Laura Parker is the Manager of Forest Planning and Analysis for American Forest Management Inc., where she delivers strategic and tactical forest planning solutions for a wide range of clients. Laura has been with American Forest Management for a little over 14 years and speaks highly of the role models and company culture there. Find out more about Laura and her advice to young and aspiring foresters out there, in this week’s episode.
Key Takeaways:
[:58] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:35] A quick intro about Laura’s background.
[3:10] How did Laura become interested in forestry?
[5:15] What kind of challenges has Laura experienced by being in a male-dominated field?
[7:25] Laura discusses how she originally got involved with utility forestry early in her career.
[9:45] Laura highly recommends taking an internship while you’re in school. It helps build job experience and makes you more marketable.
[10:35] What advice does Laura have for young professionals coming out of school?
[13:50] What’s it like working with American Forest Management (AFM)?
[15:50] What does Laura enjoy the most about working for AFM?
[17:25] Laura discusses what she wished she learned about leadership earlier in her career.
[21:20] Should you get an MBA as a forester? Laura thinks so!
[26:25] What kinds of mentors has Laura had over the years?
[29:45] Laura highly recommends It’s Not about the Coffee, by Howard Behar.
Mentioned in This Episode:
It’s Not about the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks, by Howard Behar
Nicole Belhumeur is an ISA Certified Arborist who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Rhode Island. Nicole began her career as an Arborist at Bartlett Tree Experts and now works for them as a recruiter. If you’re interested in finding out more about what she and Bartlett does, feel free to reach out to her! On the show, Nicole talks about being a silent leader, how being passionate brings motivation to succeed, and so much more.
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:40] A quick intro about Nicole’s background.
[3:10] How did Nicole become interested in forestry?
[6:10] Why is the Arnold Arboretum so special?
[8:10] What was it like when Nicole worked on her first landscaping architecture job when she left college?
[9:30] How did Nicole make the switch from this job to the one she has now at Bartlett Tree Experts?
[11:15] Nicole is still in touch with her teachers from college, who have since helped her find new opportunities and jobs.
[11:45] Now that Nicole works as a recruiter, her ideal candidate is through a personal referral.
[12:10] What kind of work does Nicole do for Bartlett?
[16:55] What has been some of the rewarding as well as challenging parts of being a young professional?
[18:45] What does Nicole wish she had learned sooner?
[20:25] Nicole discusses some traits in both good and bad leaders.
[22:50] What kind of mentors has Nicole had over the years?
[25:45] What really makes a good mentor?
[28:25] Where is the future of natural resources going?
[33:20] Take risks and try new things! It will expand your opportunities.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Call Nicole: 203-388-0797.
Ian Fox earned a B.S. in Forest Resource Management from the University of Tennessee and he’s currently the Natural Resource Staff Officer for the Cibola National Forest and Natural Grasslands in New Mexico. On the show, Ian discusses why he loves forestry, how we’re all ‘de facto leaders’ to some degree, and why you have to take the initiative to find good talent; they don’t just come to you.
Key Takeaways:
[:45] A quick intro about Ian’s background.
[1:55] How did Ian first get started in forestry?
[3:45] When Ian left college, what kinds of jobs did he get hired for?
[6:40] Why is the Cibola National Forest in New Mexico so unique?
[9:05] What’s it like working with the tribes in the area?
[11:35] The best way in New Mexico to really do some good work is to partner/work with the local communities, who already have a longstanding tradition with nature.
[12:10] It all boils down to relationship building, listening, understanding, and respect.
[16:20] What is Ian most proud of in his career so far?
[18:40] What has Ian learned about leadership and working with other people?
[20:25] As a forester, regardless of what field you might have picked, you have to be a jack of all trades. You have to know what resources are available to you.
[24:50] What do the good leaders get right in their management style?
[27:55] Did Ian ever have mentors throughout his career?
[32:00] What is Ian's advice for young professionals?
[34:10] You need around six years to really see the true outcome of a project.
[34:20] Where does Ian see the profession going in the next couple of years?
[40:25] You gotta work for your talent pool. You have to get yourself out there and find the talent.
[41:30] Ian highly recommends The Art of War, by Sun Tzu.
