Heather Watson is currently doing some fascinating things at Hancock Forest Management that you might not have heard of before. Although she is an Outreach and Education Forester at Hancock Forest Management, the roles she plays are very non-traditional. Heather works with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, to help develop forestry jobs and education programs for the people. Heather overseas several education programs for the tribe, and is even apart of an ecotherapy program, which we will learn more about on today’s episode.
Key Takeaways:
[3:05] How did Heather get started?
[4:50] How has Heather’s role at Hancock Forest Management evolved into what it is today?
[6:40] What is ecotherapy?
[13:15] Heather feels like the rest of the world needs to know how beautiful and amazing this profession is.
[15:25] What are some good principles of leadership?
[16:45] Heather talks about the mentors throughout her career.
[18:40] What has Heather learned about trust?
[20:40] Heather is an outsider to Native American land owners. Has there been any conflict from that?
[21:15] There are 3,000 tribe members. There are high opportunities for them to distrust, based off of U.S. history alone.
[23:50] You have to be willing to form relationships, and put yourself out there.
[30:00] You also have to have a real interest in other people, and take that step by step. Little actions turn into big results over time.
[32:30] What advice does Heather have for new leaders?
[34:25] What other resources does Heather recommend, to become a better and more patient leader?
[36:15] Are leaders born or made? Heather believes it’s never one or the other.
[38:50] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Dr. Steve Bullard is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Stephen F. Austin State University. He has both a B.S. in Forestry as well as an M.S. in Forest Management-Economics. In 1983, Dr. Bullard earned his Ph.D. in Forest Management-Economics at Virginia Polytechnic. On this week’s episode, Dr. Bullard shares timeless examples of what makes up a true leader, and how you can use your strengths in forestry.
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] How did Dr. Bullard get involved with forestry?
[6:05] What was Dr. Bullard’s first forestry job or task?
[11:00] The need for foresters to improve their people skills is growing.
[12:25] Industry experts have been saying the same things for decades now!
[17:10] When did Dr. Bullard get excited about leadership and developing his people’s skills?
[22:50] Employers are seeking more and more team-players in the industry.
[25:00] We have more opportunities in forestry than we did years before.
[27:15] According to the author Bruce Tulgan, people are hired by their hard skills, but they’re fired by their soft skills.
[31:20] People will follow you because they believe what you be believe.
[35:45] Dr. Bullard read the book ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ three times before he fully understood, and could use, the knowledge inside it.
[37:35] How do you start a movement?
[39:25] Where does the idea of ‘learning the hard way’ fit into all of this?
[48:40] Are leaders born, or made?
[52:05] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Power of Introverts ― TED Talk
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain
Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action, by Simon Sinek
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
Steve McMullin has been learning, practicing, and teaching leadership and natural resources throughout his 40-year career. Steve began his career as a Fisheries Biologist in Montana. After rising up in the ranks in Montana state, Steve left, mid-career, and joined Virginia Tech to earn his PhD, which is where he stayed for the last 23 years. Steve is now a Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech, where he used to teach students courses on leadership. According to Steve, there are two important skills he wishes every young or emerging leader to develop. Find out what those are, on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[2:55] What first got Steve interested in wildlife and natural resources?
[5:15] What are some of the key differences between a younger student and mid-career professional learning about leadership?
[6:40] How can our youth get involved with the department of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech?
[12:00] Steve is not aware of any other program that is as extensive as Virginia Tech’s program for undergraduates.
[14:50] What are some of the main things Steve tried to get his students to learn from the college program?
[15:45] There are two important factors to know, in order to be an effective leader.
[18:00] Don’t let who you are, or your personality type, limit you.
[20:45] Don’t waste your time taking a 4-hour personality type, Myer & Briggs-esque, course.
[22:50] All confidence and no skill is a bad look for a leader.
[24:05] You don’t have to be an outgoing and extroverted person to be an effective leader.
[26:50] How does someone learn leadership skills if they aren’t exposed to a program like the one at Virginia Tech?
