Tue, 26 March 2024
"A good new part director has a vision. And and if you want to make a difference and leave your mark, you have to have vision of where you want to take your agency in the next year, in the next 3 years, and in the next 5 years."Key Moments 06:53 Recognize the need to act as leader. 11:39 Watch what you say, people are listening. 13:38 Build on core values, ethics, and vision. 18:28 New directors often overwhelmed, need readiness training. 21:35 Stay close to service, vision, motivate. 25:38 Seek smarter team members for success. Resourceshttps://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ The Role of a Park Director Successful leaders have a clear vision and understand the impact of communication. in order to drive it forward. Phil Gaines returns for a great conversation on the role of a park director, though anyone in a leadership role can benefit from what we discussed. When someone has a vision, it will only come to fruition if they make decisions with confidence to empower their team while staying close to your point of service 3 key takeaways from our conversation:
This episode gives a great perspective on the intricacies of leading a park, while also offering valuable wisdom for leadership roles in various organizational settings. This episode is a must listen, whether you aim to rise to the position of a Park Director, or aspire to grow in your current leadership position. |
Tue, 19 March 2024
“Go sit on a rock in your favorite spot somewhere and do a very serious self-assessment. What am I good at? What am I not good at? What do I like to do? What do I don't like to do? And if you don't want to be out there in the lead, if you don't want to be out there taking some risk, if you don't want to get up in front of audiences, don't put yourself in that position." Key Moments 01:45 Starting a Career in Parks and Recreation 06:37 Ranger Experience in Yosemite 10:31 Toxic Work Environments 13:57 Conservation Efforts in Protected Areas 14:45 Environmental Protection by National Park Service Personnel 19:01 Leadership Accountability and Self-Assessment 25:35 Importance of Reputation in Career Success Walt's Presentations on YouTube A History of America's Public Lands | Texas Parks and Wildlife Education Channel History of US Public Lands Canyonlands Natural History Association Conversation on Public Lands with Walt Dabney | Coalition to Protect America's Nation Resourceshttps://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Leadership is a Choice As a park leader it is necessary to be willing to take risks and make difficult decisions. One person that is no stranger to that is Walt Dabney, retired director of Texas State Parks. Walt has left a mark on the parks and conservation landscape, making him quite a legend in the industry. During our conversation Walt shares stories from his extraordinary career. From his deep-rooted connection to the outdoors in Texas, to his unexpected journey through the National Park Service and his pivotal role in challenging decisions that would impact the future of our public lands. He even took on the military to stand up to mining interests. Walt's unwavering commitment to safeguarding our parks serves as a powerful lesson in resilience, determination, and the true meaning of leadership. This episode explores: - The bold moves and pivotal decisions that shaped Walt's career - The importance of taking a stand and putting yourself at risk for what you believe in - Key strategies for effective leadership, including decision-making, self-assessment, and fostering respect and trust Being a leader means balancing approachability with managerial authority. Leaders should be ready to embrace bold moves. Throughout Walt’s career, he had to make bold decisions, take on challenging assignments, and stands up for what he believes in. It is also important to recognize when the role you’re in isn’t what you thought you wanted or turns out to not allow you to do the things you are good at. Even if you don't enjoy your current role, be diligent, supportive, and efficient in your work, as this will impact your reputation and future career opportunities. This episode is full of valuable lessons from Walt's experiences and leadership philosophy. It is a must listen for park leaders and enthusiasts. There is no doubt you’ll want to hear more, so many sure you keep an eye out for the documentary, "History of America's Public Lands.” This documentary will further expand your knowledge of the history and relevance of public lands in the United States.
Direct download: Ep_292_-_Leadership_is_a_Choice_Walt_Dabney.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT |
Tue, 12 March 2024
“People can't fall in love with your park if they're lost." Key Moments 03:49 Law enforcement rangers use interpretation to influence. 07:05 Expanding park interpretive products for diverse experiences. 09:56 Framework for visitor experience in parks and its application across different contexts. 13:53 Problem-solving strategies for adaptation. 19:08 ROI of interpretive programs for park rangers. 21:54 The challenges of parks to increase diversity amid visitor influx. 23:14 Diversity and inclusion in State Parks for better representation. Connect with KyThe Visitor Experience website Resourceshttps://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Finding the Return on Investment in Interpretation Interpretation plays a vital role in attracting, entertaining, and educating diverse users. One person with a lot of experience in this area is Ky Harkey, former director of interpretation for Texas State Parks and now founder of The Visitor Experience. His expertise in interpretation and visitor experience helps park leaders improve the relevance and inclusivity of their programs and services. During our conversation Ky shares some of the ways we can enhance the visitor experience, increase diversity in visitorship, and create a more engaging and impactful park environment for everyone. Key Takeaways from this conversation:
Make sure you listen to the full episode to gain insights into the visitor experience and the influence of interpretation in shaping the future of parks. To learn more about Ky’s work and get access to a self-assessment tool to evaluate your visitor services, visit thevisitorexperience.org. Consider ways you can embrace the transformative power of interpretation and entrepreneurial innovation to grow the experiences that have a positive impact of parks and conservation.
Direct download: Ep_291_-_Finding_the_Return_on_Investment_in_Interpretation_Ky_Harkey.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT |
Tue, 5 March 2024
"Part of the narrative that we find ourselves in is talking about creating areas that are protected for people, not from people."Key Moments 02:57 Conservation and Community Participation 05:29 Rethinking Conservation Strategies 14:57 Conservation Training in Latin America 17:22 International Conservation Collaboration 22:05 Importance of Nature on Human Health 23:54 Global Tourism Program Facilitates Cross-Cultural Exchange and Learning. 27:13 Global Conservation Efforts Connect with RyanLinkedIn Ryan Finchum Warner College of Natural Resources Resourceshttps://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Managing Protected Areas Ryan Finchum is the co-director of the Center For Protected Area Management at Colorado State University and a seasoned expert working with the US Forest Service international programs. He joins for a conversation diving deep into the world of protected areas. We explore the crucial decisions that shape our national parks and conservation efforts, and how past mistakes can light the way for future success. From missteps like feeding bears in dumps to the construction dilemmas faced by park roads. Ryan shares some of the vital lessons learned and the international collaborations that aim to bolster our global stewardship efforts. Key Takeaways:
Don't miss this conversation on the nuances of managing protected areas, ranger training, sustainability. It's not just about protecting land, but also about nurturing relationships with those who inhabit it.
Direct download: Ep_290_-_Managing_Protected_Areas_Ryan_Finchum.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:00am PDT |