Rooted in Nature: Leadership, Advocacy, and the Power of the Outdoors with Layla George, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks and Conservancy
In the latest episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, Sarah Hempstead , CEO of Schmidt Associates , sits down with Layla George, MBA , president and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy . Layla shares her inspiring journey from sustainable farming to leading one of Louisville’s most iconic green spaces. Their conversation sheds light on her passion for nature, the power of advocacy, and the importance of strategic partnerships in nonprofit leadership.
From Farm Life to Leading Urban Conservation
Layla’s story begins on a family farm, where she embraced sustainable agriculture and ecological practices. This early connection with nature laid the foundation for her leadership in the environmental sector. Her journey is a powerful example of how personal experiences can fuel professional passion.
Volunteerism as a Pathway to Leadership
Layla’s belief in the transformative power of volunteering is in incredibly lessons for all. She discusses how her volunteer work not only shaped her skill set but also propelled her into nonprofit leadership roles. Layla shares, “All of that work I did 20 years ago as a volunteer lobbyist... really paid off here.” She encourages people to “really look at their voluntary experience as a way to round out their skill set,” and set them apart. This insight emphasizes how volunteerism can serve as a powerful steppingstone toward leadership.
Confident Leadership and Creative Problem Solving
Layla’s leadership approach is characterized by her unwavering confidence and a strong tolerance for risk. As she shares her experience of stepping into the CEO role at Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Layla provides a refreshing perspective on imposter syndrome, highlighting the importance of trusting oneself and embracing the challenges that come with leadership.
领英推荐
The Power of Advocacy and Strategic Collaboration
Advocacy plays a central role in Layla’s work, particularly in urban areas where access to green spaces can dramatically impact community well-being. She emphasizes how building trust with local communities and partnering with key stakeholders is crucial to advancing conservation efforts. Layla’s strategic approach to partnerships, whether with city officials or local community groups, demonstrates the importance of collective action in achieving long-term goals.
Green Spaces for All
Parks play in an essential role in urban areas, especially in underserved communities. Layla explains how the COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of the mental health benefits of outdoor spaces, reaffirming the necessity of preserving and maintaining accessible parks. “From a sustainability standpoint, climate resiliency, and mental health, parks are so critical,” she adds.
In Conclusion
Layla George’s story is one of resilience, creative leadership, and a deep commitment to nature. Her ability to blend personal passion with professional purpose offers valuable lessons for leaders in any field. Whether you’re inspired by environmental advocacy or leadership insights, this episode will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the impact of public parks and the importance of community-driven conservation efforts.
Listen now and to discover how creative leadership and ecological stewardship are transforming urban landscapes for the better.
For more details on how you can support or get involved with Olmsted Parks Conservancy, visit olmstedparks.org.