Nancy Hirsch is the Deputy State Forester at the Oregon Department of Forestry in Salem, Oregon. Nancy has worked for the department for over 28 years, in a variety of different leadership and career positions. Nancy shares her timeless leadership advice on today’s podcast, as well as discusses the value of having supportive coworkers by her side, who were willing to take chances on her.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] How did Nancy get started?

[5:45] How did Nancy go from fighting fires to forestry?

[7:35] What was Nancy’s first leadership position like?

[10:15] Nancy always focuses on teamwork.

[11:05] What does shared leadership look like?

[13:55] Nancy feels blessed when it comes to her mentors. A lot of people have helped Nancy succeed.

[19:35] Good leaders have a deep desire to promote and help develop people.

[23:15] What changes, when people move from the field into an office?

[26:00] What is Nancy most proud of in her career?

[29:05] What advice does Nancy have for young professionals?

[33:25] Interview people who are different than you. You learn a lot!

[34:25] What lessons has Nancy learned by being in a male-dominated field?

[42:25] Remember to lead by example.

[44:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dasapp.oregon.gov

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey

Kelly Burch currently works for the Wisconsin Young Forest Initiative, and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria. While in Bulgaria for the Peace Corps, Kelly earned her Master of Forestry by researching the uses of non-timber forest products by three different people groups. Unfortunately, Kelly has dealt with sexism in her career. As many women work in remote areas with poor cellphone service, Kelly shares some tips on professional ways you can deal with any issues about your safety.

Key Takeaways:

[2:25] How did Kelly get started in forestry?

[5:20] When Kelly was in the Peace Corps, she went to Bulgaria, and wrote her thesis on the use of non-timber forest products.

[7:45] Kelly wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, and worked a variety of different jobs before deciding on forestry.

[10:00] When Kelly was in the Peace Corps, what was she most proud of?

[11:15] Does Kelly still speak Bulgarian?

[15:45] What is the Young Forest Initiative about?

[18:50] What has Kelly learned over her very interesting forestry career, about leadership and working with others?

[20:35] You might deal with men who may act as though you don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t take that personally.

[21:05] Unfortunately, women are still being treated this way in the industry.

[22:50] A woman must always be on guard, especially when working in remote and rural areas.

[25:20] Kelly’s rule is to always trust your gut. You don’t need to explain yourself why you’re uncomfortable.

[27:00] Always let your teammates know where you’re going!

[28:10] Shoutout to some of the fantastic men working in forestry today.

[33:35] How can men better support their female counterparts?

[38:55] What are Kelly’s thoughts on the future of forestry?

[45:40] You have to learn your confidence.

[51:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dnr.wi.gov

Nrcs.usda.gov

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, by Don Miguel Ruiz

Julie Peltier is a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forester, and recently served as General Chair of the 2016 Society of American Foresters convention. On this week’s episode, Julie speaks of her first failed attempt at leadership, the lessons learned, and why her parents are her mentors. Julie also offers advice to young women, and believes you should keep your options open; there are a lot of opportunities in forestry; and if you need help, ask for it.

Key Takeaways:

[3:40] How did Julie get started in forestry?

[5:35] What was Julie’s first job in natural resources?

[7:15] Julie’s first taste of leadership did not go so well.

[9:45] What is Julie most proud of in her career?

[11:00] Who were some of Julie’s top mentors? Her very supportive parents!

[13:20] What challenges has Julie faced by being a woman in a very male-dominated career?

[15:50] What advice does Julie have for younger women in this career?

[16:20] Julie doesn’t always ask for help when she should. She likes to be independent, but there is a time and place for everything.

[17:35] Of course this does not apply to all woman, but it’s Julie’s observation that women seem to listen more carefully and intensely than men do.

[22:10] Julie believes some of the fun points in forestry are being in different surroundings and facing different situations. Every place she goes to is unique and different.

[23:10] Julie loves Princess Leia. She doesn’t take any crap and is a strong leader.

[26:00] When Julie first left for college, her dad didn’t think she’d make it, because she was too much of an introvert.

[27:20] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dnr.wi.gov

Valerie Johnson is a Forestry Wildlife Specialist at Ruffed Grouse Society. As a young female professional, Valerie has not seen a lot of discrimination from her co-workers, because many women before her have paved the way. However, she has received remarks from landowners, but she argues, you gotta have thick skin in this industry. Don’t let your ego get in your way toward learning fantastic and new things!

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] How did Valerie get started in forestry?

[4:35] Valerie didn't know you could have a career in forestry at all!

