At Metro EDGE, we know true mentors are hard to come by these days and that our members are eager to learn what it takes to be successful. Words of Wisdom is a new series featuring some of Sacramento’s brightest CEOs, executives and leaders sharing their advice with the region’s young professionals. Flip your brain over to sponge mode and soak this up.
Ray Tretheway
Executive Director
Sacramento Tree Foundation
ray@sactree.com
What are some things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career:
- In every profession there is a beginning learning curve much longer than you think. I have had a fire chief and police officer both tell me it is 5 years in their professions; and a school teacher told me it’s a least one year in the classroom.
- You are a valued asset the moment you start your job – speak up!
- A fish never knows it’s in water until it is out: explore, imagine, take risks!
Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
Yes - you are an agent of change when you work in the nonprofit sector.
How did/do you handle work/life balance?
Not very well - work hard, love your family, play hard.
Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?
- ‘Servant Leadership’ by Robert Greenleaf
- Biographies: the two I recall that were remarkable in that they led their lives on their terms : Ansel Adams and Theodor Geisel (Dr Seuss)
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?
Make a difference; write down your key values (the ones that trump all other values) and set your life accordingly.