[31:20] Keep reading leadership books!
[34:35] You can also learn a lot about leadership from volunteering!
[41:35] Remember, we’re in the people business too.
[43:15] Steve recommends the book, Grit, by Angela Duckworth.
[48:00] Are leaders born or made?
[50:55] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
You don’t become a leader overnight, and this is exactly why Denise Coleman is the perfect guest for today’s show. Denise is a State Conservationist at the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Pennsylvania. Denise has been involved in this fantastic industry since 1992, and has overseen how the industry has changed over the years — especially for women. Find out more on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:45] How did Denise get started?
[6:15] When Denise took her first leadership position, what was it like?
[10:15] Were there many women in the natural resources field when Denise got started?
[11:50] Over the years, more women have entered into this industry; what has changed?
[13:50] Denise discusses how she found good mentors throughout her career.
[16:50] What’s it like being a mentor?
[19:05] What does Denise look for in a natural resource professional?
[21:50] What was the transition like for Denise, to go from a contributor to a leader?
[24:35] What lessons has Denise learned as a leader?
[25:15] At the end of the day, people will question your decisions, and you should always have strong reasons why you did what you did.
[27:55] What types of trends should young foresters be aware of?
[31:05] Denise discusses the types of skills people in this field will need, when it comes to leadership.
[34:15] You have to be flexible and be open to change.
[35:00] What’s different about leading on an executive level?
[38:05] What’s one piece of advice Denise would give to up-and-coming leaders?
[40:05] Denise recommends reading John Wooden’s books.
[41:25] Are leaders born or made?
[42:50] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
R. Scott Wallinger, Sr. is a retired forester and advisor in forest sustainability. Throughout his career, he has worked in a number of impressive positions from an international leadership perspective. Scott graduated from Yale University with a masters in forestry in 1960, which means he has seen a lot of evolution in the industry over the decades. Get ready to learn from Scott’s extensive leadership wisdom on today’s episode.
Key Takeaways:
[3:20] What got Scott interested in forestry?
[7:35] What did Scott learn from being on committees where he wasn't the leader?
[11:50] Scott discusses his time as Senior Vice President at the Westvaco corporation.
[14:00] What’s Scott’s global view of leadership, after working on such an international level?
[20:00] Scott has seen the forestry profession evolve in a number of ways over the years. The public is much more concerned about how corporations are destroying the environment in today’s modern time.
[24:10] When Scott finished forestry school in the 1960’s, the text books at the time focused on a very small aspect of the forest.
[27:45] There’s universal agreement that graduate foresters today need more managerial and social skills to meet the needs of their job.
[34:15] Are we leading towards a more utilitarian or holistic method of forestry? Is there a balance?
[39:05] What does leadership mean to Scott?
[42:50] When it comes to leadership, Scott recommends everyone read about T. E. Lawrence.
[45:25] You can learn a lot about leadership from reading about other leaders.
[47:55] Are leaders born or made?
[53:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Sam Cook is the Executive Director of Forest Assets at North Carolina State College of Natural Resources. Sam first began studying forestry in 1979, at Tuskegee University. At the time, there were very few African Americans in the industry, and Sam knew he had to be part of his own success, if he wanted to make it in forestry. Now, the industry has expanded, and more people of color have joined the forestry ranks. Sam discusses how diversity has increased over the years, what young leaders need to know today, and some of the common mistakes leaders tend to make.
Key Takeaways:
[2:30] How did Sam get involved in forestry?
[8:40] Sam understood early on that he had to be part of his own success.
[9:45] How does Sam define what a mentor is?
[11:30] When Sam first joined the forestry industry in the 90’s, not a lot of people in his field were African American.
[12:15] Fast forward today, how has the forestry business changed for people of color?
[13:10] Sam attended Tuskegee University in 1979. How has it changed over the years? What forestry programs do they offer today?
[21:30] What kind of leadership lessons has Sam learned throughout his extensive career?
