It’s fun to be well-known, until it isn’t

Today we are joined by John Chapo, President/CEO of Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

John knew in the 6th grade that he wanted to work in a zoo–and not because he was a Dr. Suess fan. After working in two other zoos, John ventured to Lincoln, NE to become the zoo’s director. Twenty-nine years later, both the zoo and John are going strong.

Though he is one to deflect attention, John is somewhat of a local celebrity. As a mainstay of local radio and television, along with innumerable public appearances, he is the zoo to many Lincolnites. This recognition, of course, brings John opportunities that he otherwise wouldn’t enjoy: being on a first-name basis with the “movers and shakers” of the community, an appointment to the state Tourism Commission, and the satisfaction of knowing his work impacts thousands of lives.

This notoriety can be great, until it isn’t. John is still “the zoo guy” when he is at the emergency room with his son. He’s the zoo guy when he goes to dinner with his spouse. Yes, he’s even the zoo guy when he gets cut off in traffic. And being the zoo guy 24/7 means that people are always watching, for better and worse.

To learn more about John or Lincoln Children’s Zoo, click here!

Click here to download as an MP3 (right click and choose “save as”).

In this episode, John and Darren discuss:

His best moment as the zoo guy.
His worst moment as the zoo guy.
How he deals with being second-guessed (even after 29 years!).
The importance of never letting board members feel neglected.
The importance of documentation
How to helps his board keep a long-term perspective.
His book recommendation: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.
His secret for helping donors fall in love with the zoo..

Hang on to the end to hear John’s Magic Moment challenge!

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

Zoofari with Larry the Cable Guy

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