Podcasts

Season 6 | Forestry Consultants | Episode 1

#86 | Take the toughest jobs, do them to the best of your ability and don’t give up

November 14, 2018 | Matt Sampson, ACF

Matt Sampson, ACF, is the Senior Director of ForestLand Operations for the Northeast Region of the Forestland Group (TFG), which is headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. TFG is an Independent Timberland Investment Management Organization (“TIMO”) founded in 1995, and Matt oversees on-the-ground management activities on fund owned properties from Virginia into Canada. On today’s show, Matt shares his forestry journey, talks about mentors he looked up to, and gives advice for young professionals going into natural resources. He says, “You’ve got a lot to learn, so you’d better take every opportunity available to you along the way.” Listen now, and subscribe to the show today!

Key Takeaways:

[1:00] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:45] A quick intro about Matt’s background.

[3:40] How did Matt get into forestry and natural resources?

[6:15] What was it like working in Idaho?

[10:55] Matt dives into what types of jobs he did after he graduated.

[14:35] What does Matt do now?

[15:45] What kinds of skills does someone need in order to take on a Senior Director position like his?

[18:05] Matt shares tips on how to better communicate with other people.

[21:25] What does Matt wish he’d learned sooner?

[26:15] You never really realize the full impact you’ve had on somebody as a leader.

[27:30] What kinds of challenges has Matt undergone that shaped him as a leader and professional?

[31:55] Military personnel and foresters share the same types of leadership training, and they both have to learn how to handle group dynamics.

[35:30] Matt doesn’t really see himself as a leader; more like a people coordinator.

[37:15] What advice does Matt have for young professionals?

[41:45] How important is networking?

[45:00] Matt leaves us with some final thoughts about forestry. We speak for the trees!

Mentioned in This Episode:
The Forestland Group Website: www.TFGoperations.com
The Book: Who Moved My Cheese: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life, by Spencer Johnson
The Book: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand
The Book and Series: Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, by Stephen E. Ambrose
The Book: The Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers, by Larry Alexander

Matt sports “the Lorax” look to emphasize how foresters need to embrace our role as the true guardians of the forest.