Alex Singleton is a Fiber Specialist at International Papers in Georgia. He is responsible for the overall management of wood purchases and deliveries into the mill and wet storage yard. Prior to this, Alex was a Procurement Forester for Weyerhaeuser and a Harvest Manager for Mead Westvaco Paper. On today’s episode, Alex discusses how he got introduced to forestry and how he helped create a meaningful forestry program to introduce young African American children into the field of Natural Resources.
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro to Alex’s background.
[3:25] How did Alex get into forestry and natural resources?
[8:50] Alex had forestry all around him and he didn’t even know it!
[11:55] What was it like going to college for forestry?
[18:20] Alex never felt out of place while he was attending university.
[19:55] What was Alex’s first job outside of school like?
[27:20] Alex became a district forester when he was in his young 20s and he held that position for 10 years.
[33:25] Never stop networking! It will set you up for success no matter what field you’re in.
[37:50] What does Alex do for his current role at International Paper?
[42:25] Alex is so proud that he is able to share what he knows with other African Americans.
[47:05] In the beginning, it was a struggle trying to recruit young kids into the industry.
[53:05] Alex has had a parent come up to thank him for saving their child’s life!
[59:40] You can become paralyzed by the big choices that are facing you, but you gotta square up to things and just move forward.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Julius Tillery is a 5th generation farmer who helps other farmers in rural communities succeed in their businesses. Julius is a big advocate and supporter of local farmers as well as runs his own business, Black Cotton. Julius graduated in 2004 at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and he earned his B.A in Economics. Find out more about Julius and the work he does on today’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro to Julius’s background.
[4:00] How did Julius get into forestry and natural resources?
[6:20] Julius decided to go back to school to further his college education, but after a brief stint, he felt it was better to drop out and get ‘on the ground’ experience instead.
[9:15] Are there a lot of millenials interested in agricultural work?
[14:55] When Julius got his first job, he was 23-years-old, but he was very knowledgeable in his field because he’s been working on the farm since he was 16.
[16:25] What kind of farming did Julius grow up doing?
[19:35] What kind of partnerships has Julius developed over the years?
[21:20] Julius remembers a time where ‘conservation’ and ‘environmentalism’ were bad words for a business.
[23:50] What is Julius most proud of in his career?
[25:45] Why are some minorities hesitant to join natural resources?
[31:25] What is Julius’s business, Black Cotton, all about?
[36:15] Despite Julius’s county being the number 2 cotton producer in his state, his county is still one of the poorest in the country. How is this possible when you have such a big asset?
[37:00] Cotton farmers get pennies on the dollar from cotton, but through local efforts, that can be changed.
[41:00] Look at what’s going on the world and then ask yourself where you see yourself in it that will make an impact, that will make a change for the better.
[45:25] What do young professionals need to know about this field?
[51:05] How important has social media been for Julius and Black Cotton?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Nicholas Jamahl Butler has experienced nearly the entire range of natural resource management in his seven-year career. Jamahl is the District Ranger of the Las Angeles Gateway Ranger District and has a focus on ecological restoration and conservation. On today’s show, Jamahl dives into the importance of having those tough conversations with those who don’t always see eye-to-eye with you, being proud of your unique talent, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro to Jamahl’s background.
[3:50] How did Jamahl get into forestry and natural resources?
[11:40] The foresters that Jamahl knew at the time were very excited to take a high school student under their wing.
[18:50] Jamahl entered into a forestry program early in his education, which helped him get on the ground experience as well as a bit of income.
[28:30] Jamahl was offered a full-time position before his internship was over.
[30:35] What kind of projects did Jamahl work on when he got his first job?
[38:00] Through Jamahl’s extensive and diverse experience, he’s able to have a deeper understanding of his work and bring a unique perspective to the table.
[41:00] Everyone in your life teaches you what to think but it’s not always accurate.
[47:15] Jamahl explains the process of how he got his college degree.
[51:40] What was it like to work as a state forester?
[58:40] What was it like living in Utah as a person of color?
[1:01:20] Jamahl shares a story of a co-worker who once explained to him, ‘what it was like to be black.’
[1:10:00] Jamahl explains his experience when he first arrived in Houston, Texas.
[1:18:30] Jamahl met a woman who was so passionate about forestry, but had no clue that you could go to school for it and specialize in different type of forestry!
[1:23:20] Jamahl shares his thoughts on race relation, cultural differences, and diversity.
[1:32:45] How often do you have to worry about someone sexually assaulting you?
[1:38:00] What does Jamahl do as District Ranger?
[1:40:45] How does leadership differ now that Jamahl is in this position?
[1:44:25] Most people think of themselves as hardworking and well-meaning, but they might not have the same definition of those things as you do.
[1:47:30] What kinds of challenges has Jamahl experienced in forestry as a person of color?
[1:50:30] What career advice does Jamahl have for young people?
[2:03:45] We all have unique qualities and it’s important to share your art with others.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Dr. Stephanie Freeman is the GIS Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service. Stephanie has a Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science from Alabama A&M. However, despite her extensive education, Stephanie admits she did very poorly in school but she was still able to prevail and get into her career field of choice by excelling greatly in internships and listening to key mentors to help guide her along the way. High grades do help, but it’s not the only way to get into your field of choice!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro to Stephanie’s background.
[3:30] How did Stephanie get into forestry and natural resources?
[7:25] Stephanie describes what her internship experience at Walt Disney World was like.
[10:30] Stephanie shares an experience of when someone did not take her seriously about her passions and pursuits.
[12:35] Stephanie was a C student in school, but she still prevailed through excelling in internships.
[14:30] Stephanie was fortunate enough to work at two NASA stations.
[16:55] Keep a strong integrity and character no matter what.
[17:25] What’s next for Stephanie?
[18:10] Stephanie recommends some of her favorite books.
[24:30] Leaders are made over time and through experiences!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landscape, by Lauret E. Savoy
Favor, the Road to Success: How to Receive Special Favor with God and People, by Bob Buess
Kimpton Cooper is an accomplished forester and forestry leader. Kimpton currently serves as the District Ranger on the Angelina Sabine Ranger District in East Texas. Kimpton earned his Masters of Environmental Management at Yale University. When it comes to diversity, Kimpton emphasizes the importance of looking to the future to make proactive changes that will make an impact on future generations to come. Find out more about Kimpton’s insightful thoughts on today’s show!
Key Takeaways:
[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro to Kimpton’s background.
[4:05] How did Kimpton get into forestry and natural resources?
[9:45] What does Kimpton mean by having a social license?
[11:40] Kimpton shares the types of jobs he’s done throughout his career.
[19:00] You vote for what’s important in your professional and personal life by where you allocate your time.
[19:35] What was Kimpton’s first leadership position like?
[26:15] What did Kimpton wish he had learned sooner about leadership?
[30:05] Most people aren’t listening; they’re reloading!
[30:35] What is Kimpton most proud of in his career?
[35:35] Kimpton is amazed that he gets paid to do this!
[37:25] Kimpton shares his experiences of being a minority in a predominantly white male field.
[47:00] What advice does Kimpton have for young folks out there?
[50:25] It’s okay to try and not succeed. If you never fail, you’re not trying hard enough.
[56:50] Kimpton offers a suggestion on how to better include diversity into the industry.
[1:08:10] The hard challenges you face today will make you a much better person and leader in the future.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin