Rachel Reyna is a certified Forester and certified Arborist. She has worked for the Pennsylvania department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Rachel is also extremely active on the Society of American Foresters, where she serves on the board of directors. On today’s show, Rachel discusses why leadership feedback is so important, how to include more diversity in forestry, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A quick intro about Rachel’s background.
[2:45] How did Rachel get started in forestry?
[8:30] Career changes don’t always happen in a straight line. Rachel is a perfect example of this.
[10:00] What is Rachel most proud of in her career?
[13:45] What is the Diversity Ambassador’s program at SAF about?
[17:40] Rachel received some anonymous feedback about her performance and it was actually very valuable to hear.
[20:35] Rachel conducts a reverse employee performance review every year with her staff. They get to give her anonymous feedback on what she can do better.
[21:30] What has been Rachel’s personal experience as a woman in a male-dominated profession?
[26:55] It’s hard to find the line between how much you should push for what’s right, vs. when to pick your battles.
[30:15] When experiencing discrimination, is it better to have a woman mentor, vs. a man?
[31:55] Where are we as foresters when it comes to welcoming, and accepting, diversity?
[34:45] We’re living in a digital age, and there are fewer people getting out there and exploring.
[41:30] Rachel shares her favorite movies about leadership.
[45:30] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Biblehub.com/galatians/6-9.htm
Stephanie Grubb is a forester for International Paper, and has served in Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. On this week’s show, Stephanie discusses why it’s important to be a quick learner and adapt to your environment. She also discusses some of the initial challenges she first faced when joining a leadership position. When it comes down to it, everybody wants to feel important and valued in their workplace, and when you’re able to meet people with respect, that’s when you’ll be able to overcome tough barriers.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Stephanie’s background.
[3:00] How did Stephanie get started in forestry?
[8:10] What kinds of challenges did Stephanie experience when she took on her first leadership position?
[10:35] It’s one thing to be cognizant of the barriers you face, but that should not be an excuse to hold yourself back.
[11:10] What kinds of mentors did Stephanie have throughout her career?
[13:25] What is Stephanie most proud of in her career?
[15:15] Has Stephanie ever faced discrimination in the workplace?
[21:30] At the end of the day, we all want to connect, we all want to feel important and valued.
[22:45] What advice does Stephanie have for young professionals?
[27:00] Where does Stephanie think the future of forestry is going?
[32:35] What books does Stephanie recommend to fellow foresters?
[37:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg
Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps, by Allan Pease and Barbara Pease
Mona Griswold is the Olympic Region Manager at Washington Dept. of Natural Resources. Mona started her career in forestry in the early ’90s, and it did not go very smoothly. Not only was there blatant sexism and discrimination towards her, but there was also minority discrimination too. During her first few years in forestry, Mona developed thick skin and pushed through it, but she says it doesn’t have to be this way. Women and minority rights are still at risk, and we all have to stand up against it.
Key Takeaways:
[:45] A quick intro about Mona’s background.
[2:45] How did Mona get started in forestry?
[5:05] What was Mona’s first field job?
[8:15] What has Mona’s experience been like so far as a woman in a very male-dominated field?
[10:15] Mona’s supervisor was, frankly, kind of an ass to her because she was a woman and he did not want her there. However, she stuck it out!
[14:00] It was not welcoming to say the least. A manager retired and for his retirement speech he told everyone, “Women should not be foresters, they should be kept barefoot and pregnant.” He was dead serious.
[14:55] However, some men can be turned around. One of them later became Mona’s mentor.
[16:20] Contractors were more accepting of Mona than the managers were.
[17:40] What kind of lessons did Mona learn about being discriminated against?
[19:55] Unfortunately, Mona felt like she didn’t have any support, anywhere!
[20:25] Mona discusses the most shocking thing that has happened to her in her career, which was in 2016, no less!
[23:40] Mona offers words of advice to those who are facing discrimination right now.
[25:10] Support the women you work with. Put your differences aside and band together.
[28:45] For a lot of organizations, diversity is dead.
[32:35] What kind of lessons has Mona learned about leadership?
[37:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, by Daniel Goleman
Vicki Christiansen is the Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry at the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, DC. Prior to joining the U.S. Forest Service, Vicki had a 26-year career with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, first beginning her career as a wildland firefighter. On today’s show, Vicky emphasizes the importance of incorporating your team into the mission, instead of just barking orders at them. It’s important to remember that it’s all about connecting people together and working as a unit to create change and progress.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Vicki’s background.
[3:15] How did Vicki get started in forestry?
[7:10] Vicki has never been the one to have a perfect plan, but she always made herself get out of her comfort zone.
[12:10] Vicki did not know how hard it was to re-establish a forest in a blast zone. When she first started, there wasn’t a lot of information or an operator’s manual on the subject.
[14:00] When was Vicki’s first leadership position, both informal or formal?
[19:45] When a forest fire went wrong, Vicki’s team looked to her to see if she’d crack under the pressure. She doesn’t think they did it maliciously, it’s just human nature to watch people who are different than you.
[22:30] There were times Vicki called her staff out on inappropriate behavior or remarks, but in a respectful way.
[25:40] As a leader, it’s important to be grounded and clear with yourself.
[30:15] What kinds of role models has Vicki had over the years?
[34:45] What are the pros and cons of having a formal mentor?
[38:20] What does Vicki look for in a leader?
[41:45] How can young professionals develop their leadership skills?
[46:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Change Your Questions Change Your Life, by Marilee Adams
The Loudest Duck, by Laura Liswood