074: Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan

Joe Fox is the Arkansas State Forester and oversees the Arkansas Forestry Commission, a position he has held since 2012. Joe is a native of Arkansas and worked a family-owned lumber business for over 20 years. He is also the former President of the Arkansas Forestry Association and former Chair of the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Joe is a third-generation forester and on the show, he discusses some of the leadership differences from being a family-owned business to running the Arkansas Forestry Commission, why you can never have too many friends, and so much more!   Key Takeaways: [:55] A message from Leadership Nature. [1:35] A quick intro about Joe's background. [3:20] How did Joe become interested in forestry? [6:45] Does Joe recommend that young foresters also get a business education as well? [8:25] What was Joe's first job out of forestry school? [11:00] Joe discusses some of the mentors he has had throughout his career. [14:45] Why did Joe leave his family's forestry business and set out on his own? [19:15] You can never have too many friends! Relationships are still the number one reason people join churches or become foresters. [25:55] What has Joe learned about leadership while being the CEO of an agency? [28:55] Plan your work and work your plan. [29:50] What does Joe wish he learned sooner about leadership? [30:00] Joe never learned anything while he was talking! [32:00] What kind of leadership principles would Joe like to convey to the new leaders out there?  [35:10] Remember, words mean things. [36:45] Joe discusses what he likes about working with the younger generation. [38:45] What are some of the ways we can attract and retain our young talent? [41:35] Respect all the different types of people that you come across in your work.[44:05] Joe recommends reading the book Masters of the Air.   Mentioned in This Episode: Aad.arkansas.gov Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, by Donald L. Miller Patton (1970)