104: It Takes a Lifetime of Learning to Become a Good Leader and Good Leaders Are Lifetime Learners

Dr. Chris Davidson is the Director of Corporate Sustainability for WestRock Company. He is responsible for ensuring the company is a recognized global leader in sustainability and he leads the development of strategy, policy, goals, metrics, and reporting. With over 23 years of experience, Chris offers some words of advice for young people of color who have faced racism in the past and what aspiring forestry and natural resources professionals can do to get introduced into this field early in their career!   Key Takeaways: [:55] A message from Leadership Nature. [1:35] A quick intro about Chris's background. [3:10] How did Chris get into forestry and natural resources? [5:45] Did Chris have culture shock when he first came to the U.S. for an education? [7:35] What kinds of jobs did Chris have while he was studying? [10:40] What types of responsibilities does Chris have as the Director of Corporate Sustainability? [13:10] What was Chris's first job after school? [16:40] Chris explains what his first leadership role was like. [18:45] Chris offers advice for young professionals who have to prove their worth to their older coworkers. [21:00] Good leaders continue to be lifelong learners. [21:40] What is Chris most proud of? [27:20] Chris credits the diverse career opportunities he's had to his ability to just be open and say 'yes.' [31:10] What has Chris's experience been like as a professional and leader of color? [34:00] If you change yourself to fit in, that's not going to work for so long. It's not sustainable. [34:45] What kind of challenges has Chris overcome? [37:00] You are who you are and you always just have to do your best. [40:25] What can the profession do to become more diverse? [48:15] Don't get discouraged when you run into hardships! It is worth it to continue.   Mentioned in This Episode: WestRock.com Chris on LinkedIn The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right, by Atul Gawande