Welcome to the Environmental Leadership Chronicles podcast, a podcast series from the California Association of Environmental Professionals. In this episode, we are joined by John Dietler, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Operations for the West at SWCA Environmental Consultants. John shares his career journey from starting as a field archaeologist to becoming a key leader in overseeing operations across ten Western states.

With vast expertise in cultural resources and environmental compliance, John offers an insightful discussion on bridging technical work with business development. He also sheds light on SWCA's employee ownership model, emphasizing its impact on the company's growth and operation. Through engaging anecdotes, John explores navigating unique cultural landscapes in states like California, Hawaii, and Alaska, and the importance of understanding diverse Indigenous communities.

This episode is a deep dive into the evolving landscape of environmental consulting, as John elaborates on how disciplines like archaeology can heavily influence and guide modern developmental practices while respecting the voices of native tribes. Whether you're an aspiring environmental professional or simply curious about bridging past and present landscapes, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.

In this episode, we meet with Megan Musolf (she/her), Assistant Long-Range Planner for the City of Carpinteria. Megan shares her journey from studying Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara to building a career as a planner in the public sector, where she works to implement the City's Housing Element programs through zoning code amendments. We discuss how student advocacy shaped her housing policy perspective, and what it means to grow a network early in your career. She also serves as the Social Media Officer for the Central Coast Section of the American Planning Association (APA). Megan offers thoughtful insights for emerging professionals and a fresh take on the evolving role of young planners today.

Megan also walks us through her involvement in the controversial Munger Hall project at UCSB, illustrating a real-world application of environmental planning and policy advocacy. The episode explores the evolving role of young planners in shaping urban environments, the importance of professional organizations in career development, and the unexpected challenges and learning curves in transitioning from academic life to full-time employment. Tune in to hear Megan's fresh insights and why the fight for sustainable and community-centered housing remains crucial in today's urban landscape.

The opinions Megan shares today are her own and don't represent the official views of the City of Carpinteria. She's here sharing her personal experiences and perspectives.

Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy.

In this episode, we meet in person with Lesley Owning, a seasoned Principal Planner and Environmental Planning Group Manager at Helix Environmental Planning. With over 13 years of experience, Lesley manages CEQA and NEPA requirements for diverse projects, from infrastructure to renewable energy.

Lesley highlights her career journey and key transitions that led her to her current leadership role. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and flexibility in nurturing her team, sharing her approach to career development and project management.

Listeners will be inspired by Lesley's enthusiasm for projects like aquifer storage and groundwater recharge. She also discusses the evolving nature of the environmental industry and how leaders can support their teams in balancing personal and professional growth.