Larry Kotchman has been the State Forester of North Dakota for the last 31 years; he is currently the longest active serving State Forester. As State Forester, Larry is responsible for the administration of the North Dakota Forest Service, managing the agency's $50 million budget, and directing statewide forestry services through three leadership teams. On today’s show, Larry discusses why building relationships and trust is a continuous process, leadership lessons he wished he’d learned sooner, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro about Larry’s background.
[3:15] How did Larry become interested in forestry?
[6:15] What types of mentors has Larry had over the years?
[9:30] Larry shares what his first formal leadership job was like.
[12:25] As a State Forester, how is the leadership different compared to a more frontline manager?
[17:35] What was Larry’s experience like at Harvard? How does the executive fellow program on leadership work?
[19:50] What is like being the State Forester for North Dakota and what exciting programs are up ahead for the state?
[22:05] What’s the hardest part of being a leader?
[25:10] As a leader, it’s important to not only lead but to also shape the environment you’re in so that your team remains calm and has the confidence to excel at their tasks.
[27:20] What does Larry mean when he says that formal authority has its limitations?
[29:55] When making a transition to a different level of leadership, what are some of the best things you can do to handle that transition with your colleagues?
[32:05] What did Larry wish he’d learned sooner about leadership?
[38:25] Learning how to communicate effectively is a highly sought-after skill.
[42:25] Larry shares his thoughts about the future of forestry.
[47:25] Larry recommends reading the book, A Sand County Almanac!
Mentioned in This Episode:
A Sand County Almanac (Outdoor Essays & Reflections) by Aldo Leopold
Kacey KC is currently the State Forester & Fire Warren for the Nevada Division of Forestry. She is a Nevada Native and she earned her Bachelor's degree in Forestry and Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Montana. She spent some time overseas with the Peace Corps as a community forester in Nepal. On today’s show, Kacey discusses some of the challenges of working between both state and federal governments, some amazing projects happening at the Nevada division, and shares why she recommends young adults to join the Peace Corps.
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro about Kacey’s background.
[3:30] How did Kacey become interested in forestry?
[5:10] What made Kacey decide to join the Peace Corps and what was that experience like?
[10:35] Kacey shares her story of how she helped the Nepalese overcome certain challenges with their forests.
[13:55] Kacey's transition back home from Nepal was difficult to get accustomed to.
[16:55] What kinds of fun or memorable jobs has Kacey had before she become State Forester?
[19:50] What is Kacey most proud of in her Nevada division?
[23:55] Kacey discusses some of the challenges of working with the state and federal government.
[29:50] Who have been some of Kacey’s mentors?
[33:05] What advice does Kacey have for young professionals?
[37:20] Failure is the best teacher.
[42:35] Kacey recommends the book, Extreme Ownership.
[45:00] As leaders, it’s important to just be honest and straightforward.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Barry Cook is a West Virginia native, a military veteran, and has been a seasoned forester for the last 45 years. Barry began his career as a logging superintendent and has slowly risen the ranks since then, starting his own company in 2005. He currently serves as the Director and State Forester of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. On the show, Barry shares lessons he learned as an impatient manager, the types of projects he’s working on for the State and encourages young professionals to become bilingual.
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro about Barry’s background.
[3:20] How did Barry become interested in forestry?
[5:05] When Barry was growing up in West Virginia, there was no game around where he lived. Why was that?
[9:00] How did Barry get his first job in forestry?
[11:45] Barry has never hired someone off the internet. He believes in face-to-face interactions.
[12:55] What have been some of the more interesting jobs Barry has had over the years?
[20:20] As Barry works with a lot of corporate and private sectors, does it make the work that he does more or less challenging as a State Forester?
[24:45] Barry discusses some new and exciting projects that are happening in West Virginia right now.
[28:05] What does Barry wish he’d learned sooner in his career?
[33:25] Barry highly recommends that young managers take professional management training. There are a lot of restrictions on what you can and can’t do these days; having someone by your side will help you not to get in trouble.
[35:30] What advice does Barry have for retaining new talent?
[40:55] Barry shares his thoughts and resources for those just entering the workforce.
[44:15] Barry recommends two books!
[50:00] You don’t have to know everything to move into a new position.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Peter Church is the Director of Forest Stewardship for Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, where he oversees the agency’s statewide forest conservation program and the implementation of a new strategic direction for the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry. Peter has over 29 years of experience and shares key examples of what he wished he had learned sooner about leadership. Do not miss Peter’s insight on the importance of the work we do as foresters, why we need to get better at communication to the public, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro about Peter’s background.
[2:45] How did Peter become interested in forestry?
[6:15] What was Peter’s school experience like?
[10:25] Peter discusses how he overcame his fear of public speaking.
[11:35] What was Peter’s first management position like?
[12:10] Peter discusses some leadership lessons he wished he’d learned sooner while he was managing a team of 75 park rangers at once.
[13:50] What’s it like managing people at the State Forester level?
[15:50] Peter shares some exciting new projects the department is taking on.
[18:00] What types of mentors has Peter had over the years?
[22:30] What kinds of challenges has Peter faced as a leader?
[25:00] Remember, you’re going to make mistakes!
[25:10] Peter discusses what he likes about the newer generation coming into the workforce.
[27:35] Peter offers some advice for those thinking about forestry or currently in school for it.
[30:25] How can people learn how to become a better leader? What resources does Peter recommend?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Soul of the Lion: A Biography of General Joshua L. Chamberlain, by Willard M. Wallace