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