Decisions & Outcomes

Good Thinking.
Better Questions.
Best Decisions.

We believe a productive balance between overthinking and underthinking is possible.
Applied Curiosity Lab

Our Story

Applied Curiosity Lab® (ACL) is a global training company that helps organizations and teams ignite curiosity and use critical thinking frameworks to optimize decision-making.

Applying the Good Thinking® principles and proven Decision-Hygiene Frameworks from our best-selling LinkedIn Learning courses and workshops, we offer forward-thinking companies and organizations a systematic way to cultivate a culture of curiosity and critical thinking — resulting in reliably better decisions

Becki Saltzman

Becki Saltzman

Founder & Chief Curiosity Seeker

Becki Saltzman is the Founder and Chief Curiosity Seeker at Applied Curiosity Lab.

Becki is an international speaker, author, and best-selling course instructor (LinkedIn Learning). Her engaging and actionable presentations, workshops, and trainings have helped over 2 million leaders, emerging leaders, and forward-thinking organizations apply unique ways of thinking to spark curiosity, inspire critical thinking, capture insights, and optimize decision-making.

Becki holds a master's degree in applied behavioral science from Washington University in St. Louis. Her greatest pleasures include working with her sword-loving son, Barkley and collaborating with her musician son, Dane. In her spare time Becki enjoys great travel adventures and injury-free pickleball with her husband, Stephen.

Barkley Saltzman

Barkley Saltzman

Director of Decision Intelligence & Client Engagement

Barkley Saltzman helps individuals and corporations master the art and science of decision making, using actionable frameworks. 

Barkley holds an undergraduate degree in behavioral science from University of Oregon and a master's degree in international conflict resolution from Tel Aviv University and is certified in international mediation. As the Director of Business Development and Engagement at Applied Curiosity Lab (ACL), Barkley helps clients leverage critical thinking and applied curiosity, drawing on his background in decision intelligence. 

In addition to his work at ACL, Barkley has helped businesses adapt in uncertain times, uncovered avenues for assistance in conflict zones, and created connections between leaders when resolution seemed unlikely. 

Barkley believes that the most impactful drivers of wise decisions are learned skills. In between delivering ACL training and workshops, he can be found on Portland, Oregon’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mats, and exploring the city’s parks with his wonderful wife, Rachel and mischievous dog, Lily.