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)