Summary

In this episode of Tree Actions, the Human Forestry Podcast, Dwayne and Tony engage with Leo Duguay, who shares his deep connection with trees, the importance of mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence in life. Leo reflects on his diverse career, including his time in politics and his involvement with Tree Canada, emphasizing the significance of respectful disagreement and the lessons learned from sports and education. The conversation also touches on personal loss, the value of experience, and the joy of pursuing passions, such as golf and cribbage.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Leo’s childhood memory of a family tree
02:01 - Details of the swing Leo’s dad built in the big front yard tree
03:29 - The importance of trees in golf courses and landscape design
05:01 - The dynamic nature of golf course forestry and conservation practices
06:56 - Lessons from trees about planning and future growth in urban design
07:02 - Leo’s career in hockey and transition to education and politics
09:16 - Reflections on pursuing excellence versus mediocrity in sports and life
11:03 - The role of mentorship and education in personal development
13:39 - How inspiration and action are connected in teaching and leadership
16:50 - The importance of role models outside of family: teachers, coaches, mentors
22:43 - Dealing with personal loss and the philosophy of living in the present
25:24 - The significance of action, taking action regardless of luck or circumstances
32:14 - Leo’s involvement with Tree Canada and the growth of tree planting initiatives
36:26 - Building diverse and effective boards for environmental organizations
44:22 - The importance of respectful disagreement and constructive debate in politics
55:06 - The blend of leadership and management in organizational success
58:30 - Winning as a team: lessons from sports and life
59:42 - Personal stories about pursuing passions like cribbage and lifelong learning
66:14 - Wisdom in research: roots, roots, roots — the foundation of health and growth
68:49 - Teaching transparency, understanding what makes systems work well, and honest inquiry
69:34 - The value of continuous learning, curiosity, and challenging oneself in later years
70:26 - Mark Twain’s wisdom: Never let schooling get in the way of education
70:52 - The impact of leadership and support in schools and communities
71:15 - Closing remarks and the importance of living intentionally