[44:45] Ian wishes he was more open to accepting challenges when he was new in his career.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The USDA Forest Service: The First Century, by Gerald W. Williams
Nathan Lojewski is a Forest Manager for Chugachmiut, a non-profit organization that represents the Chugachmiut tribe and provides technical assistance to Alaskan Tribal Councils, Village, and Regional Corporations. Nathan joined the Peace Corps after graduating college and did volunteer work for remote villagers in The Gambia. On the show, Nathan discusses his Peace Corps experience, how he builds trust as an outsider, and what makes a person really thrive in a leadership role.
Key Takeaways:
[:45] A quick intro about Nathan’s background.
[2:15] How did Nathan first get started in forestry?
[5:35] What was it like volunteering for the Peace Corps?
[7:20] How did Nathan learn the language while in The Gambia?
[8:35] Nathan discusses what his time was like in The Gambia and how he helped improve the villager’s lives.
[13:50] How did Nathan build trust as a foreigner and a stranger in this village?
[17:30] Nathan discusses another fun project he did for this village where he taught a woman how to write.
[22:00] Did Nathan have culture shock when he came back to the U.S.?
[23:55] What does Nathan do for Chugachmiut?
[31:10] What has Nathan learned along the way about leadership?
[35:15] What’s the difference between being an informal leader vs. a formal leader?
[41:05] What advice does Nathan have for young professionals?
[44:05] When Nathan first joined the profession and SAF, he did not understand how valuable networking was for him.
[48:40] Nathan highly recommends you watch Only the Brave.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Laurie Raskin is a 2013 Graduate of the State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, where she earned a B.S. in Forest Management and Forest Resources Management. Laurie has since worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Finch Paper, and Wagner Hardwoods before going on her own path and opening her own consulting business. On this week’s show, Laurie explains why she loves being a consultant and the rewarding work she does as a forester.
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A quick intro about Laurie’s background.
[3:00] How did Laurie first get started in forestry?
[6:45] What was Laurie’s first forestry job like after college?
[7:40] What kinds of things did Laurie learn as an intern?
[13:55] Even though Laurie had a great job at the time, she really, really wanted to get in procurement forestry.
[19:30] When Laurie found herself moving back to her hometown, she decided it was time to start her own business.
[20:55] Laurie is in the very early stages of her business; what’s it been like so far?
[21:45] Even though Laurie is still doing a lot of things she used to do while at her previous jobs, she still finds herself second-guessing herself because it’s still all so new.
[24:00] What kinds of role models has Laurie had?
[29:40] What can the profession do better to attract younger talent?
[36:10] Laurie recommends the book The Servant, by James C. Hunter.
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership Book, by James C. Hunter
Jenny Knoth is the Director of Environmental Affairs at Green Crow Corporation in Washington. She splits her time between fieldwork and forest policy committee meetings. Green Crow is a family-owned timber production investment enterprise with over 50,000 acres of land holdings. On the show, Jenny discusses why we can’t all be generalists in this field, the important mentors she’s had in her life, and why she decided to get her Ph.D. in Forest Resources.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Jenny’s background.
[2:45] How did Jenny first get started in forestry?
[5:05] What was Jenny’s work experience like in the very beginning?
[8:30] Jenny shares her views on choosing a specificity for the forestry industry.
[9:50] What kind of work does Green Crow do?
[11:45] What has been the most fun part of Jenny’s career so far?
[14:05] What kind of leadership lessons has Jenny picked up along the way? Jenny is fortunate that she’s been around a lot of good leaders!
[15:55] What kinds of mentors has Jenny had in her life?
[21:10] When Jenny was getting her Ph.D. program, she had the mindset that this program was a job for her and every day she was one step closer to achieving her goal.
[25:35] You learn a lot by doing work you didn’t expect to do.
[27:35] What can the profession as a whole do to attract more young professionals into the field?
[30:55] In Jenny’s line of work, she used a couple of drones to help her with her research. What did she learn from that experience?
[32:40] What’s the fire situation like out there in Washington?
[35:30] Adaptation works in nature, so it should also work in leadership as well!
[37:15] Jenny really likes the movie Hidden Figures and the leadership lessons in that show.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Peter Dieser is the Public Lands Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy and is currently stationed in Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in Rochert, Minnesota. Peter switched his careers while in school a couple of times before landing as a forester. He studied everything from literature, astrophysics, and even archaeology. He believes if you bust your butt, work hard, even if you’re just studying, it’s going to change your life for the better. You might not always love what you’re studying, but you can always learn from it.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Peter’s background.
