didn't know better, it’s about understanding the context that shaped their choices.
Think about it: 🔭 Would I really have my today morals if I’d grown up in the 1300s…or even the 1990s?
🔍 Do I assume I’d spot injustice back then as clearly as I do now? (Time travel, anyone?)
🤔 Am I forgetting how much we’re all shaped by the times we live in?
One of my new favorite ways to procrastinate on my phone is to use GenAI to catch myself in my own presentism. It's not about forgiving the past, it’s about gaining a deeper, more nuanced understanding and (hopefully) becoming a bit wiser in the process.
Try it! "Imagine I was born in [Country] in [Year of Birth]. By [Later Year], what are the top 10 likely beliefs or perspectives I might have held that would seem inconceivable to me now? Consider the cultural, societal, and technological context of the time. Focus on facts rather than moral judgments, capturing my mindset as someone living through that period and in that place."
(Optional: Imagine my background in that era—consider my {insert imagined background, social status, education, occupation, gender, or personal experiences})
#criticalthinking
Humans can fix climate change! It's a bold statement, but is it a fact claim?
Now, consider this: Global temperatures have risen by 1.2ºC since the late 19th century. Is that a fact claim?
Here’s a tip for navigating the tricky territory between fact and truth: add the word "claim."
fact ➡️ fact claim truth ➡️ truth claim
Why does this matter? It’s a simple way to remind yourself: Are we talking about a claim that’s been empirically proven (or could be proven or disproven right now), or are we wading into the waters of interpretation and belief? This little word swap can make a difference in sharpening your critical thinking skills.
How might knowing this difference impact the quality of your communication? This free LinkedIn Learning video will answer that! #criticalthinking #communication