[24:45] How can people, young and old, learn to be better leaders?
[25:15] What are some of the common mistakes leaders tend to make?
[30:30] A lot of foresters don’t know how much work is really involved until they’re in the trenches. Some things can’t be taught in school.
[31:50] Why are foresters bad communicators?
[36:00] What kind of challenges will foresters face in the years ahead?
[38:40] Sam’s favorite movie is The Hunt for Red October.
[42:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Joann Cox was one of the first women to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Texas A&M University. In addition, Joann has 40 years of research experience, in the field of forestry across the United States. On this week’s episode, Joann discusses what makes leaders great, the importance of mentors in our lives, and why stepping up and volunteering can be one of the best options for you at the beginning of your career.
Key Takeaways:
[2:20] Who is Joann?
[3:55] How did Joann end up at Texas A&M for her Bachelor's degree?
[5:20] How was the transition from New Jersey to Texas?
[8:15] What was it like to be in a supervisor role for the first time?
[10:15] What’s the difference between leadership and management?
[12:10] How can people learn to inspire others?
[14:15] What is Joann most proud of, looking back?
[17:15] Joann talks about the importance of mentors throughout her career.
[19:30] How does a mentor differ from being a role model or a coach?
[21:55] What should young foresters learn early on in their career?
[26:15] Be persistent at volunteering, and put yourself out there.
[27:15] What kind of challenges will leaders face in the years ahead?
[29:22] Joann encourages young students to step forward and take on a leadership role. It is not as scary as you might think!
[34:15] Leadership isn’t always about the spotlight. It’s about finding out what’s best for your people.
[36:40] Are leaders born or made?
[38:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Doug Decker is the State Forester at the Oregon Department of Forestry. He is an informal historian and widely hailed as a strong communicator and leader. Doug has been in the forestry industry since 1987, and will be retiring this chapter of his life in the next two weeks. On the episode, Doug discusses that good leaders will sometimes have to make tough decisions, and those decisions may let some people down. He believes it’s important a young forester be prepared for this aspect of their career.
Key Takeaways:
[2:30] Doug is two weeks away from retirement, yet he has three jobs waiting for him on the other side.
[2:55] How did Doug get started in his career?
[6:20] It’s important to be able to tell the story, and stay relevant to a public that’s not necessarily invested in the natural forestry industry.
[8:25] What do foresters do well in this industry, and what do they need to do more of?
[10:45] To become a good communicator, is it really just a question of learning the skill or is it the will to learn?
[13:50] What kind of skills should a leader know?
[16:20] You have to be willing to disappoint people. As a leader, you will be called upon during hard times, when tough decisions need to be made.
[17:10] One of the responsibilities of a leader is to be able to manage the throttle on change.
[17:45] Doug doesn’t like to let folks down, but sometimes it’s part of the job. In order to accept change, we have to be willing to give some things up.
[21:20] How has being a teacher of history helped Doug become a better leader?
[26:25] When Doug retires, what does he plan to do in Portland state?
[28:35] After 29 years in the industry, Doug is ready for another chapter of his life.
[29:20] What advice would Doug give to the young foresters out there?
[31:40] How does Doug define leadership?
[34:15] Doug recommends the book Leadership on the Line, by Martin Linsky.
[35:05] Are leaders born or made?
[37:05] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Leadership on the Line, by Martin Linsky
Aaron Everett has been the State Forester of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources since 2010. Aaron believes that in order to be an effective leader, young foresters need to have a vision; either your own or the organization’s vision; and have the right people on the team to help achieve those big-picture goals. In order to be a good leader and a respected one, young professionals have to construct themselves as someone that people can emulate and follow. What you say and how you act does have an impact on your team.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] Why did Aaron become a state forester?
[4:35] What was Aaron’s first job?
[8:55] We think this business is about the tree, but really it’s about the people.
[10:35] What types of skills do leaders need?
[11:20] What you say and do, and how you act and behave, does set an example for other people.