[2:45] How did Peter first get started in forestry?
[8:05] Peter had an illness throughout high school and college that was misdiagnosed as cancer and it had him reevaluate his life and his goals.
[11:15] Although it might sound weird, Peter wouldn’t change his past because those early experiences and medical scares really made him the person he is today.
[14:55] What lessons did Peter learn while he was trying to discover his true call and passion in life?
[18:25] What kinds of mentors did Peter have while growing up?
[21:45] Since we serve so many diverse people, it’s important that our skillsets and perspectives are diverse, too.
[22:10] What do young professionals want in a career?
[26:50] What’s the most fun part of Peter’s job?
[29:15] What’s been difficult about working on the people side of forestry?
[36:30] Peter offers some advice for those young professionals out there getting started.
[39:10] What does the forestry profession need to improve upon?
[41:40] How can the profession attract and retain more of the younger generation?
[45:40] Peter shares some of his favorite books!
[51:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman
Tim Ackerman is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Forest Ecosystems Management. Tim is now a Service Forester for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry in Erie County. On today’s show, Tim discusses how he was introduced to forestry and some of the leadership lessons he learned while he was in the Marines. Tim also gives advice to young aspiring foresters on how to get an internship and both the soft and hard skills needed to thrive in this industry.
Key Takeaways:
[:40] A quick intro about Tim’s background.
[2:00] How did Tim first get started in forestry?
[4:30] How did Tim get his first internship?
[7:30] When Tim was in the Marines, what kind of leadership lessons did he learn?
[11:10] Tom believes military personnel make for some of the best employees!
[11:20] What was Tim’s experience as a student leader like?
[15:30] Forestry is a small community and everyone really wants to help each other succeed.
[18:55] What kind of soft skills do aspiring forestry professionals need to learn before they start applying for positions?
[22:20] What kinds of surprises did Tim experience first-hand when he entered into the forestry profession?
[24:45] Tim has helped mentor a couple of forestry professionals in the past and explains what that experience was like.
[31:55] Tim does have to regularly explain to people that he’s not a forest ranger and that the profession is much more diverse than that!
[33:10] Tim offers some final words of advice to the young foresters out there.
[37:35] Tim recommends reading The Wilderness Warrior! It is a biography about
Theodore Roosevelt.
[43:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry
The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America, by Douglas Brinkley
Tera King is a Forester for Northwest Management, a forest land, and environmental management consulting firm based in Idaho, Montana, and Washington. Tera earned her B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Idaho, in 2003. She also completed her MBA at Norwich University in Vermont, in 2013. On the show, Tera discusses why she went back to school to complete her MBA nearly 10 years later and some of the important skills young forestry professionals need to have in order to be a more prepared professional.
Key Takeaways:
[1:15] A quick intro about Tera’s background.
[2:25] How did Tera first get started in forestry?
[4:40] Tera had some work experience in college; how did that help her land a job in forestry?
[5:45] What other piece of advice can Tera give young forestry professionals who are about to enter the workforce?
[7:05] How did Tera first get started at Northwest Management?
[8:15] What’s it like working for Northwest Management?
[9:15] Why did Tera go back to school for her MBA?
[12:25] What are some of the challenges young professionals today face?
[13:20] There are a lot of social issues now in the forestry industry and we need good communicators to help discuss some of these issues.
[15:45] What kinds of people do Tera and her team look for when they’re about to hire?
[17:55] Your company can teach you anything, but they can’t teach you how to have a good work ethic and a good attitude.
[21:30] What kind of mentors has Tera had along the way?
[27:00] What’s required from a leadership standpoint when you reach different levels, or different positions, of a job?
[32:25] Sometimes technology fails and we need to know how to use the ‘old school’ methods to get the right information. Relying too heavily on your GPS will get you lost!
[37:50] What is Tera most proud of in her career?
[42:40] There is going to be change in the industry, whether we like it or not! Things will always be changing and you’re going to have to get used to that.
[48:00] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Adam Foehringer has a B.S. in forest management and a minor in geographic information systems. Adam worked for the school forester manager while in college and also interned for the Kingwood Forestry Services. Now, he works for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. On the show, Adam offers his advice for those who would like to enter into the forestry profession. He also believes established foresters need to get out of their comfort zone and give a helping hand to the younger guys out there. It would do the profession good!
