Podcasts

Season 3 | Young Professionals in Forestry and Natural Resources | Episode 20

#55 | Grow your people, and the people will grow the business

December 20, 2017 | Laura Parker

Laura Parker is the Manager of Forest Planning and Analysis for American Forest Management, Inc., where she delivers strategic and tactical forest planning solutions for a wide range of clients. Laura has been with American Forest Management for a little over 14 years and speaks highly of the role models and company culture there. Find out more about Laura and her advice to young and aspiring foresters in this week’s episode. One of her messages is to not take your people for granted, and by investing in their growth, they will feel like the great assets they are and will grow your business for you.

Key Takeaways:

[:58] A message from Leadership Nature.

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

[3:10] How did Laura become interested in forestry?

[5:15] What kind of challenges has Laura experienced by being in a male-dominated field?

[7:25] Laura discusses how she originally got involved with utility forestry early in her career.

[9:45] Laura highly recommends taking an internship while you’re in school. It helps build job experience and makes you more marketable.

[10:35] What advice does Laura have for young professionals coming out of school?

[13:50] What’s it like working with American Forest Management (AFM)?

[15:50] What does Laura enjoy the most about working for AFM?

[17:25] Laura discusses what she wished she learned about leadership earlier in her career.

[21:20] Should you get an MBA as a forester? Laura thinks so!

[26:25] What kinds of mentors has Laura had over the years?

[29:45] Laura highly recommends It’s Not about the Coffee, by Howard Behar.

Mentioned in This Episode:
www.Americanforestmanagement.com
Laura on LinkedIn
It’s Not about the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks, by Howard Behar
www.LeadershipNature.com

Laura Parker, Manager of Forest Planning and Analysis for American Forest Management, Inc.