[11:45] Notice and celebrate your team’s success.
[12:25] A leader needs to have a balance between not accepting the status quo, and following a compass to what's right.
[13:10] What does it mean to Aaron to be a leader?
[14:20] What are most foresters already good at, when it comes to leadership skills?
[15:55] What kind of challenges has Aaron overcome?
[20:45] What helped accelerate Aaron in his leadership?
[24:50] Where does Aaron see the future of forestry going?
[29:55] Aaron shares his final piece of advice.
[31:40] What’s Aaron’s favorite movie on leadership? The Matrix.
[33:35] Are leaders born or made?
[36:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Dave Lewis is the Vice President of Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc. Dave recognizes that many young foresters are introverts and they joined forestry so they could surround themselves with trees, not people. However, as we enter a new generation of foresters and forestry leaders, Dave believes they need to have loud voices, and to not be afraid to speak to the public about some of the dangers our environment faces.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] How did Dave get started in forestry?
[6:50] What was the transition like from employee to leader?
[8:55] Dave talks about the mentors that have made the biggest impact on him.
[11:25] What did Dave’s mentors see in Dave?
[12:40] How does Dave define leadership?
[14:25] How can someone learn leadership skills?
[15:10] To be a good leader, you have to get your hands dirty. You can’t learn everything from a book.
[16:35] What skills does Dave wish he learned sooner in his career?
[19:15] Remember, not everybody is going to be like you. People skills are highly important in this career.
[19:55] What’s some of the best advice Dave has received on leadership?
[21:00] Dave talks about the future of forestry.
[27:00] What piece of advice does Dave have for young leaders?
[28:35] What do we have to do differently to educate the public?
[32:00] What is Dave’s favorite book or movie on leadership?
[34:10] Are leaders born or made?
[36:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Bill Crapser is currently the State Forester for the Wyoming State Forestry Division. Bill is a well-accomplished forester who admits that being the boss isn't always easy. It does take a delicate balance between respecting others and making those tough decisions. Bill admits that 'listen more than you speak' is a bit of a buzzword these days, and although good advice, Bill warns young leaders to not let the talkers manipulate you into the bad or easy decision.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] How did Bill get interested in forestry?
[3:50] Who has influenced Bill in leadership throughout his career?
[5:00] What does Bill mean by micro- and macro-mentors?
[6:00] When did Bill first get a leadership position?
[7:15] What were some of Bill’s big takeaways from being volunteer leader?
[7:25] Being the boss ain't easy!
[8:10] Bill explains what it was like to get his first paid leadership position.
[9:40] What kind of advice does Bill have on how to lead older employees?
[10:05] You really have to listen more than you speak, but don't allow yourself to be manipulated by others!
[11:05] What prevents people from being more decisive and firm in their decisions?
[14:00] How does Bill define leadership?
[15:55] You have to give people the freedom to make mistakes.
[16:50] Why are mistakes good for leaders?
[21:15] What kind of advice does Bill give to his new foresters?
[25:40] As employers, the forestry industry tends to send mixed messages to universities on what students should be focusing on.
[30:00] Bill talks a little bit about the Wyoming forestry division.
[35:00] Bill shares one last piece of advice before he goes!
[37:30] What book does Bill recommend on leadership?
[43:10] Tom's Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Carlton Owen is the President & CEO of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry since its inception in 2006. However, Carlton has been involved with conservation innovation for over 40 years and is a trained forester and wildlife biologist. Carlton discusses important lessons in leadership and uses the current Presidential election as an example of what not to do when faced with people who have differing opinions than you. A great leader is compassionate and understanding of the people they serve.
Key Takeaways:
[2:55] How did Carlton get interested in forestry?
[4:55] Don't forget to appreciate your mentors.
[7:00] Don't be afraid to ask for a mentor. People are almost always willing to help.
[7:20] Be proactive in your own career development.
[7:35] Carlton shares his leadership journey and how he got into policy.
[11:10] You won't get anywhere by attacking people's character.
