Peter Dieser is the Public Lands Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy and is currently stationed in Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in Rochert, Minnesota. Peter switched his careers while in school a couple of times before landing as a forester. He studied everything from literature, astrophysics, and even archaeology. He believes if you bust your butt, work hard, even if you’re just studying, it’s going to change your life for the better. You might not always love what you’re studying, but you can always learn from it.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Peter’s background.
[2:45] How did Peter first get started in forestry?
[8:05] Peter had an illness throughout high school and college that was misdiagnosed as cancer and it had him reevaluate his life and his goals.
[11:15] Although it might sound weird, Peter wouldn’t change his past because those early experiences and medical scares really made him the person he is today.
[14:55] What lessons did Peter learn while he was trying to discover his true call and passion in life?
[18:25] What kinds of mentors did Peter have while growing up?
[21:45] Since we serve so many diverse people, it’s important that our skillsets and perspectives are diverse, too.
[22:10] What do young professionals want in a career?
[26:50] What’s the most fun part of Peter’s job?
[29:15] What’s been difficult about working on the people side of forestry?
[36:30] Peter offers some advice for those young professionals out there getting started.
[39:10] What does the forestry profession need to improve upon?
[41:40] How can the profession attract and retain more of the younger generation?
[45:40] Peter shares some of his favorite books!
[51:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman