089: You Can't Be Afraid to Act

Ken Pimlott is the Director of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection since 2011. Ken began his career as a reserve firefighter with the Contra Costa Fire Protection District. On today's show, Ken explains why firefighters have to become good leaders, the best ways to navigate a changing workforce, and leadership lessons he wished he learned sooner!

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:40] A quick intro about Ken 's background.

[3:25] How did Ken become interested in forestry?

[5:45] Why is leadership so critical in the fire community?

[9:35] Every firefighter is a leader in their own right. When a fire is happening, you can't always call base to find out what to do next.

[10:10 What does Ken mean by 'leader's intent'?

[11:45] What have been some of Ken's defining moments that really shaped and modeled him?

[15:15] In today's climate, Ken has never seen so many people agree and be in alignment about the importance of our forests.

[17:00] What's it like being the CEO of an agency compared to being in more of a middle management leadership role?

[24:40] What is Ken most proud of in his career?

[27:45] Ken shares what he wished he learned sooner about leadership.

[31:00] How does Ken manage and work with the younger generation?

[34:50] How can someone be successful in their career?

[38:15] Don't be afraid to take action.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Calfire.ca.gov/about

Ken on Twitter

Ken on LinkedIn

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors Book, by James D. Hornfischer