Brad Simpkins is the Director and State Forester of the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. He is responsible for forestry, forest management, and forest lands. Brad has worked for the division since 1998 and became the State Forester when he was 35. On the show, Brad discusses the beautiful and diverse wildlands of New Hampshire, how leadership is different on the State Forester level, and why he loves working with the younger generation.
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro about Brad’s background.
[2:50] How did Brad become interested in forestry?
[5:05] What has Brad’s experience been like while working with the younger generation?
[10:00] After school, what were some of the first forestry jobs he took on?
[12:55] What types of wildland does New Hampshire have?
[15:05] What was the transition like from being more of an employee to a manager?
[18:00] Brad discusses how his team reacted to him when he first became a supervisor.
[20:20] How long does it really take for a person to settle into a new role?
[21:25] What job has been the most fun for Brad to do so far?
[25:10] Brad discusses some of the new projects being added to the New Hampshire. Division of Forests and Lands.
[30:55] Brad works a lot with the state’s legislators and representatives to help keep them informed about what goes on in forestry.
[32:55] Brad discusses the leadership differences between being a manager vs. being a state forester.
[39:45] What does Brad love about working with the next generation?
[44:20] What does the profession need to be better at in order to be prepared for the future?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Crucial Conversations, by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan
Jim Karels is the Florida State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. Jim is a native of Minnesota and has more than 35 years of experience in wildfire suppression and land management. Also, Jim represents all 50 states on the Wildland Fire Leadership Council, Wildland Fire Executive Council, and the National Association of State Foresters Fire Committee. On today’s show, Jim talks about Florida’s excellent Operation Outdoor Freedom program, the difference in leadership at the state forester level, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro about Jim’s background.
[2:50] How did Jim become interested in forestry?
[4:25] What are some of the benefits of starting out in firefighting?
[5:05] After graduating from university, what was Jim’s first job like?
[7:05] What was the transition like from having to take orders vs. being the one having to give direction?
[10:15] As you move up into leadership positions in forestry, you have to make decisions based off of little to no data. This is a hard transition for a very analytical, data-driven forester.
[11:25] How is leadership different at the state forester level?
[16:15] What has been the most surprising about the state forester role so far?
[17:35] Jim discusses the Operation Outdoor Freedom program and what it is about.
[24:25] When it comes to leadership, what does Jim wish he learned about sooner?
[27:30] What is Jim learning about the younger generation entering into the workforce?
[30:05] Jim offers advice for those young professionals out there!
[32:45] What kind mentors has Jim had in the past?
[35:05] Where is this profession headed and what do professionals need to be aware of?
[38:20] Remember: Lead by example. If your example is not good, then your leadership won’t be either.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Jeff Whitney is currently the Arizona State Forester and Director of Department of Forestry and Fire Management, where he overseas roughly 150 people. Prior to working for the Arizona State, Jeff enjoyed a brief retirement and a 36 year career with the federal government of Natural Resources and Emergency Response. However, Jeff began his career in 1972 as a seasonal firefighter! On the show, Jeff shares his extensive experience with us, how it's really always been about the people, and leadership lessons he wished he knew sooner!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro about Jeff’s background.
[3:30] How did Jeff become interested in forestry?
[5:25] How did Jeff get started in firefighting?
[8:25] Jeff discusses some of the highlights of his career.
[10:20] Your people skills are as important as your scientific attitude.
[20:40] After 36 years with the federal service, Jeff retired...but not for long. 18 months later, he was back at it again.
[24:35] The longer you spend time in a team, the more resilient you are to deal with the unexpected.
[27:15] What is Jeff the most proud of at the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management?
[34:15] Jeff discusses some of the leadership lessons he's learned over the years.
[36:55] What leadership lessons does Jeff wished he learned sooner?
[39:40] A little bit of humbleness goes a long way in leadership.
[40:00] What is Jeff discovering about working with the next generation?
[42:55] Just starting out in your career? The first thing you gotta do is find your north star!
[50:50] If your hearts right and you're working with the right people on a tough problem, you're going to come out with a decent outcome.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni
Larry Biles has a BS in Forestry from the University of Missouri and an MS in Ornamental Horticulture from Kansas State University. Following two years with the U.S. Army, Larry spent eight years as a District Forester at Kansas State University. Today, he has 50 years of experience under his belt and is the State Forester of Kansas. On the show, Larry shares his leadership experience, what it means to be people-oriented, and discusses the benefits of working in urban forestry.
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro about Larry’s background.
[3:45] How did Larry become interested in forestry?
[7:35] What kind of tasks did Larry do when he took his first job in forestry?
[9:25] Over the years, what were some of Larry’s favorite jobs to do?
[11:55] Urban forestry and community forestry are great opportunities for new foresters who may not be thinking about that as a career path.
[16:00] What have been some of the biggest challenges Larry has faced in his career?
[19:40] What are the demographics of Larry’s staff?
[21:00] What does Larry like the most about working with the younger generation?
[22:25] Larry discusses the difference in leadership style when you’re a frontline manager vs. a state forester.
[25:55] What did Larry wish he’d learned sooner about managing people?
[27:25] How does Larry focus on being more people-oriented — as opposed to task-oriented — with his staff?
[30:25] Larry has some advice for young students out there looking to get into forestry.
[34:10] What are some of the best ways to improve your leadership skills?
[37:00] How is the forestry industry changing as a whole and what do foresters need to do to be prepared for the future?
[41:20] Larry talks a little bit about the history of the Kansas Forest Service.
[43:50] How does Larry attract and retain new talent?
Mentioned in This Episode: