About Dr. Rob Shumaker: A Journey from a Passion for Animals to President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo

Kristi Lee and Dr. Rob Shumaker, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo, discuss his lifelong passion for working with animals, starting from his childhood. A significant portion of his career success and his alignment with his passion is attributed to the unwavering support from his mother and the practical experience he gained through volunteering and working at the National Zoo while completing his education. He discusses the unique perspective his work has offered him, blending hands-on animal care with academic pursuits, and how this intersection has benefited his career. Transitioning from an animal-focused role to managing the operational aspects of running a zoo proved to be a significant learning curve for Dr. Shumaker. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of understanding both the business and animal sides of zoo management. The episode also explores the broader vision of 'Worth Your Time,' promising a diverse range of topics beyond zoos and animals in future episodes.