Brian Cottam is the Utah State Forester and Director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. Brian is also responsible for wildfire management on state and private lands and oversees Utah State’s sovereign lands. On the show, Brian shares what he is most proud of in his career, how young professionals can get ahead by taking an interest in soft skills, and how to best manage the complex ‘ego-system’ at work.

Tom Boggus is the State Forester of Texas and the Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. Tom has worked for the State of Texas since 1980 and has been the State Forester since 2010. During this time, Tom oversaw and led the response team during the worst wildfire season in Texas history. Find out more about Tom’s extensive career and his leadership principles on this week’s episode!

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:35] A quick intro about Tom’s background.

[3:40] How did Tom become interested in forestry?

[7:35] What was it like when Tom was in the forest service during one of the worst wildfire seasons in Texas history?

[10:50] What was Tom’s first job like?

[14:25] If you don’t know how to deal with or communicate with people, then you will not be successful in forestry.

[16:35] Tom shares what makes the Texas Forest Service unique and some of the landscape differences compared to other states.

[22:15] What was Tom’s first leadership position like?

[27:25] People aren’t going to respect a leader purely by the title. Leaders have to earn it.

[34:15] Mistakes are one thing, just don’t make a habit of repeating the course.

[34:55] What’s it like leading on the State Forester level?

[45:55] What does Tom wished he learned sooner in his career?

[49:35] What advice does Tom giver his new employees?

[53:45] The future is bright for forestry!

[58:55] You have to dream, but more importantly, you have to believe in the dream.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Texasforestservice.tamu.edu

A Passion for Leadership by Robert Gates

Intentional Living by John Maxwell

The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout

Larry Kotchman has been the State Forester of North Dakota for the last 31 years; he is currently the longest active serving State Forester. As State Forester, Larry is responsible for the administration of the North Dakota Forest Service, managing the agency's $50 million budget, and directing statewide forestry services through three leadership teams. On today’s show, Larry discusses why building relationships and trust is a continuous process, leadership lessons he wished he’d learned sooner, and so much more!

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:35] A quick intro about Larry’s background.

[3:15]  How did Larry become interested in forestry?

[6:15] What types of mentors has Larry had over the years?

[9:30] Larry shares what his first formal leadership job was like.

[12:25] As a State Forester, how is the leadership different compared to a more frontline manager? [17:35] What was Larry’s experience like at Harvard? How does the executive fellow program on leadership work?

[19:50] What is like being the State Forester for North Dakota and what exciting programs are up ahead for the state?

[22:05] What’s the hardest part of being a leader?

[25:10] As a leader, it’s important to not only lead but to also shape the environment you’re in so that your team remains calm and has the confidence to excel at their tasks.

[27:20] What does Larry mean when he says that formal authority has its limitations?

[29:55] When making a transition to a different level of leadership, what are some of the best things you can do to handle that transition with your colleagues?

[32:05] What did Larry wish he’d learned sooner about leadership?

[38:25] Learning how to communicate effectively is a highly sought-after skill.

[42:25] Larry shares his thoughts about the future of forestry.

[47:25] Larry recommends reading the book, A Sand County Almanac!

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ag.ndsu.edu

A Sand County Almanac (Outdoor Essays & Reflections) by Aldo Leopold

Larry on LinkedIn

Kacey KC is currently the State Forester & Fire Warren for the Nevada Division of Forestry. She is a Nevada Native and she earned her Bachelor's degree in Forestry and Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Montana. She spent some time overseas with the Peace Corps as a community forester in Nepal. On today’s show, Kacey discusses some of the challenges of working between both state and federal governments, some amazing projects happening at the Nevada division, and shares why she recommends young adults to join the Peace Corps.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:35] A quick intro about Kacey’s background.

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

[5:10] What made Kacey decide to join the Peace Corps and what was that experience like?

[10:35] Kacey shares her story of how she helped the Nepalese overcome certain challenges with their forests.

[13:55] Kacey's transition back home from Nepal was difficult to get accustomed to.

[16:55] What kinds of fun or memorable jobs has Kacey had before she become State Forester?

[19:50] What is Kacey most proud of in her Nevada division?

[23:55] Kacey discusses some of the challenges of working with the state and federal government.

[29:50] Who have been some of Kacey’s mentors?

[33:05] What advice does Kacey have for young professionals?

[37:20] Failure is the best teacher.

[42:35] Kacey recommends the book, Extreme Ownership.

[45:00] As leaders, it’s important to just be honest and straightforward.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Forestry.nv.gov

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

Barry Cook is a West Virginia native, a military veteran, and has been a seasoned forester for the last 45 years. Barry began his career as a logging superintendent and has slowly risen the ranks since then, starting his own company in 2005. He currently serves as the Director and State Forester of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. On the show, Barry shares lessons he learned as an impatient manager, the types of projects he’s working on for the State and encourages young professionals to become bilingual.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:40] A quick intro about Barry’s background.

[3:20]  How did Barry become interested in forestry?

[5:05] When Barry was growing up in West Virginia, there was no game around where he lived. Why was that?

[9:00] How did Barry get his first job in forestry?

[11:45] Barry has never hired someone off the internet. He believes in face-to-face interactions.

[12:55] What have been some of the more interesting jobs Barry has had over the years?

[20:20] As Barry works with a lot of corporate and private sectors, does it make the work that he does more or less challenging as a State Forester?

[24:45] Barry discusses some new and exciting projects that are happening in West Virginia right now.

[28:05] What does Barry wish he’d learned sooner in his career?

[33:25] Barry highly recommends that young managers take professional management training. There are a lot of restrictions on what you can and can’t do these days; having someone by your side will help you not to get in trouble.

[35:30] What advice does Barry have for retaining new talent?

[40:55] Barry shares his thoughts and resources for those just entering the workforce.

[44:15] Barry recommends two books!

[50:00] You don’t have to know everything to move into a new position.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

WVcommerce.org

Barry on LinkedIn

Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive: Outsell, Outmanage, Outmotivate, and Outnegotiate Your Competition, by Harvey B Mackay

Yeager: An Autobiography, by Chuck Yeager

Peter Church is the Director of Forest Stewardship for Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, where he oversees the agency’s statewide forest conservation program and the implementation of a new strategic direction for the Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry. Peter has over 29 years of experience and shares key examples of what he wished he had learned sooner about leadership. Do not miss Peter’s insight on the importance of the work we do as foresters, why we need to get better at communication to the public, and so much more!

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:35] A quick intro about Peter’s background.

[2:45] How did Peter become interested in forestry?

[6:15] What was Peter’s school experience like?

[10:25] Peter discusses how he overcame his fear of public speaking.

[11:35] What was Peter’s first management position like?

[12:10] Peter discusses some leadership lessons he wished he’d learned sooner while he was managing a team of 75 park rangers at once.

[13:50] What’s it like managing people at the State Forester level?

[15:50] Peter shares some exciting new projects the department is taking on.

[18:00] What types of mentors has Peter had over the years?

[22:30] What kinds of challenges has Peter faced as a leader?

[25:00] Remember, you’re going to make mistakes!

[25:10] Peter discusses what he likes about the newer generation coming into the workforce.

[27:35] Peter offers some advice for those thinking about forestry or currently in school for it.

[30:25] How can people learn how to become a better leader? What resources does Peter recommend?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Mass.gov

Soul of the Lion: A Biography of General Joshua L. Chamberlain, by Willard M. Wallace

Gettysburg (1993)

Brad Simpkins is the Director and State Forester of the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. He is responsible for forestry, forest management, and forest lands. Brad has worked for the division since 1998 and became the State Forester when he was 35. On the show, Brad discusses the beautiful and diverse wildlands of New Hampshire, how leadership is different on the State Forester level, and why he loves working with the younger generation.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:35] A quick intro about Brad’s background.

[2:50] How did Brad become interested in forestry?

[5:05] What has Brad’s experience been like while working with the younger generation?

[10:00] After school, what were some of the first forestry jobs he took on?

[12:55] What types of wildland does New Hampshire have?

[15:05] What was the transition like from being more of an employee to a manager?

[18:00] Brad discusses how his team reacted to him when he first became a supervisor.

[20:20] How long does it really take for a person to settle into a new role?

[21:25] What job has been the most fun for Brad to do so far?

[25:10] Brad discusses some of the new projects being added to the New Hampshire. Division of Forests and Lands.

[30:55] Brad works a lot with the state’s legislators and representatives to help keep them informed about what goes on in forestry.

[32:55] Brad discusses the leadership differences between being a manager vs. being a state forester.

[39:45] What does Brad love about working with the next generation?

[44:20] What does the profession need to be better at in order to be prepared for the future?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Nhdfl.org

Crucial Conversations, by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan

Brad on LinkedIn

Jim Karels is the Florida State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. Jim is a native of Minnesota and has more than 35 years of experience in wildfire suppression and land management. Also, Jim represents all 50 states on the Wildland Fire Leadership Council, Wildland Fire Executive Council, and the National Association of State Foresters Fire Committee. On today’s show, Jim talks about Florida’s excellent Operation Outdoor Freedom program, the difference in leadership at the state forester level, and so much more!

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:40] A quick intro about Jim’s background.

[2:50] How did Jim become interested in forestry?

[4:25] What are some of the benefits of starting out in firefighting?

[5:05] After graduating from university, what was Jim’s first job like?

[7:05] What was the transition like from having to take orders vs. being the one having to give direction?

[10:15] As you move up into leadership positions in forestry, you have to make decisions based off of little to no data. This is a hard transition for a very analytical, data-driven forester.

[11:25] How is leadership different at the state forester level?

[16:15] What has been the most surprising about the state forester role so far?

[17:35] Jim discusses the Operation Outdoor Freedom program and what it is about.

[24:25] When it comes to leadership, what does Jim wish he learned about sooner?

[27:30] What is Jim learning about the younger generation entering into the workforce?

[30:05] Jim offers advice for those young professionals out there!

[32:45] What kind mentors has Jim had in the past?

[35:05] Where is this profession headed and what do professionals need to be aware of?

[38:20] Remember: Lead by example. If your example is not good, then your leadership won’t be either.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Freshfromflorida.com

Nwcg.gov

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

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

The Art Of War Paperback by Sun Tzu

Dffm.az.gov

Larry Biles has a BS in Forestry from the University of Missouri and an MS in Ornamental Horticulture from Kansas State University. Following two years with the U.S. Army, Larry spent eight years as a District Forester at Kansas State University. Today, he has 50 years of experience under his belt and is the State Forester of Kansas. On the show, Larry shares his leadership experience, what it means to be people-oriented, and discusses the benefits of working in urban forestry.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:40] A quick intro about Larry’s background.

[3:45] How did Larry become interested in forestry?

[7:35] What kind of tasks did Larry do when he took his first job in forestry?

[9:25] Over the years, what were some of Larry’s favorite jobs to do?

[11:55] Urban forestry and community forestry are great opportunities for new foresters who may not be thinking about that as a career path.

[16:00] What have been some of the biggest challenges Larry has faced in his career?

[19:40] What are the demographics of Larry’s staff?

[21:00] What does Larry like the most about working with the younger generation?

[22:25] Larry discusses the difference in leadership style when you’re a frontline manager vs. a state forester.

[25:55] What did Larry wish he’d learned sooner about managing people?

[27:25] How does Larry focus on being more people-oriented — as opposed to task-oriented — with his staff?

[30:25] Larry has some advice for young students out there looking to get into forestry.

[34:10] What are some of the best ways to improve your leadership skills?

[37:00] How is the forestry industry changing as a whole and what do foresters need to do to be prepared for the future?

[41:20] Larry talks a little bit about the history of the Kansas Forest Service.

[43:50] How does Larry attract and retain new talent?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kansasforests.org

Toastmasters.org