094: Don't Let Anyone Make You the Gazelle; I Choose to Be the Lion!

Dale Threatt-Taylor is the District Director of the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District in Wake County, North Carolina. She is responsible for implementing the strategic goals of her Board of Supervisors, as well as working in alignment of the District goals with the Wake County Board of Commissioners work goals. She is known as the 'Conservation Evangelist' for her passion and commitment to soil and water conservation. Find out more about Dale's story, how she found her passion, and how young students can find a field they truly love.   Key Takeaways: [:55] A message from Leadership Nature. [1:35] A quick intro about Dale's background. [3:50] How did Dale get started in conservation? [6:55] You have to be passionate about what you do, but you also have to believe in what you do. [9:05] How can you find your passion? [11:05] It's okay to not know! It's okay to change directions to find your calling. [17:45] Why has it been difficult to include more people of color into natural resource fields? [20:35] Our society has a disconnect to nature. [24:10] How does Dale work with young people and students and introduce them to how amazing nature can be? [29:30] How does water conservation districts work? [33:05] What does Dale do as a soil and water conservationist? [38:55] What do students need to study in order to be a conservationist? [41:25] Dale shares some of the valuable lessons she's learned as a leader. [47:20] What does Dale think about the next generation of people coming into forestry? [51:25] Really love your educationors and ask them as many questions as possible. [56:00] To overcome anything in life, we have to sit down and talk. [1:01:15] Choose to be the lion!!   Mentioned in This Episode: Dale on LinkedIn Talent is Overrated by Geoffrey Colvin Taming Your Gremlin by Richard David Carson Crucial Conversations by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan