75. Culture eats strategy (and elephants) for breakfast
What’s stronger than strategy? Culture.
In this episode of the Parks and Restoration Podcast, Chris and Jeremy dig into why culture has to be every leader’s top priority—and why even the best plans fall apart without it. Through stories ranging from a construction crew with 20-year employee tenures to lessons from Glacier National Park, they unpack how culture shapes retention, performance, and resilience in the parks and natural resources field while weaving in a little wild turkey science.
You’ll learn:
Why culture is the ecosystem that drives everything else in your organization
The differences between good and bad cultures (and how to spot the warning signs early)
The surprising ROI of strong workplace culture, backed by Gallup and Great Place to Work research
Three simple things you can do this week to start building a culture people want to be part of
Whether you’re leading a small crew, a large department, or you’re just starting to step into leadership, this conversation will show you why culture isn’t an “extra”—it’s the foundation.
Referenced episodes
- A philosopher's guide to land stewardship with Chad Graeve, Natural Resource Specialist in Pottawattamie County (episode 26)
- SPF2: A Non-Greasy Formula for Effective Recognition (episode 72)
About Parks and Restoration
Better leaders. Better parks.
Parks and Restoration is THE show for current and rising leaders in the parks, conservation, and natural resource professions. Every two weeks, you get new episodes that explore key leadership concepts and how they apply to you and your team.
Great parks and healthy lands and waters are the products of strong leadership. We aim to help you become that leader.
Join the movement (and the email list) at www.ParksandRestoration.com
