Julie Peltier is a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forester, and recently served as General Chair of the 2016 Society of American Foresters convention. On this week’s episode, Julie speaks of her first failed attempt at leadership, the lessons learned, and why her parents are her mentors. Julie also offers advice to young women, and believes you should keep your options open; there are a lot of opportunities in forestry; and if you need help, ask for it.
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] How did Julie get started in forestry?
[5:35] What was Julie’s first job in natural resources?
[7:15] Julie’s first taste of leadership did not go so well.
[9:45] What is Julie most proud of in her career?
[11:00] Who were some of Julie’s top mentors? Her very supportive parents!
[13:20] What challenges has Julie faced by being a woman in a very male-dominated career?
[15:50] What advice does Julie have for younger women in this career?
[16:20] Julie doesn’t always ask for help when she should. She likes to be independent, but there is a time and place for everything.
[17:35] Of course this does not apply to all woman, but it’s Julie’s observation that women seem to listen more carefully and intensely than men do.
[22:10] Julie believes some of the fun points in forestry are being in different surroundings and facing different situations. Every place she goes to is unique and different.
[23:10] Julie loves Princess Leia. She doesn’t take any crap and is a strong leader.
[26:00] When Julie first left for college, her dad didn’t think she’d make it, because she was too much of an introvert.
[27:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Valerie Johnson is a Forestry Wildlife Specialist at Ruffed Grouse Society. As a young female professional, Valerie has not seen a lot of discrimination from her co-workers, because many women before her have paved the way. However, she has received remarks from landowners, but she argues, you gotta have thick skin in this industry. Don’t let your ego get in your way toward learning fantastic and new things!
Key Takeaways:
[3:00] How did Valerie get started in forestry?
[4:35] Valerie didn't know you could have a career in forestry at all!
[7:30] What is a Forestry Wildlife Specialist in charge of doing?
[11:00] Valerie describes what some of her leadership positions have been like.
[12:30] How did Valerie get involved in rugby during college?
[13:20] Valerie’s mother has been her biggest mentor.
[16:00] What is Valerie the most proud of in her career? That’s a hard one!
[20:00] As a woman, has Valerie experienced any challenges?
[22:55] Having thick skin is a wonderful plus in this industry.
[23:05] Valerie has learned not to take anything personally. Sometimes it’s better to take the higher ground.
[24:00] Don’t let your ego get in your way!
[26:35] What advice does Valerie have for women interested in this profession?
[29:30] People often do not associate forestry professionals within the science or STEM profession, but that’s what they are!
[30:15] What makes a good leader?
[33:05] Are leaders born or made?
[35:00] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Melody Mobley is a pioneer. She was the first black female American to graduate with a degree in Forest Management from the University of Washington. She was also the first black female forester to join the USDA forest service. Now retired, Melody served in the forestry industry for 28 years, and currently serves as a role model for foresters everywhere.
Key Takeaways:
[3:30] How did Melody become interested in forestry?
[4:35] The year Bruce Lee died, Melody took an interest in martial arts.
[6:00] Melody always thought she’d be a zoologist.
[8:00] What advice does Melody have for women who didn’t know a career in forestry was possible?
[9:00] People are simply not aware of the diverse professions they can pursue within the forest service.
[13:10] Women typically have excellent communication skills. What other skills can men learn from women?
[18:25] Your mentors don’t always have to look just like you.
[24:30] Life-long learners find mentors.
[24:40] Melody serves as a door opener for all people, not just people of color or women.
[29:40] What kinds of challenges has Melody experienced throughout her career?
[36:25] What kinds of lessons has she learned from having to prove her worth because she was both a woman and a person of color?
[42:30] As more people of diverse backgrounds enter the workforce, we need to be mindful of the cultural differences. This doesn’t mean you can’t ‘be yourself,’ though.
[49:25] What is Melody most proud of in her career?
[54:10] We can all be leaders in some aspect of our life if we truly wanted to be. All we have to do is do the work!
[56:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Louise Murgia is the Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer at Society of American Foresters. Louise discusses some of her experiences of being a woman in a very male-dominated career, and offers advice and wisdom for other women in similar positions. As for our male counterparts, language plays a very important role in the workplace, and it’s important to be aware of how that might affect your peers, whether they’re female, or a younger member raising up in the ranks.
Key Takeaways:
[3:05] How did Louise get started in forestry?
[4:30] Louise was extremely grateful that a forester came in and spoke at her class.
[7:55] What is NCLI about?
[12:05] How does Louise define adaptive leadership?
[15:40] What makes a good leader?
[19:15] When looking at the forestry profession, how is it doing in terms of diversity?
[20:15] When it comes to diversity, we’ve still got a lot of work to do.
[20:50] What kinds of challenges are women in forestry currently facing?
[22:30] The way men communicate (tone of voice, style, choice of words, etc), plays a big role on their female counterparts.
[28:20] With that being said, women do need to adapt too.
[29:50] What advice does Louise have from women suffering from harassment or discrimination?
[36:25] Remember, you can always pay it forward, and help women in the field rise up through mentorship and support.
[41:05] Are leaders born or made?
[43:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode: