Parks & Restoration Chris Lee

In this episode, I chat with Michael Leytem, leadership consultant, speaker, and author of the book, "Catching Leadership" which draws parallels between fishing and leadership. What's not to love about that?

We discuss the often-overlooked importance of mindfulness and self-reflection for leaders. Michael discusses the value of embracing paradoxes in leadership, the wisdom from the Tao Te Ching, and the eight timeless lessons for mindful leadership from his second book, "Keep Your Head in the Wind."

We also get an inside look at Michael's unique leadership retreats, which combine psychology, group coaching, and fly fishing to promote connection and authenticity. We discuss how outdoor experiences and mindfulness can enhance personal and professional growth, improve focus, and cultivate effective leadership.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable insights into nurturing well-being and leading with intentionality.

For more information on Michael Leytem's work, visit catchingleadership.com.

Today the podcast goes international. Sean Stewart, currently based in Berlin, leverages the power of history and applies it to leadership development. He helps uncover the invaluable insights that have accompanied our shared human journey of triumphs and trials over the millennia. The insights he shares are both inspiring and entertaining.

Since many parks departments have historic sites and historic interpretive centers and programs, I thought it'd be fun to hear Sean's approach to weaving history with leadership. It was...

To find out more about Sean and his speaking and coaching, find him on LinkedIn.

Jessica DeAngelo helps corporate leaders and entrepreneurs develop clear and actionable business strategies using a powerful tool: the hiking trail.

A self-proclaimed "hiking business strategist," Jessica uses time on the trail in her consulting business to help corporate clients gain clarity, improve insight, and connect with other team members.

In this episode, we talk about how, and more importantly, WHY she chose to start her own unique consulting business. We discuss some of her experiences with clients and the value they've found out on the trail (and outside the conference room), and we end with some valuable insight for parks professionals from the perspective of someone who works in nature and in public lands, but isn't a traditional outdoor recreation professional.

This was a fun conversation with someone that's really carving out a unique niche in the business development and corporate consulting industry.

To learn more about Jessica DeAngelo and the work she's doing on and off the trail, find her online at https://www.deangeloconsultingllc.com/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-deangelo-mba/.

This is the final of five leadership-focused mini-episodes where I discuss the elements of my framework: The 5-P's of thriving organizations.

This one is all about being proactive in the implementation of your Processes, and being willing to try things not fully knowing if they'll work.

Being a leader is not something you are by title. Real leadership is something you DO. Unceasingly.

Listen to this short episode to see what I mean.

If you want to dig deeper into these principles, hit me up at outdoorexecutivedad@gmail.com.

A big thanks to Bolton & Menk for sponsoring these leadership episodes. Learn more about them at www.bolton-menk.com or check out my interview with Emily Naylor, episode 40.

This is the fourth of five mini-episodes I will post focused on leadership and organizational culture. Through these episodes, I discuss my framework, the 5-P's of a Thriving Culture, that I present through my leadership speaking and consulting work.

This one is all about process - the systems we need to put in place to put theory into action.

If you're interested in learning more or digging deeper into these topics, reach out to me at outdoorexecutivedad@gmail.com or contact me through the comment form at www.outdoorexecutivedad.com.

A big thanks to ⁠⁠⁠Bolton & Menk⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring these leadership episodes. To learn more about those guys and how they're focused on impacting parks and conservation in Iowa, check out episode 40 and my interview with Emily Naylor.

*There was a glitch in the original upload that cut the audio off at about 18 minutes. That's fixed now so you can now hear the whole episode.

In Iowa's county conservation system, the name Dan Cohen is synonymous with leadership. During his 38 years in Buchanan County, he has served on many committees, including the one that put Iowa's Water and Land Legacy (IWiLL) amendment on the ballot in 2008. In this episode, I chat with Dan about that experience and much more. He shares insights into creating a culture where people stay, favorite books, and how we as current leaders in the field can keep moving our industry forward.

Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating and if you like this episode, share with someone else who might enjoy it also.

Thank you!