The origins of "Organizational Ecology" | Episode 84

What if the key to better leadership isn’t “managing harder”…but managing like an ecologist?

From a difficult conversation where Chris was told he could be "intimidating" to his questioning whether he was cut out for a leadership role, this episode unpacks Chris' leadership journey and the origins of his Organizational Ecology framework — a leadership approach rooted in the idea that you don’t force results, you create the conditions for people to thrive and let performance follow.

Key takeaways:

• Conservation work is ultimately people work — nothing sustains without humans who care.

• Leadership isn’t a title or a system; it’s how you show up, especially under pressure.

• You don’t command ecosystems into productivity — you build habitat. The same is true for teams.

• The 5 Ps of a thriving organization: People, Perspective, Purpose, Proactive, and Process.

• Fulfillment and connection are the real “energy sources” that drive performance.

• Perspective matters: behavior at work is often a symptom of unseen burdens.

• Proactive leaders slow down reactions and invest in real one-on-one relationships.

Want to go deeper? Head over to ParksandRestoration.com

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About Parks and Restoration

Parks and Restoration is the show for parks and conservation professionals who want to lead better for their teams, their communities, and future generations. Hosted by Chris Lee and Jeremy Yost, the podcast blends real-world stories, practical leadership tools, and lessons from nature to help organizations - and the people that lead them - thrive.