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A quick intro about Adam’s background.
[2:45] How did Adam first get started in forestry?
[3:55] How did Adam discover and learn about geographic information systems?
[9:00] Adam offers tips on how you can get your first job.
[10:40] What’s Adam’s favorite part about being in this field?
[13:05] What kind of leadership roles has Adam had and what did he learn from those experiences?
[22:20] What resources has Adam used over the years to help himself grow career-wise?
[25:10] What can the forestry profession do to attract young professionals?
[29:15] What can older foresters do to make the profession better?
[34:45] Adam really likes the movie 300 for its leadership lessons.
[40:00] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done,
by Peter F. Drucker
Warren Kruger is a Field Forester with the Bureau of Land Management, in the Roseburg, Oregon district. Warren is also the 2017 State Chair of the Oregon Society of American Foresters. Warren has a very diverse career and first got started volunteering for the Peace Corps. Through his experience, Warren firmly believes that life becomes easy when you love the work you do. Warren discusses some of the lessons he’s learned while volunteering for the Peace Corps, leadership lessons you can learn from the Hot Shot Fire Crew, and more!
Key Takeaways:
[:40] A quick intro about Warren’s background.
[1:50] How did Warren first get started in forestry?
[8:00] As our society becomes much more urbanized, more and more people have no idea what people in forestry, natural resources, and agriculture do.
[8:35] What was it like volunteering for the Peace Corps and what kind of lessons did Warren learn from it?
[14:45] What is Warren up to in Roseburg, Oregon right now?
[23:25] Warren’s career path is very diverse. What advice does Warren have for the young adults out there who are interested in getting their career started?
[25:45] Warren loves what he does. When he comes home after a hard day’s work, he still has energy because he doesn’t feel like he’s been working all day.
[32:35] What has Warren learned about good and bad leadership?
[39:45] What advice does Warren have for young professionals entering into the field?
[48:45] Warren is currently reading the book We Were Soldiers Once and Young.
[54:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
We Were Soldiers Once and Young, by Hal Moore and Joseph L. Galloway
Terry Baker is the Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado. On the show, Terry discusses a tough challenge he had to face when he had an angry community of over 100 people against what the forest service was doing. It was his job to help calm and educate these people on why, and how, the community would benefit. Terry also discusses how he was recruited into forestry and why he fell in love with it.
Key Takeaways:
[:45] A quick intro about Terry’s background.
[2:25] How did Terry first get started in forestry?
[8:25] What did Terry do during his internship?
[11:20] What was Terry’s university experience like?
[19:40] What does Terry’s mother think about all of this? At first, she wasn’t too sure about it.
[21:40] Not many people are really truly exposed to forestry and what it entails. And for most parents, they want their children to become doctors, lawyers, etc, but not foresters.
[24:25] What kind of places/states has Terry worked in?
[35:00] What did Terry learn about when he worked on the Goose Project in Oregon?
[49:10] Terry discusses what kind of characteristics make for a good leader.
[55:25] Terry recommends every forester read The 8 Greatest Mistakes New Managers Make, which was written by your host Tom!
[1:07:10] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
“The Use of the National Forests,” by Gifford Pinchot
Heather Slayton has a B.S. in Forestry from Virginia Tech in 2002 and is currently working on her Master’s at the University of Tennessee. After graduating, Heather worked as a forester in Virginia and North Carolina before moving to Tennessee. Right now, Heather works as the Forester Health and Sustainability Unit Leader with the Tennessee Division of Forestry. On the show, Heather discusses what is holding us back from reaching a younger audience and emphasizes the importance of getting experience while you’re still in school and why it’s important to get out of your comfort zone.
Key Takeaways:
[1:15] A quick intro about Heather’s background.
[2:15] How did Heather first get started in forestry?
[4:50] When Heather found out you can major in forestry, she went and changed her major from psychology to forestry right then and there!
[5:25] Heather studied abroad for a year in Australia and she highly encourages new students to do that if they can. She learned a lot about the different types of trees while she was over there.
[5:55] How did she find a study-abroad program?
[7:50] What kinds of things did Heather learn while she was overseas?
[9:55] Why does Heather love what she does?
[10:10] Heather has experience in about every sector there is in the forestry industry. She really explored a lot before settling into the position she has now.
[12:10] What kind of mentors has Heather had over the years?
[17:45] Heather’s grandmother was a very inspirational woman who did not know what a glass ceiling was. She just kept going up!
[20:45] How can young career professionals land that first job?
[24:10] Go shadow a forester one day to see the ins and outs of what they do in a typical day.
[27:05] What kinds of leadership roles has Heather had?
[30:35] How did SAF help Heather’s career?
[37:10] Where is the forestry profession headed in the next few years?
[42:30] Heather believes many foresters struggle with technology and that also hurts them from reaching out to a younger generation.
[45:35] What’s Heather’s favorite book about management?
[50:40] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time, webinar by Rory Vaden
Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time, by Rory Vaden
Andy Van Dyke recently became the Chairman of Michigan Society of American Foresters in January of 2017. Prior to being the state chair, Andy served as the Upper Peninsula Chapter Chair for the Michigan Society of American Foresters. Andy is also currently employed at J.M. Longyear as Forest Operations Supervisor. On this week’s show, Andy discusses the subtle differences between working with an older generation, vs. working with millennials. He also discusses some of the top qualities in what makes a great leader.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Andy’s background.
[3:35] How did Andy first get started in forestry?
[4:10] Although both Andy’s parents were foresters, they told Andy not to pursue the career.
[5:35] What was Andy’s very first field forestry position like?
[7:45] What has been the most fun/interesting thing Andy had done so far in his career?
[9:00] What was it like making the transition from forester to supervisor?
[10:30] What advice did Andy wish he had received when he first became a supervisor?
[11:35] What kinds of mentors has Andy had over the years?
[15:00] What makes a good leader? Being positive! Sounds obvious but it can be hard to do while under stress.
[18:25] What advice does Andy have for young professionals just getting started?
[21:25] What can the industry do better to attract more young professionals into the field?
[24:00] Andy likes working at SAF because he gets to learn from an older generation that tends to have a very different perspective from the Millennial generation.
[25:45] What kinds of differences has Andy spotted when it comes to working with millennials? What makes them different compared to other generations?
[27:55] Andy recommends everybody read the Boy Scout Handbook.
[31:30] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Jeremy Douse is a certified Forester at Tanana Chiefs Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Jeremy provides consulting services for Native land owners, corporations, villages, tribal entities, and municipal governments in Alaska. Jeremy first started his career as a seasonal firefighter on the Pike National Forest in Colorado. On today’s show, Jeremy discusses why he loves the tribal work he does in Alaska, how he first got started in this industry and shares some key examples of what makes a good leader.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Jeremy’s background.
[2:40] How did Jeremy first get started in forestry?
[7:00] How did Jeremy find himself in Alaska?
[8:25] What does Tanana Chiefs Conference do and whom do they serve?
[11:40] How does someone find work at a tribal council?
[12:45] What has been the best part, and the most challenging parts, of working for a tribal council?
[15:20] What does Jeremy wish he learned sooner in his career?
[17:10] What kind of leadership lessons has Jeremy learned over the years?
[21:15] Don’t get stuck on trying to collect the data. Good leaders have to make decisions with imperfect data.
[22:00] What kind of mentors has Jeremy had over the years?
[27:00] Why are states not doing more certification programs?
[28:45] What kinds of books is Jeremy reading right now?
[33:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Whitney Schimke is a graduate of Humboldt State University and currently works for CD Lumber in Southern Oregon. Whitney’s parents were both foresters, but growing up, she wanted nothing to do with the profession! Overtime, the forest kept calling her back, and now in her adult years she believes she has the perfect dream job. On the show, Whitney discusses her experience as a young forester, the types of relationships she’s built (good and bad), and why you should always be open minded to new opportunities that cross your path!
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Whitney’s background.
[2:55] How did Whitney first get started in forestry?
[7:35] Whitney is working her dream job right now and loves it!
[8:00] What has been the most fun aspect of Whitney’s career so far?
[10:35] What has Whitney learned about the workplace, working as a team, and leadership?
[12:30] If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying hard enough!
[14:30] What kind of volunteer work has Whitney been apart of?
[17:20] How welcoming is the forestry industry to young professionals?
[20:20] How did Whitney find her mentors?
[25:40] Always say yes to new opportunities! Fantastic things can happen in your career!
[26:35] What advice does Whitney have for young forestry professionals?
[30:15] Whitney shares her favorite quote about leadership!
[32:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
From Receptionist to Boss: Real-Life Advice for Getting Ahead at Work, by Nicole Smartt
Anthony Rynish is the owner of Rynish Forestry, his own private consultancy company. He is also a full-time faculty member at Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin. On the show, Anthony discusses why he decided to get into teaching, offers advice for young professionals out there who are not quite sure what they want to do yet, and so much more! Anthony also offers some great leadership advice and discusses what he teaches his students still trying to put their best foot forward. You do not want to miss this episode!
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A quick intro about Anthony’s background.
[3:05] How did Anthony first get started in forestry?
[5:15] Early in Anthony’s career, he headed to Alaska. What was that experience like?
[7:30] How long would Anthony spend at each site?
[8:25] How did Anthony get started in teaching at Fox Valley Technical College? You can thank his wife for that!
[12:15] What has been the most rewarding experience in Anthony’s career so far?
[18:25] The forestry part is easy compared to the rest of Anthony’s duties!
[18:45] What lessons does Anthony wish he learned about sooner?
[22:05] What has Anthony learned the most about leading volunteers?
[25:40] How can forestry as a profession bring more value to younger people?
[29:30] What kind of mentors has Anthony had throughout his career?
[31:55] Not sure where you want to go in life/what to do? Anthony recommends trying different types of jobs to see what works for you.
[33:15] Do not be afraid to put yourself out there.
[35:30] Don’t judge Anthony, but he loves the Kung Fu Panda series (and so does his kid!).
[40:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Jamie Dahl is a Forester currently serving as an Assistant Director for Career & Leadership Development Center for Hospitality, Merchandising, and Recreation at Ohio University. On the show, Jamie discusses why the forestry industry needs to be better with diversity inclusion, and how it’s on all of us, no matter what your position in forestry is, to educate the public about the importance of the environment.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Jamie’s background.
[3:15] How did Jamie first get started in forestry?
[6:05] At first, Jamie didn’t really know what forestry meant, and it took her some time to learn all the ins and outs of it.
[7:20] When undergoing graduate school, did Jamie’s class have a lot of diversity?
[9:35] Jamie’s interest in diversity has propelled her into taking up more advanced degrees. Jamie discusses what her Ph.D. is about, and why she needed to get more involved in the community.
[13:00] What was Jamie’s role at Colorado State University?
[17:45] Tom admits he didn’t have his first female boss in the industry until he was 38 years old. Before that, he was pretty naive to some of the struggles women and other ethnic backgrounds faced.
[18:30] What is Jamie’s opinion about the forestry industry as a whole — the good, the bad, and the ugly?
[23:335] Building self-awareness throughout your career is a very important trait, and something Jamie wished she learned earlier in her career.
[27:10] Do your forestry professionals rely on their mentors for guidance, or do they tend to go solo? Has there been a shift in the way the younger generation sees, and uses, mentors?
[32:45] What are some things the forestry profession should start doing better, or even stopping?
[37:35] The younger generation is much more concerned about what kind of work culture they’re going into. If they don’t feel welcomed, they will look elsewhere. This is one of the reasons why diversity is so important.
[40:40] What is Jamie most proud of in her career?
[4:30] Our environment should be a priority. All of us need to be doing our part in environmental education, no matter what forestry position you’re in.
[50:05] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Lee Mueller is the Project Developer and Forestry Specialist for The Davey Tree Expert Company. He is also a Certified Arborist and Registered Forester. On today’s episode, Lee discusses why it’s important to develop your personal brand, the benefits of being curious and exploring different paths in the forestry industry, why he prefers colleagues to mentors, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Lee’s background.
[2:25] How did Lee get started in forestry?
[8:00] Lee loves working in forestry because he cares about people. Why is this so important in this line of work?
[13:10] In addition to forestry, what else does Lee like to do?
[14:44] What kinds of lessons has Lee learned that he wished he learned sooner?
[17:20] Developing a personal brand is important. Think a bit about what you want people to know you for.
[20:20] What lessons has Lee learned about leadership?
[23:25] It’s important to learn how to let go and delegate tasks to someone who may be a bit more qualified than you. Remember, you can’t do it all!
