Ken Pimlott is the Director of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection since 2011. Ken began his career as a reserve firefighter with the Contra Costa Fire Protection District. On today’s show, Ken explains why firefighters have to become good leaders, the best ways to navigate a changing workforce, and leadership lessons he wished he learned sooner!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro about Ken ’s background.
[3:25] How did Ken become interested in forestry?
[5:45] Why is leadership so critical in the fire community?
[9:35] Every firefighter is a leader in their own right. When a fire is happening, you can’t always call base to find out what to do next.
[10:10 What does Ken mean by ‘leader’s intent’?
[11:45] What have been some of Ken’s defining moments that really shaped and modeled him?
[15:15] In today’s climate, Ken has never seen so many people agree and be in alignment about the importance of our forests.
[17:00] What’s it like being the CEO of an agency compared to being in more of a middle management leadership role?
[24:40] What is Ken most proud of in his career?
[27:45] Ken shares what he wished he learned sooner about leadership.
[31:00] How does Ken manage and work with the younger generation?
[34:50] How can someone be successful in their career?
[38:15] Don’t be afraid to take action.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors Book, by James D. Hornfischer
Scott Phillips is the State Forester for South Carolina’s Forestry Commission. As agency head, Scott provides oversight for all functions of the agency and works with a nine-member board to set agency policy and direction. Scott first got his start in 1999 as a Forester. On today’s show, Scott shares timeless wisdom about leadership and highly recommends for a young professional to attend a fire program to build key leadership skills. There is always an opportunity to lead up!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro about Scott’s background.
[3:20] How did Scott become interested in forestry?
[9:20] What did Scott’s first job look like?
[14:50] Scott sees it as a blessing being able to work in forestry every day.
[15:25] What was Scott’s first leadership position?
[19:00] You learn a lot about leadership when you’re in a fire program.
[22:05] If you stick with the status quo, you’re going to fall behind the curve.
[23:35] Scott shares what the South Carolina Forest Service is currently working on.
[30:10] The Forest Service recently celebrated their 90th anniversary.
[35:10] How does leadership change at this level?
[40:45] As a leader, don’t be so quick to speak up. It can quickly squash conversation, which can take away the power from your team.
[44:55] If you really want to make an impact, you gotta be able to communicate and listen.
[47:45] If your team is not performing to your expectations, then you’re doing something wrong.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Harvard Business Review Podcast
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Brian Cottam is the Utah State Forester and Director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. Brian is also responsible for wildfire management on state and private lands and oversees Utah State’s sovereign lands. On the show, Brian shares what he is most proud of in his career, how young professionals can get ahead by taking an interest in soft skills, and how to best manage the complex ‘ego-system’ at work.
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro about Brian’s background.
[3:25] How did Brian become interested in forestry?
[5:50] What were some of Brian’s favorite jobs?
[9:10] You can’t be successful alone, you can only be successful through partnerships.
[10:35] Unfortunately, not enough people have the correct understanding of what it truly means to collaborate with others.
[13:45] What is unique about Utah’s ecosystem and forests?
[16:55] What kind of leadership positions has Brian had over the years?
[21:15] Most foresters aren’t trained to manage people, so it’s important to bring your team with you on the leadership journey.
[21:35] What is Brian most proud of?
[26:15] Brian was not aware of how political you have to be at the state forester level when he first took on the position.
[28:15] What does Brian wish he’d learned sooner about leadership?
[34:40] Brian discusses what he loves about working with the younger generation.
[38:00] What advice does Brian have for the young professionals out there?
[46:30] What other lessons has Brian learned throughout the years?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Tom Boggus is the State Forester of Texas and the Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. Tom has worked for the State of Texas since 1980 and has been the State Forester since 2010. During this time, Tom oversaw and led the response team during the worst wildfire season in Texas history. Find out more about Tom’s extensive career and his leadership principles on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro about Tom’s background.
[3:40] How did Tom become interested in forestry?
[7:35] What was it like when Tom was in the forest service during one of the worst wildfire seasons in Texas history?
[10:50] What was Tom’s first job like?
[14:25] If you don’t know how to deal with or communicate with people, then you will not be successful in forestry.
[16:35] Tom shares what makes the Texas Forest Service unique and some of the landscape differences compared to other states.
[22:15] What was Tom’s first leadership position like?
[27:25] People aren’t going to respect a leader purely by the title. Leaders have to earn it.
[34:15] Mistakes are one thing, just don’t make a habit of repeating the course.
[34:55] What’s it like leading on the State Forester level?
[45:55] What does Tom wished he learned sooner in his career?
[49:35] What advice does Tom giver his new employees?
[53:45] The future is bright for forestry!
[58:55] You have to dream, but more importantly, you have to believe in the dream.
Mentioned in This Episode:
A Passion for Leadership by Robert Gates