Episode 27: Rooted in Nature: Leadership, Advocacy, and the Power of the Outdoors with Layla George, President and CEO of Olmsted Parks and Conservancy

Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership

Episode 27: Rooted In Nature: Leadership, Advocacy and the Power of the Outdoors with Layla George, CEO and President of Olmsted Parks Conservancy

Episode Introduction:

Welcome to Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, where we dive into the minds of some of the most creative leaders shaping our world today. In today’s episode, Sarah Hempstead, CEO at Schmidt Associates, is joined by a special guest, Layla George, president and CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Layla’s passion for nature and sustainability, combined with her extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, has made her a force in land conservation and community engagement.

Episode Overview:

From her early days living on a farm and cultivating sustainable practices to leading one of Louisville’s most cherished green spaces, Layla’s journey is a testament to the impact of resilience, creative problem-solving, and advocacy. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, interested in leadership insights, or simply love public parks, this episode will offer you valuable lessons and inspiration. Join us as Layla shares her story of navigating nonprofit leadership, building community partnerships, and stewarding Louisville’s Olmsted Parks.

Key Highlights:

· Passion for Sustainable Agriculture – Layla shares how her deep connection with nature and sustainable practices began during her time living on a family farm, sparking a lifelong commitment to ecological stewardship.

· Volunteering as a Catalyst for Professional Growth – Layla emphasizes how her volunteer experiences played a crucial role in shaping her leadership skills and laying the groundwork for her successful career in nonprofit management.

· Confidence and Leadership – Layla’s journey from sustainable farming to nonprofit leadership exemplifies her unwavering belief in her own abilities and her willingness to take risks, making her a standout example of confident leadership.

· Advocacy and Strategic Collaboration – Layla highlights the power of advocacy and the critical role of strategic partnerships in advancing conservation efforts and ensuring public access to natural spaces.

· The Essential Role of Green Spaces – Layla emphasizes the vital importance of parks, especially in urban and underserved communities, and how the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the necessity of accessible outdoor spaces for mental health, community, and well-being.

Conclusion: Layla George leaves listeners with an inspiring reminder that embracing challenges with confidence, fostering community partnerships, and advocating for public green spaces can create lasting positive change. Whether through leadership, volunteerism, or advocacy, everyone can contribute to making their communities better, one park at a time.

Tune in to discover how creative leadership and ecological stewardship can pave the way for a healthier, more connected world.