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