112: Take the Toughest Jobs, Do them to the Best of Your Ability and Don't Give Up

Matt Sampson is the Senior Director of ForestLand Operations for the North East Region of the Forest Land Group, which is headquartered in North Carolina. Matt oversees on-the-ground management activities for the approximately 597,000 acres owned by the Prior Affiliated Funds in the region. On today's show, Matt shares the steps he took that excelled his career, the mentors he looks up to, and advice for young professionals looking to get into the field!   Key Takeaways: [1:00] A message from Leadership Nature. [1:45] A quick intro about Matt's background. [3:40] How did Matt get into forestry and natural resources? [6:15] What was it like working in Idaho? [10:55] Matt dives into what types of jobs he did after he graduated university. [14:35] What does Matt do now? [15:45] What kinds of skills does someone need in order to take on a Senior Director Forestland Operations position? [18:05] Matt shares tips on how to better communicate with other people. [21:25] What does Matt wish he'd learned sooner about his job? [26:15] You never really realize the full impact you've had on somebody as a leader. [27:30] What kinds of challenges has Matt undergone that have really shaped him as a leader and professional? [31:55] Military personnel and foresters share the same types of leadership training and they both have to learn how to handle different group dynamics. [35:30] Matt doesn't really see himself as a leader; more like a people coordinator. [37:15] What advice does Matt have for young professionals? [41:45] How important is networking? [45:00] Matt leaves us with some final thoughts about forestry. We speak for the trees!   Mentioned in This Episode: Tfgoperations.com Who Moved My Cheese: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life, by Spencer Johnson Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest, by Stephen E. Ambrose The Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, the Man Who Led the Band of Brothers, by Larry Alexander