How to lead like a burn boss | Episode 86
What do prescribed burns have to do with leading a team?
More than you’d think.
In this episode, Chris and Jeremy break down leadership lessons pulled straight from burn season — burn plans, clear objectives, contingency planning, and the kind of flexibility you need when conditions change. They talk through real examples from recent burns (including an 800-acre day at Hitchcock) and connect the dots to the workplace: performance issues, meetings that drain people, programs you’ve “always done,” and the importance of building a culture where people can question decisions in real time.
Key themes in this episode:
Disturbance is necessary — in ecosystems and in organizations
Clear objectives matter: why this, why now?
Share the “why” (internally and publicly) to build trust and reduce confusion
Contingencies aren’t pessimism — they’re how you set yourself up for success
Plans are meant to guide, not rigidly control: adapt to conditions and seasons of life
The ultimate goal: build an organization that can run without you for a while
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About Parks and Restoration
Parks and Restoration is the podcast for parks and conservation professionals who want to become better leaders for their teams, their communities, and future generations. Hosted by Chris Lee and Jeremy Yost, each episode explores leadership through the lens of ecology — blending real stories from the field with practical takeaways you can apply in your agency, your career, and your life.
