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:

Wsfd.wyo.gov

Josh on LinkedIn

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:

Eforester.org/TexasSAF

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:

Internationalpaper.com

Stephanie on LinkedIn

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:

Dnr.wa.gov

Mona on LinkedIn

Glassdoor.com

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:

Stateforesters.org

FS.fed.us

Vicki on LinkedIn

Shackleton’s Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer, by Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell

Change Your Questions Change Your Life, by Marilee Adams

The Loudest Duck, by Laura Liswood

Lee Steigerwaldt is the Chief Operations Officer and part owner of Steigerwaldt Land Services, Inc. Steigerwaldt Land Services was originally established in 1957, making Lee a 3rd generation consulting forester. Prior to joining the family business, Lee served as a production arborist in Idaho. Today’s discussion details the unique challenges of growing up as a little girl around the family business, and then taking on more senior, and tougher, roles as she got older. Lee also outlines some of the fun and challenging aspects of her work, and so much more on this week’s episode!

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] A quick intro about Lee’s background.

[4:10] How did Lee get involved in forestry?

[5:30] What are some of the differences between working in Idaho vs. working in Wisconsin?

[7:50] What does Lee’s sister, Julie, do for the family business?

[9:10] When was Lee first exposed to leadership in the work that she was doing?

[14:35] What does Lee wish she had found out sooner when she was in her first leadership role?

[16:15] Lee wishes she had a leadership coach sooner in her career. What have been some of the biggest benefits of having one?

[18:10] What has been the most fun/challenging aspects of Lee’s career?

[21:15] Lee believes the gender discrepancy in forestry is gradually shifting for the better.

[21:55] Where does Lee find her talent?

[22:35] A lot of the staff have seen Lee grow up in the family business. Has she had to deal with any pushback when she took on tougher and more senior roles as she got older?

[25:20] What advice does Lee have for women interested in forestry?

[27:05] How do people learn leadership, and what is considered ‘good’ leadership?

[29:15] Lee discusses some of her mentors, growing up.

[31:05] What’s the most exciting aspect about going into the consulting field?

[36:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Steigerwaldt.com

Coachfederation.org

Gracious and Ruthless, by Susan Sokol Blosser

Anne Jewell is a Certified Forester as well as a Forester Planner for the Department of Defense. She serves the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia. In this role, Anne supports military readiness while practicing land conservation and sustainable forestry on the 76,000 acre military installation. Anne discusses the leadership lessons she’s learned as a fire boss, what to do when someone does not give you the respect you deserve/need to do your job, and why you sometimes just gotta talk over the boys.

Key Takeaways:

[1:05] A quick intro about Anne’s background.

[3:20] Why did Anne decide to become a forester?

[5:00] What’s it like working in forest management on a military installation?

[10:55] How can people learn more about this line of work in forestry?

[14:05] When did Anne get her first leadership role?

[17:15] What kind of leadership lessons did Anne wished she learned sooner in her career?

[21:35] It’s part of the work that you’re working with limited information, and sometimes you make the wrong decision based on that info.

[25:30] What kind of mentors has Anne had along the way?

[29:00] Anne feels comfortable working shoulder to shoulder with men, but Anne has noticed that not all men feel comfortable working next to a woman.

[34:00] Where do you draw the line between jokes in the field vs. lack of respect?

[37:45] What are some of the things that Anne likes about working with the military?

[43:30] Anne realizes it’s rude to talk over someone, but if you don’t do it, then you’ll never get a word in!

[49:45] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

DOF.Virginia.gov

Anne on LinkedIn

Kathy Abusow is the President and CEO of Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Inc., an independent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. On today’s show, Kathy offers a reminder to all of us, that life is not like a menu where you can pick and choose what you want out of life so quickly. You have to remind yourself that things take time and patience, and sometimes life throws you onto unexpected paths.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] A quick intro about Kathy’s background.

[4:00] How did Kathy get started in natural resources?

[9:30] How did Kathy first learn about leadership?

[13:15] Kathy discusses some of her role models and mentors that have made a big impact on her.

[16:45] How do Kathy and her company help students?

[21:25] After being in this industry for over 25 years, Kathy is happy to say that the forestry industry is changing and becoming much less of a male-dominated field.

[25:30] What do future leaders need to know about forestry in the next upcoming years?

[27:40] What lessons did Kathy wish she had learned earlier in her career about leadership?

[33:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Sfiprogram.org

Pursuing Sustainability, by Pamela Matson, William C. Clark, and Krister Andersson

Fran Cafferata Coe is a Certified Wildlife Biologist for her own consulting firm, Cafferata Consulting. Fran discusses how she got into consulting and the benefits of joining a professional association, and offers some advice for women and young professionals who wish to advance their forestry careers. If you want your voice heard, then you need to speak up and take ownership!

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] When did Fran become interested in forestry?

[5:45] Wildlife and good forest management are not two separate things. They both need each other.

[8:20] What’s getting the attention of young foresters? Why are they joining the field?

[10:35] The Emerald Chapter of the Society of American Foresters out of Eugene, Oregon, are now meeting at a brewery to attract young professionals.

[13:00] What was Fran’s first field job?

[14:05] What advice does Fran have for those who want to get into environmental consulting?

[16:00] As a consultant, you sometimes just don’t know how much work you’ll have next season.

[20:25] What are some of the benefits of being apart of a professional association?

[26:45] How can professionals make forestry more welcoming to newcomers?

[29:25] What has Fran learned about leadership, after being in the profession for so many years?

[33:25] Remember, we’re more powerful when we work together.

[38:45] Fran doesn’t believe that men ‘overtaking’ or ‘controlling’ a meeting is done on purpose. Want to speak at a meeting? Take ownership!

[43:55] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

CafferataConsulting.com

Oregonforests.org

Wildlife.org/tag/oregon

Forestry.org/oregon

Forestry.org/oregon/chapter/5

Leadershipnature.com

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

Anne Heissenbuttel is a partner at Heissenbuttel Natural Resources Consulting. Anne’s career includes over 10 years of field forestry experience in California and more than 30 years of specializing in forest policy on both a state and the federal level. In this episode, Anne talks about the difference between field forestry work and working in policy. Anne spoke about the various ways in which you measure progress, as you transition from different positions throughout your career. A question she often asks others is, “I know what you are against, but what are you for?” to help keep people focused on the main mission at hand.

Key Takeaways:

[2:50] How did get Anne get started in forestry?

[8:45] Anne was the 6th woman in California to have a forester’s license.

[11:00] Anne’s boss was not happy that he had a woman working for him. He thought women didn’t belong in the woods.

[16:10] How did Anne transition from the woods into policy?

[20:55] What advice does Anne have for those who are in a transition right now?

[22:50] Anne talks about some of her mentors and the roles they’ve had on her life.

[32:20] Humor plays an important role in the workplace, but the lines between what’s appropriate vs. inappropriate can get crossed quickly.

[34:55] What’s it like, working policy in Washington, D.C.?

[41:25] What was the most fun job Anne has had over the years?

[43:20] What is Anne most proud of?

[47:55] Anne discusses where she believes the profession is headed, and the skillsets new foresters will need to know when entering into the workforce.

[54:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Stateconservation.org

And the Good News Is... by Dana Perino