093: Leadership Is a Verb: It’s a Constant State of Becoming, Not Something You Arrive At

Tony Cheng is the Professor of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship and the Director of the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute at Colorado State University. Tony also has a PhD in Forestry from Oregon State University, a MS in Forestry from the University of Minnesota, and a BA in Political Science from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. On today's show, Tony expresses his gratitude for his grandparents, why forestry is incredibly important work, and leadership lessons he tries to instill in every one of his students.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:55] A message from Leadership Nature.

[1:35] A quick intro about Tony's background.

[4:20] How did Tony get started in forestry?

[6:55] Tony shares how he first got into political science.

[9:35] Really, really find your passion. It may take time to find it, but don't stop looking until you do.

[18:00] What was Tony's first job in forestry like?

[24:55] Lesson one as a leader: It's not about you.

[27:30] Tony explains why leadership is a verb!

[31:05] For every criticism provide 5 positive types of feedback.  

[36:20] Tony is so grateful that his grandparents and parents took the step and sacrifice to migrate to the U.S. They went through a lot of suffering to ensure their children and grandchild could have a good life.

[41:25] Tony shares that he has never been discriminated against in his career. The forestry industry has welcomed him with open arms.

[47:25] What advice does Tony have for first or second generation Americans who wish to join a natural resource career?

[53:45] Celebrate your authentic self. Don't let people hold you back because of your race.

[55:45] Tony shares some final thoughts about why forestry is so important for our world.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Cfri.colostate.edu