In this edition of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines returns to discuss the dichotomy between leadership and management. When understanding the difference between leadership and management, it’s important to note how they compliment. While managers emphasize job completion and managing tasks, leaders prioritize influence, inspiring and enabling others to contribute. More specifically, managers give […]
The Value of Mentorship
In this special edition of the Park Leaders Show, Brennan McAuley and retired Director of the National Park Service, Jonathan Jarvis, discuss the value of relationships in leadership and mentorship roles. When leading through mentorship, it’s essential to view counsel as a two-way street. Even in new hire situations, knowing where and when to receive […]
How to Persevere During Uncomfortable Conditions
Phil Gaines returns to the Park Leaders Show to discuss how to persevere during uncomfortable working conditions. For most of us, troubleshooting workplace drama is nothing new. Whether it involves a supervisor or an ethical dilemma, no question there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to managing conflicts. Still, while approaches will vary by case, as long as […]
Getting Your First Job with The National Park Service
In this episode, Brennan McAuley returns to the Park Leaders Show to discuss his national park career and experiences as a NPS trainee. Having recently graduated from the law enforcement academy, McAuley also shares insights on how his experiences as a Temple University student and Pro Ranger Program member readied him for his new potential […]
Improving Conservation Ethics
In this episode, Phil Gaines shares ideas on how leaders can improve the ethics of their conservation. For park leaders, protecting parks is a tedious and challenging issue. While staff efforts are important, these efforts must include education with respect to waste management since many people lack awareness or responsibility. As Gaines points out, if […]
How Leaders Can Improve Their Communication
In this episode, Phil Gaines and Dan Cockerell, share ideas on how leaders can improve their communications. For Gaines in the park world, the two greatest challenges to communication are technological distractions and distance. While more communicational avenues can benefit an organization, employing face-to-face interface should remain a priority as part of a well-rounded a […]
The Character of Ethics
In this episode, South Carolina’s former State Parks Director, Phil Gaines, shares some post-retirement wisdom on marketplace ethics. Having served in multiple executive leadership roles, Gaines points out integrity, is not only the center of ethics but the foundation of sustainable leadership. In order to lead with integrity, there must be a culture of trust […]
Following Wildland Firefighters
On this episode, director Alex Jablonski reflects on his documentary, ‘Wildland’, which follows a single wildland firefighting crew over the course of one summer. In the film, a firefighting crew contracted through Grayback Forestry builds rapport as they struggle to contain fires in northern California. Influenced by his success in ‘Low and Clear’, a tale […]
Act Local for a Global Impact
In this episode, Christina Zerfas discusses her project, “Cans for Kili”, and her mission to impact the environment on local and global scales. Through eco funding, Christina’s team hopes to collect and recycle over 1.2 million aluminum cans not only to sell for scrap metal but also to reduce Indianapolis’s carbon output. In addition […]
Park Based Learning and It’s Place in the Classroom
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, James Fester, an educator, part-time volunteer, and Google-certified innovator, discusses park-based learning and its place in the classroom. When people think of parks, they often don’t think of education. As a result, many schools lack awareness of educational resources provided by county, state, and national parks. To […]