[25:35] Lee discusses the importance of colleagues, vs. mentors, and the difference between the two, in your life.
[28:35] What are some of the ways we can make the forestry profession better for future generations?
[35:20] Why are you passionate about forestry? What makes you interested in it? There are a lot of options and paths you can explore in this field!
[40:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Grandrapids.org/talent-development/ccl/
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Allison Ginn is Utah’s National Conservation Lands Program Lead for BLM (Bureau of Land Management). She provides statewide support for issues related to designated wilderness, wilderness study areas, national monuments, and more. As a young professional, Allison shares her personal experience on what it was like to finally land a job in this amazing profession.
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] A quick intro about Allison’s background.
[2:15] How did Allison get started in forestry?
[5:25] Allison’s mother works for Delta airlines, which means Allison grew up with an intense love for travel, and was able to see a lot of the world.
[5:55] What is BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and what do they do?
[8:40] What has Allison’s experience been like as a young professional in forestry?
[12:10] Allison applied for 65 different jobs, and was only offered three interviews.
[14:15] There are some great intern programs out that can help give you a leg up in your career.
[15:25] Allison offers some advice for those currently seeking for a job.
[16:05] What has been the best part of Allison’s career so far?
[20:25] What does Allison wish she learned sooner in her career?
[28:55] What kinds of leadership lessons has Allison learned, so far?
[33:00] Has Allison personally experienced any challenges as a woman while being in this profession?
[38:25] Allison shares a bit more information about BLM and how they can help young professionals!
[45:50] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
BLM.gov/careers/students-and-grads/direct-hire-program
BLM.gov/careers/students-and-grads/public-lands-corps
BLM.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah
Welcome to Season 3 of the Leadership Nature podcast. This season’s theme is all about young professional foresters and some of their personal life experiences on how they’ve entered into the forestry profession. This season’s first guest is Josh Van Vlack. Josh is the Assistant State Forester at Wyoming State Forestry. He discusses some of his first leadership positions and the hard lessons he’s learned about being a leader at a young age.
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A quick intro about Josh’s background.
[2:35] How did Josh get started in forestry?
[4:45] Why, and how, did Josh get a master’s degree in leadership?
[10:25] What was Josh’s first job in leadership?
[13:05] What has been the most fun about Josh’s career so far?
[15:05] Josh discusses some of the personal challenges he’s faced when he was a young professional.
[16:15] What leadership lessons did Josh wish he knew about sooner?
[17:40] What does the world of natural resources look like today for young working professionals?
[22:00] What are some of the best ways a young person can get involved with the profession?
[29:25] From a big picture point of view, what can the profession and the forestry industry be doing better to help welcome new professionals?
[34:20] We need to stop feeling vilified and start stepping up. It’s time to get better at marketing and communication.
[39:45] What kind of non-traditional skills do foresters need to really succeed in this industry?
[45:05] Josh offers some final parting words of advice.
[46:55] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
T. H. Kelly Handbook: The Little Green Book Book by Th. Kelly
Rachel Reyna is a certified Forester and certified Arborist. She has worked for the Pennsylvania department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Rachel is also extremely active on the Society of American Foresters, where she serves on the board of directors. On today’s show, Rachel discusses why leadership feedback is so important, how to include more diversity in forestry, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A quick intro about Rachel’s background.
[2:45] How did Rachel get started in forestry?
[8:30] Career changes don’t always happen in a straight line. Rachel is a perfect example of this.
[10:00] What is Rachel most proud of in her career?
[13:45] What is the Diversity Ambassador’s program at SAF about?
[17:40] Rachel received some anonymous feedback about her performance and it was actually very valuable to hear.
[20:35] Rachel conducts a reverse employee performance review every year with her staff. They get to give her anonymous feedback on what she can do better.
[21:30] What has been Rachel’s personal experience as a woman in a male-dominated profession?
[26:55] It’s hard to find the line between how much you should push for what’s right, vs. when to pick your battles.
[30:15] When experiencing discrimination, is it better to have a woman mentor, vs. a man?
[31:55] Where are we as foresters when it comes to welcoming, and accepting, diversity?
[34:45] We’re living in a digital age, and there are fewer people getting out there and exploring.
[41:30] Rachel shares her favorite movies about leadership.
[45:30] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Biblehub.com/galatians/6-9.htm
Stephanie Grubb is a forester for International Paper, and has served in Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. On this week’s show, Stephanie discusses why it’s important to be a quick learner and adapt to your environment. She also discusses some of the initial challenges she first faced when joining a leadership position. When it comes down to it, everybody wants to feel important and valued in their workplace, and when you’re able to meet people with respect, that’s when you’ll be able to overcome tough barriers.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Stephanie’s background.
[3:00] How did Stephanie get started in forestry?
[8:10] What kinds of challenges did Stephanie experience when she took on her first leadership position?
[10:35] It’s one thing to be cognizant of the barriers you face, but that should not be an excuse to hold yourself back.
[11:10] What kinds of mentors did Stephanie have throughout her career?
[13:25] What is Stephanie most proud of in her career?
[15:15] Has Stephanie ever faced discrimination in the workplace?
[21:30] At the end of the day, we all want to connect, we all want to feel important and valued.
[22:45] What advice does Stephanie have for young professionals?
[27:00] Where does Stephanie think the future of forestry is going?
[32:35] What books does Stephanie recommend to fellow foresters?
[37:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg
Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps, by Allan Pease and Barbara Pease
Mona Griswold is the Olympic Region Manager at Washington Dept. of Natural Resources. Mona started her career in forestry in the early ’90s, and it did not go very smoothly. Not only was there blatant sexism and discrimination towards her, but there was also minority discrimination too. During her first few years in forestry, Mona developed thick skin and pushed through it, but she says it doesn’t have to be this way. Women and minority rights are still at risk, and we all have to stand up against it.
Key Takeaways:
[:45] A quick intro about Mona’s background.
[2:45] How did Mona get started in forestry?
[5:05] What was Mona’s first field job?
[8:15] What has Mona’s experience been like so far as a woman in a very male-dominated field?
[10:15] Mona’s supervisor was, frankly, kind of an ass to her because she was a woman and he did not want her there. However, she stuck it out!
[14:00] It was not welcoming to say the least. A manager retired and for his retirement speech he told everyone, “Women should not be foresters, they should be kept barefoot and pregnant.” He was dead serious.
[14:55] However, some men can be turned around. One of them later became Mona’s mentor.
[16:20] Contractors were more accepting of Mona than the managers were.
[17:40] What kind of lessons did Mona learn about being discriminated against?
[19:55] Unfortunately, Mona felt like she didn’t have any support, anywhere!
[20:25] Mona discusses the most shocking thing that has happened to her in her career, which was in 2016, no less!
[23:40] Mona offers words of advice to those who are facing discrimination right now.
[25:10] Support the women you work with. Put your differences aside and band together.
[28:45] For a lot of organizations, diversity is dead.
[32:35] What kind of lessons has Mona learned about leadership?
[37:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, by Daniel Goleman
Vicki Christiansen is the Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry at the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, DC. Prior to joining the U.S. Forest Service, Vicki had a 26-year career with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, first beginning her career as a wildland firefighter. On today’s show, Vicky emphasizes the importance of incorporating your team into the mission, instead of just barking orders at them. It’s important to remember that it’s all about connecting people together and working as a unit to create change and progress.
Key Takeaways:
[1:05] A quick intro about Vicki’s background.
[3:15] How did Vicki get started in forestry?
[7:10] Vicki has never been the one to have a perfect plan, but she always made herself get out of her comfort zone.
[12:10] Vicki did not know how hard it was to re-establish a forest in a blast zone. When she first started, there wasn’t a lot of information or an operator’s manual on the subject.
[14:00] When was Vicki’s first leadership position, both informal or formal?
[19:45] When a forest fire went wrong, Vicki’s team looked to her to see if she’d crack under the pressure. She doesn’t think they did it maliciously, it’s just human nature to watch people who are different than you.
[22:30] There were times Vicki called her staff out on inappropriate behavior or remarks, but in a respectful way.
[25:40] As a leader, it’s important to be grounded and clear with yourself.
[30:15] What kinds of role models has Vicki had over the years?
[34:45] What are the pros and cons of having a formal mentor?
[38:20] What does Vicki look for in a leader?
[41:45] How can young professionals develop their leadership skills?
[46:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Change Your Questions Change Your Life, by Marilee Adams
The Loudest Duck, by Laura Liswood