[7:30] What is a Forestry Wildlife Specialist in charge of doing?

[11:00] Valerie describes what some of her leadership positions have been like.

[12:30] How did Valerie get involved in rugby during college?

[13:20] Valerie’s mother has been her biggest mentor.

[16:00] What is Valerie the most proud of in her career? That’s a hard one!

[20:00] As a woman, has Valerie experienced any challenges?

[22:55] Having thick skin is a wonderful plus in this industry.

[23:05] Valerie has learned not to take anything personally. Sometimes it’s better to take the higher ground.

[24:00] Don’t let your ego get in your way!

[26:35] What advice does Valerie have for women interested in this profession?

[29:30] People often do not associate forestry professionals within the science or STEM profession, but that’s what they are!

[30:15] What makes a good leader?

[33:05] Are leaders born or made?

[35:00] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ruffedgrousesociety.org

Valerie on LinkedIn

Melody Mobley is a pioneer. She was the first black female American to graduate with a degree in Forest Management from the University of Washington. She was also the first black female forester to join the USDA forest service. Now retired, Melody served in the forestry industry for 28 years, and currently serves as a role model for foresters everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] How did Melody become interested in forestry?

[4:35] The year Bruce Lee died, Melody took an interest in martial arts.

[6:00] Melody always thought she’d be a zoologist.

[8:00] What advice does Melody have for women who didn’t know a career in forestry was possible?

[9:00] People are simply not aware of the diverse professions they can pursue within the forest service.

[13:10] Women typically have excellent communication skills. What other skills can men learn from women?

[18:25] Your mentors don’t always have to look just like you.

[24:30] Life-long learners find mentors.

[24:40] Melody serves as a door opener for all people, not just people of color or women.

[29:40] What kinds of challenges has Melody experienced throughout her career?

[36:25] What kinds of lessons has she learned from having to prove her worth because she was both a woman and a person of color?

[42:30] As more people of diverse backgrounds enter the workforce, we need to be mindful of the cultural differences. This doesn’t mean you can’t ‘be yourself,’ though.

[49:25] What is Melody most proud of in her career?

[54:10] We can all be leaders in some aspect of our life if we truly wanted to be. All we have to do is do the work!

[56:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Depts.washington.edu

Louise Murgia is the Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer at Society of American Foresters. Louise discusses some of her experiences of being a woman in a very male-dominated career, and offers advice and wisdom for other women in similar positions. As for our male counterparts, language plays a very important role in the workplace, and it’s important to be aware of how that might affect your peers, whether they’re female, or a younger member raising up in the ranks.

Key Takeaways:

[3:05] How did Louise get started in forestry?

[4:30] Louise was extremely grateful that a forester came in and spoke at her class.

[7:55] What is NCLI about?

[12:05] How does Louise define adaptive leadership?

[15:40] What makes a good leader?

[19:15] When looking at the forestry profession, how is it doing in terms of diversity?

[20:15] When it comes to diversity, we’ve still got a lot of work to do.

[20:50] What kinds of challenges are women in forestry currently facing?

[22:30] The way men communicate (tone of voice, style, choice of words, etc), plays a big role on their female counterparts.

[28:20] With that being said, women do need to adapt too.

[29:50] What advice does Louise have from women suffering from harassment or discrimination?

[36:25] Remember, you can always pay it forward, and help women in the field rise up through mentorship and support.

[41:05] Are leaders born or made?

[43:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Eforester.org

Conservationleadership.org

Today’s guest is Gretchen Nicholas! Gretchen is the Program Manager for the FIA Program at the U.S. Forest Service. With over 30 years of experience, Gretchen has seen the industry change and grow from an all-male-dominated field to a diverse set of people with different backgrounds and cultures. Gretchen is now in her 60s, but says that she is so glad she chose her passion for the outdoors over anything else, especially when higher-paying opportunities arose.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Leadership Nature podcast! Season 2 will be focusing on and featuring women in forestry and natural resources.

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] How did Gretchen get started in this industry?

[6:40] Although Gretchen had other options, she chose to follow her passion and work outdoors.

[8:00] What was it like transitioning into a leadership position?

[10:20] Don’t assume you have to be right all the time.

[13:15] As a leader, it’s important you respect your team, but it’s also important to set high standards. This may mean you won’t always be liked.

[18:55] What were Gretchen’s first 20 years in the business like?

[19:40] Men are not the enemy!

[22:45] What advice does Gretchen have for those who may experience discrimination or harassment in the workforce?

[29:10] Pay attention to what your team is good at. Pay attention to their strengths and play to those strengths.

[31:45] What can men do to help their fellow female co-workers?

[40:10] Be more aware and compassionate towards other cultures, and people of different backgrounds.

[44:00] Where is natural resources headed? What does the future hold for it?

[47:25] Gretchen asks that you watch Invictus.

[51:35] Are leaders born or made?

[54:10] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Fs.fed.us

Gretchen on LinkedIn

Invictus

Welcome to Season 2 of the Leadership Nature podcast! Season 2 will be focusing on and featuring women in forestry and natural resources. Our very first guest is Naomi Markcus! Naomi is the Forest Stewardship Program Coordinator for Colorado State Forest Service. She has over 13 years of experience with state government. On this week’s show, she shares what has kept her passionate throughout the years, and offers wisdom to other aspiring women forestry leaders.

Key Takeaways:

[3:10] How did Naomi get started in forestry?

[4:55] Naomi talks about some of the important mentors in her life.

[8:20] How do you find a good mentor?

[12:05] How does the Colorado/Wyoming Society of American Foresters mentoring program work?

[16:00] Teachers/mentors end up learning more than their students do.

[16:55] What was Naomi’s first leadership position like?

[19:05] What advice does Naomi have for other young female professionals entering into a very male-dominated field?

[19:40] No one can stop you from serving the community!

[21:50] What kind of qualities makes for a good leader?

[23:20] How can we become more effective leaders?

[26:10] What is Naomi most proud of?

[28:00] The CSFS program is not just serving foresters, but it’s also serving families.

[29:10] How do you form strong partnerships with other organizations?

[33:20] What can young professionals do to help our fellow female co-workers?

[37:55] Are leaders born or made? They’re made!

[40:25] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Fs.usda.gov

Naomi on LinkedIn

Dick Porterfield graduated from Ohio State University in Forestry and Business Administration. Graduate school included North Carolina State University (M.S.) and Yale University in Economics and Forestry (Ph.D.). Dick has over 21 years of forestry experience, and shares an important leadership lesson that he almost got fired for! There’s a big difference between management and leadership, and an organization will be able to benefit the most when its people are personally driven to the cause; not just organizationally.

Key Takeaways:

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

[3:40] What was Dick’s first leadership position?

[5:10] What does Dick mean by ‘Sideboards’?

[10:20] How do we discover what the sideboards in an organization are?

[17:35] Understanding ‘why,’ plays a big part in your success, and the success of others.

[19:15] Contributors are indispensable.

[20:50] You don’t have to be a leader, in order to be invaluable. We always NEED experts!

[21:15] What’s the most fun job Dick has ever had in forestry?

[21:55] Dick has been fired twice in his career.

[26:55] What is Dick most proud of in his career?

[27:45] Be respectful towards everyone. You might be working for them one day!

[28:55] What’s the big difference between frontline positions vs, the more senior ones?

[35:35] Where does Dick see forestry going in the future?

[40:35] What piece of advice did Dick wish he got a little sooner?

[44:20] Dick recommends some of his favorite books.

[47:35] Good employees are too hard on themselves.

[51:15] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dick Porterfield

One Way, by John Norah

The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement, by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox

Heather Watson is currently doing some fascinating things at Hancock Forest Management that you might not have heard of before. Although she is an Outreach and Education Forester at Hancock Forest Management, the roles she plays are very non-traditional. Heather works with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, to help develop forestry jobs and education programs for the people. Heather overseas several education programs for the tribe, and is even apart of an ecotherapy program, which we will learn more about on today’s episode.

Key Takeaways:

[3:05] How did Heather get started?

[4:50] How has Heather’s role at Hancock Forest Management evolved into what it is today?

[6:40] What is ecotherapy?

[13:15] Heather feels like the rest of the world needs to know how beautiful and amazing this profession is.

[15:25] What are some good principles of leadership?

[16:45] Heather talks about the mentors throughout her career.

[18:40] What has Heather learned about trust?

[20:40] Heather is an outsider to Native American land owners. Has there been any conflict from that?

[21:15] There are 3,000 tribe members. There are high opportunities for them to distrust, based off of U.S. history alone.

[23:50] You have to be willing to form relationships, and put yourself out there.

[30:00] You also have to have a real interest in other people, and take that step by step. Little actions turn into big results over time.

[32:30] What advice does Heather have for new leaders?

[34:25] What other resources does Heather recommend, to become a better and more patient leader?

[36:15] Are leaders born or made? Heather believes it’s never one or the other.

[38:50] Tom’s Leadership Tip of the Week!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Htrg.com

Heather on LinkedIn