[12:00] How do people get comfortable with the unknown?
[13:35] Some of the greatest leaders are introverted.
[13:55] Carlton believes getting out of your comfort zone is where you will learn the most.
[14:00] We're not learning new things by listening to the same news that just re-confirms our biases.
[16:00] It seems like it's harder and harder to have a healthy conversation over social media.
[16:35] The only way to learn is to do!
[16:55] So, what does this new world mean to leaders today?
[19:40] What do new leaders and students need to learn?
[20:05] An individual is not going to be able to solve complex problems alone. It takes a team of talent.
[22:15] If Carlton were to write a book about leadership, what would the first chapter be about?
[24:10] Base your decisions off of your own moral value system.
[24:30] It's difficult to be a leader and you will have to face some tough decisions.
[26:30] You can't grow if you're in denial about what you need to improve on.
[27:40] Keep in mind, our weaknesses are often our strengths as well. It's sometimes a hard thing to balance.
[28:00] Why does Carlton have frequent feedback conversations with his team?
[29:15] A non-profit is still a business!
[35:10] Carlton shares one last piece of advice before he goes.
[36:30] What's Carlton's favorite book on leadership?
[38:35] Are leaders born or made?
[42:50] Tom's Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Paul M. Winistorfer, Ph.D., has served as Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech since 2009. Under Dr. Winistorfer’s leadership, Virginia Tech has undertaken strategic initiatives to move the college forward, which Paul discusses in greater detail on this episode. Paul also discusses how caring the younger generation is about the environment and how the school helps young students with leadership.
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] How did Paul get started?
[8:00] Paul talks about students today and the types of programs Virginia Tech is offering them in the forestry field.
[10:00] How do Paul and Virginia Tech incorporate leadership into their curriculum?
[14:10] How do students define leadership and what is Paul's definition of leadership?
[16:45] Why did Paul's definition of leadership change over time? What made him change his mind?
[18:30] Paul shares an early life experience which taught him the importance of leadership.
[19:55] We all need to step up. Do not assume you can not make a difference.
[22:50] Paul does believe more students in this generation are willing to step up and ask questions.
[23:15] More experienced leaders need to be open to questions.
[24:55] What are the top 3 things leaders in forestry need to know?
[27:20] What challenges do our young and emerging leaders need to be aware of?
[29:20] Paul talks about the new water program.
[32:05] What has the school done to increase more diversity in this field?
[34:40] What piece of advice would Paul give to those who are looking to develop their skills?
[36:00] Start sooner rather than later!
[38:30] Are leaders born or made?
[40:50] Tom's Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Bettina Ring has a long history in the conversation and forestry sectors and has spent 14 years at the Virginia Department of Forestry. Bettina offers advice to young students who are eager to enter into this field as well as provides some lessons to educate them about leadership. On this week’s episode, Bettina shares some of the important lessons she has learned throughout her career.
Key Takeaways:
[2:45] How did Bettina get started in forestry?
[6:40] How does Bettina define leadership?
[8:00] How to learn about becoming a better leaders.
[9:15] Many people enter the forestry business because they love being outdoors and surrounded by nature, but it's also a people-focused business.
[11:25] Bettina talks about some of her mentors and the people who have inspired her.
[14:45] There are more young women working in forestry today compared to years ago.
[15:05] How has forestry education improved over the years?
[16:35] What advice would Bettina offer a young student?
[21:50] Does Bettina have any regrets?
[23:55] What can young professionals do to become better leaders in forestry?
[25:10] Bettina discusses what foresters are good at and what foresters need to be better at.
[28:50] Remember to be authentic and true to yourself.
[29:10] Final thoughts on leadership.
[32:00] We can always lead and we can always make a difference.
[32:10] What's Bettina's favorite book?
[33:05] What are some of Bettina's favorite quotes?
[33:45] Are leaders born or made?
