160: Kay Henry-Tells us about starting an outdoor business from scratch, leverage key lucky moments and more
Kay Henry is an entrepreneur with a focus on outdoor recreation in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She was a co- founder of Mad River Canoe. Kay delivered a lifetime of outdoor biz knowledge in this episode. She talks about starting and growing your business from scratch, the importance of luck and more.
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Kay Henry delivered a lifetime of outdoor biz knowledge in this episode.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Growing up, my family had a summer home on Cape Cod, so I grew up swimming, sailing, waterskiing. I was kind of a total water rat. I didn't get much camping experience as they didn't like sleeping outdoors, but I did do girl scouts, summer camp and then in college got credit to camping.
I went to camp when I was younger and my first outdoor job actually was a camp counselor when I was in college. I taught in a French kids summer camp. That's where I learned to be fluent in French.
Things we talked about
National Park Service RTCA program
Advice, tips
I would encourage people to think about networking as a key component of any personal development strategy. Another one might be authenticity. So again, that's a strength to develop, which is going to require some personal experience, time spent in the outdoors. And I think it's really important if you're going to look for a career in the outdoors, is to have been there too, have some understanding of needs and rhythms of the industry.
Also to empathize with others and understand really what they're talking about from self reliance. You know, there's just a lot. Another one is the willingness to follow a path that's not so straight. Let the lucky pieces happen, the opportunities and the risks to develop a career. One that's really rewarding to you personally and not just work.
Favorite Books
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Favorite Piece of Gear under $100
Connect with Kay
Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel, and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.