Kelly Norris is a Forester at Wyoming State Forestry Division. Throughout her career, Kelly has gone through several places where she was the first woman many male co-workers had ever seen! She’d often visit towns with populations of 150 or so people. Some male co-workers were afraid/worried of her, while others were more blatant in their discrimination towards her. Hear her stories on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[3:40] How did Kelly become involved in forestry?
[8:55] You never stop learning in forestry.
[9:05] What is the collaboration program in natural resources about?
[12:35] Who can join this program?
[16:40] What did Kelly learn the most while attending the collaboration program?
[21;15] What was Kelly’s first leadership role like?
[24:35] Kelly discusses her experience as often being the ‘first woman’ to achieve certain milestones.
[28:10] Why were the other male foresters afraid of Kelly?
[32:00] Unfortunately, with being the first woman to enter into a lot of these rural places, Kelly has experienced discrimination.
[40:35] What kind of mentors has Kelly had?
[47:30] How can men make the work environment more welcoming to women?
[48:50] What is Kelly most proud of in her career so far?
[54:45] What makes a good leader?
[1:02:50] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Cassie Phillips has been the Vice President of Weyerhaeuser since 2001, first joining the company in 1991. Cassie earned her degree in forestry at the University of Washington in 1976, and a lot has changed in the industry since then. As she was one of the very first women to join a very male-dominated field, she did receive a bit of push back, but she also received help. Find out more about Cassie’s journey today!
Key Takeaways:
[3:05] How did Cassie first get started in forestry?
[4:25] How many women were studying forestry when Cassie went to University of Washington in 1972?
[8:20] What was Cassie’s first leadership position like?
[11:20] Cassie was the first woman in a field management position at the time.
[15:45] Weyerhaeuser focused a lot of their efforts on management training and diversity. In fact, they have a lot more women in leadership positions than other companies in the forestry industry.
[16:45] What has Cassie learned about leadership over the years?
[18:10] Underneath all great leaders are personal integrity and openness.
[19:55] How do you develop a strategy to communicate effectively?
[22:00] Lawyers understand they’re not liked, but they also understand how valuable they are in society. The same applies to foresters.
[23:00] Why did Cassie go from forestry to law?
[26:55] In forestry, you have to create a welcoming environment for all types of diverse people.
[32:35] How can foresters advance in their career?
[38:15] What other challenges has Cassie had to face throughout her career?
[47:40] Remember to make friends before you need them.
[50:00] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
What Works: Gender Equality by Design, by Iris Bohnet
Power: Why Some People Have It — and Others Don't, by Jeffrey Pfeffer
Leah Rathbun is the Regional Biometrician at the U.S. Forest Service. Leah discovered forestry after being incredibly unhappy at her role in retail management. She decided to quit her job and go back to school, where she could take on a more ‘outdoorsy’ job. It was the best decision she made! In today’s interview, Leah discuss the importance of having personal responsibility, and to not let people get away with making offensive or degrading comments about others. Stand up for what’s right, and don’t be afraid to walk out of the room in protest to bad behavior.
Key Takeaways:
[2:50] How did Leah discover forestry?
[6:15] Not all of us have a straight line, when it comes to discovering our careers.
[7:15] What kind of mentors has Leah had in her life?
[10:55] What was Leah’s first leadership position like?
[14:35] What advice does Leah have for those who want to be better leaders?
[18:25] What is Leah most proud of in her career?
[22:00] In Leah’s experience, foresters have a lot of pride in the work they do.
[27:40] Just because you haven’t experienced what your co-worker has experienced, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
[34:05] What’s next for Leah?
[37:45] What advice does Leah have for new professionals in the field?
[48:00] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Ted Talk — Everyday Leadership
Nancy Hirsch is the Deputy State Forester at the Oregon Department of Forestry in Salem, Oregon. Nancy has worked for the department for over 28 years, in a variety of different leadership and career positions. Nancy shares her timeless leadership advice on today’s podcast, as well as discusses the value of having supportive coworkers by her side, who were willing to take chances on her.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] How did Nancy get started?
[5:45] How did Nancy go from fighting fires to forestry?
[7:35] What was Nancy’s first leadership position like?
[10:15] Nancy always focuses on teamwork.
[11:05] What does shared leadership look like?
[13:55] Nancy feels blessed when it comes to her mentors. A lot of people have helped Nancy succeed.
[19:35] Good leaders have a deep desire to promote and help develop people.
[23:15] What changes, when people move from the field into an office?
[26:00] What is Nancy most proud of in her career?
[29:05] What advice does Nancy have for young professionals?
[33:25] Interview people who are different than you. You learn a lot!
[34:25] What lessons has Nancy learned by being in a male-dominated field?
[42:25] Remember to lead by example.
[44:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Kelly Burch currently works for the Wisconsin Young Forest Initiative, and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria. While in Bulgaria for the Peace Corps, Kelly earned her Master of Forestry by researching the uses of non-timber forest products by three different people groups. Unfortunately, Kelly has dealt with sexism in her career. As many women work in remote areas with poor cellphone service, Kelly shares some tips on professional ways you can deal with any issues about your safety.
Key Takeaways:
[2:25] How did Kelly get started in forestry?
[5:20] When Kelly was in the Peace Corps, she went to Bulgaria, and wrote her thesis on the use of non-timber forest products.
[7:45] Kelly wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, and worked a variety of different jobs before deciding on forestry.
[10:00] When Kelly was in the Peace Corps, what was she most proud of?
[11:15] Does Kelly still speak Bulgarian?
[15:45] What is the Young Forest Initiative about?
[18:50] What has Kelly learned over her very interesting forestry career, about leadership and working with others?
[20:35] You might deal with men who may act as though you don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t take that personally.
[21:05] Unfortunately, women are still being treated this way in the industry.
[22:50] A woman must always be on guard, especially when working in remote and rural areas.
[25:20] Kelly’s rule is to always trust your gut. You don’t need to explain yourself why you’re uncomfortable.
[27:00] Always let your teammates know where you’re going!
[28:10] Shoutout to some of the fantastic men working in forestry today.
[33:35] How can men better support their female counterparts?
[38:55] What are Kelly’s thoughts on the future of forestry?
[45:40] You have to learn your confidence.
[51:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, by Don Miguel Ruiz