[35:25] Tom's Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Gene Kodama is a South Carolina State Forester with decades of leadership wisdom to share. Gene was fortunate enough to have some great mentors during the first few years of his professional career, and in this episode he shares the wisdom he has learned from others. The art of being a good listener is an important role for anybody, not just leaders, and Gene discusses why it really does pay to listen more than it does to speak.
Key Takeaways:
[2:55] How did Gene get started in forestry?
[5:00] How did Gene get his first forestry job?
[6:20] What was the transition from student to workforce like for Gene?
[9:00] Gene's parents and grandparents have served as huge mentors to Gene.
[9:35] Love and care about your fellow man and the rest will align nicely.
[10:05] What was fun or challenging about Gene's first leadership position?
[12:10] What is Gene's definition of leadership?
[16:15] Challenges are like mountains.
[20:00] It's one thing to know about being a Christian, it's another thing to be one. The same applies to leadership.
[25:15] Where does Gene see the future of forestry going as a profession?
[28:50] What advice would Gene give to other foresters who have not had access to great leadership mentors?
[32:55] Step up to the plate, do not avoid extra responsibility!
[34:35] Listen more than you speak.
[40:50] Tom's Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Dale Bosworth has been serving the U.S. Forest Service for 41 years and retired as Forest Service Chief in 2007. Dale's knowledge and wisdom shines through in this interview, as he discusses what young leaders should be aware of as they enter into the Forest Service. Originally, Dale did not want to become a Chief, but if your team and crew are asking you to step up and you don't want to, then why are you in the Forest Service in the first place?
Key Takeaways:
[2:30] How did Dale get started and what was his first position in forestry?
[5:15] When Dale first started, he received leadership training very early on.
[6:55] Dale talks about his mentors and role models over the years.
[9:20] What advice does Dale have for those who do not have a natural 'learning' mindset?
[10:20] Dale never aspired to become a Forest Service Chief, but people kept trying to encourage him to take on the position.
[11:45] If you're not willing to step up when you're asked to step up and do that job, why are you in the Forest Service?
[12:40] What are some ways people can step up in this career field?
[18:30] What are some of the top skills people need in order to become a successful leader?
[20:00] Dale believes the need for natural resource management is only going to increase in the future.
[22:40] Natural resource management needs to be a higher priority.
[23:40] What is Dale most proud of when he looks at a young emerging forestry professional?
[25:40] What's one piece of advice Dale would like to leave the audience with?
[27:40] We learn the most from leading volunteers.
[28:10] What is Dale’s favorite book or movie?
[31:00] What are some of Dale's favorite quotes on leadership?
[34:25] Are leaders born or are they made?
[35:50] You never stop learning and most importantly, you never stop serving―even after retirement!
[36:05] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Clark Seely is currently the President of Seely Management Consulting Inc. He has over 39 years of experience in forestry, natural resource management, and organizational administration. Clark attributes his leadership success by having great mentors early on and offers some words of advice for those who have joined or are considering to join the forestry profession. On the show, Clark shares his top three skills every student should know while they're pursing this career path.
Key Takeaways:
[2:40] How did Clark get started in forestry?
[7:15] What was Clark's first leadership position?
[9:00] Clark attributes his success to having great supervisors.
[9:35] Clark talks about the mentors who have helped him in his career.
[13:00] How did Clark transition from being an individual contributor to being a supervisor?
[15:25] What has been the proudest moment for Clark as a leader?
[18:55] What advice does Clark have for young students?
[19:45] You've entered a profession that's all about people.
[21:50] What skills should students who are considering this field learn?
[24:50] What can students do on their own to develop the top three skills Clark mentioned?
[26:45] Find a mentor!
[30:40] Where does Clark see the future of forestry? What should leaders be thinking about?
[37:25] What's Clark's favorite book or movie on leadership?
[40:55] What are some of Clark's favorite quotes on leadership?
[43:00] Are leaders born or are they made?
[46:10] Tom shares his leadership tip of the week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman
The Truth about Leadership by Barry Posner and James M. Kouzes