082: I'm Smart Enough to Know What I Don't Know

Barry Cook is a West Virginia native, a military veteran, and has been a seasoned forester for the last 45 years. Barry began his career as a logging superintendent and has slowly risen the ranks since then, starting his own company in 2005. He currently serves as the Director and State Forester of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. On the show, Barry shares lessons he learned as an impatient manager, the types of projects he's working on for the State and encourages young professionals to become bilingual.   Key Takeaways: [:55] A message from Leadership Nature. [1:40] A quick intro about Barry's background. [3:20]  How did Barry become interested in forestry? [5:05] When Barry was growing up in West Virginia, there was no game around where he lived. Why was that? [9:00] How did Barry get his first job in forestry? [11:45] Barry has never hired someone off the internet. He believes in face-to-face interactions. [12:55] What have been some of the more interesting jobs Barry has had over the years? [20:20] As Barry works with a lot of corporate and private sectors, does it make the work that he does more or less challenging as a State Forester? [24:45] Barry discusses some new and exciting projects that are happening in West Virginia right now. [28:05] What does Barry wish he'd learned sooner in his career? [33:25] Barry highly recommends that young managers take professional management training. There are a lot of restrictions on what you can and can't do these days; having someone by your side will help you not to get in trouble. [35:30] What advice does Barry have for retaining new talent? [40:55] Barry shares his thoughts and resources for those just entering the workforce. [44:15] Barry recommends two books! [50:00] You don't have to know everything to move into a new position.   Mentioned in This Episode: WVcommerce.org Barry on LinkedIn Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive: Outsell, Outmanage, Outmotivate, and Outnegotiate Your Competition, by Harvey B Mackay Yeager: An Autobiography, by Chuck Yeager