The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

Mark Jewell
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MANAGEMENT

As leaders, everytime in life we become the most resentful, it is always because of the times in life we have been the LEAST intentional. This podcast is created as a resource for leaders in agribusiness to learn what it takes to lead with intention. We interview leaders from all around agriculture, learning their take on intentional leadership and what they are doing to bring intention to their teams and organizations.

  1. 6D AGO

    Ed Howie: Why Retention, Repetition, and Joy Drive Real Growth

    ​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/ Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Ed Howie, a highly sought-after retention and branding expert whose work has helped generate more than $350 million in incremental revenue for some of the most recognizable brands in the world. This is not a typical agribusiness conversation — and that’s exactly why it matters right now. Ed brings decades of experience working with brands like Chick-fil-A, United Airlines, 7-Eleven, Kroger, and H-E-B, but the heart of this discussion isn’t about big brands. It’s about helping leaders understand how clarity, alignment, and intentional repetition create sales velocity, peace of mind, and long-term profitability. Ed defines intentionality as doing all you can with what you have today — not what you wish you had, not what you used to have. That mindset shift alone reframes leadership from chasing the next thing to optimizing what already exists. A major theme throughout the episode is incremental revenue. Instead of constantly pursuing new customers, Ed challenges leaders to look in their “kitchen cupboard.” What products, services, or solutions already exist that current customers aren’t buying simply because they don’t know about them, forgot about them, or were never intentionally guided toward them? The conversation dives deep into why leaders and teams get distracted by novelty. Internal teams get bored with messaging long before customers do, leading organizations to constantly change their story instead of reinforcing it. Great brands don’t win by being clever — they win by being consistent. Ed also introduces one of the most practical leadership frameworks in the episode: the words you use and the behaviors you choose. Culture isn’t a mission statement or a billboard. Culture is what your people say and do when it matters most. If leaders aren’t clear about the exact words to use — and just as importantly, the words not to use — confusion sets in, customers hesitate, and momentum slows. Using powerful examples from Chick-fil-A, Ed explains how scripting language isn’t about removing authenticity. It’s about creating alignment, confidence, and a consistent experience that customers can trust. Confused customers don’t buy. Clear customers do. Mark connects this directly to leadership inside organizations — from onboarding experiences to sales conversations to client retention. When teams lack clarity, they hesitate. When leaders provide clarity, alignment follows. And when clarity and alignment come together, velocity is the natural outcome. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about ROI — return on investment. It’s about return on impact. When leaders reduce confusion, remove distraction, and focus on what truly matters, the byproduct isn’t just growth. It’s peace of mind. And peace of mind creates joy. This conversation is a masterclass in intentional leadership, retention, and sustainable growth — especially in seasons where margins are tight and distractions are high. Listen if you are: A leader trying to generate growth without burning out your teamStruggling with customer retention or stalled momentumConstantly changing your message but not seeing resultsLooking to drive incremental revenue without chasing strangersSomeone who believes leadership should produce both results and joy

    44 min

  2. FEB 9

    Landon Bunderson: The Power of Repetition in Leadership

    ​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/ Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Landon Bunderson, Chief Science Officer at Nano Yield, for a thoughtful conversation about intentional leadership, organizational clarity, and how innovation actually works inside a growing agribusiness. Landon leads both science and marketing at Nano Yield—a combination that forces constant clarity. His definition of intentionality is simple but demanding: say fewer things, repeat them often, and never lose sight of why the company exists. At Nano Yield, everything ladders up to one goal—making the sales team’s job easier by ensuring customers clearly understand the value of the people and the products. One of the central themes of the episode is the power of repetition in leadership. Landon explains that effective leaders don’t constantly reinvent their message. Instead, they identify the few things that matter most and put them on repeat. Just like a political stump speech, clarity is built through consistency—not novelty. Leaders don’t need more ideas; they need sharper focus. The conversation also explores what Nano Yield actually does and why “nanotechnology” doesn’t need to be scary. Landon breaks down nano-scale delivery in simple terms, explaining how their technology improves the efficiency of fertilizers and crop inputs by helping nutrients reach plant cells more effectively. The result is better performance, less waste, and improved outcomes for growers. From there, the discussion shifts to culture and growth. Having been with Nano Yield for over a decade, Landon shares how culture has evolved as the company has scaled. He describes culture through a family analogy—clear expectations, consistent communication, defined boundaries, and increasing autonomy over time. When people know what’s expected and feel trusted, they thrive. Mark and Landon dive into the realities of hiring and growth, including one of the hardest leadership challenges: realizing when someone is in the wrong role. Landon frames these moments not as failures, but as necessary course corrections—helping people move on to roles where they can truly succeed. Another key insight from the episode is the idea that people don’t actually thrive in total freedom—they thrive within clear boundaries. As companies grow, systems and processes become essential not to restrict people, but to support them. Structure creates stability, and stability enables innovation. The episode closes with a discussion on creativity and problem-solving. Landon recommends the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, emphasizing that creativity isn’t about reinventing everything—it’s about approaching challenges with curiosity and courage. That creative muscle, when paired with disciplined execution, becomes a powerful leadership advantage. This conversation is a reminder that intentional leadership isn’t loud or flashy. It’s focused, repeatable, human, and deeply practical. Listen if you are: A leader trying to create clarity in a fast-growing organizationBalancing innovation with executionStruggling with focus, messaging, or alignment across teamsBuilding culture while scaling people, systems, and productsCurious about how technology and leadership actually intersect in ag

    34 min

  3. FEB 2

    Dean Harder: How Better Conversations Drive Better Results

    ​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/ Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Dean Harder for a powerful conversation about intentionality, purpose, and why most sales conversations fail before they ever begin. Dean’s definition of intentional leadership starts with one word: purpose. Without clearly defined purpose, it’s impossible to lead well, sell well, or even make good decisions. Throughout the episode, Dean challenges listeners to rethink how they define success, how they communicate value, and how they show up in conversations—whether in sales, leadership, or life. One of the central themes of the conversation is the difference between pitching and conversational selling. Dean explains that pitching starts from the inside out—it’s focused on what you do, what you sell, and what you want. Conversational selling flips that model. It starts from the outside in by focusing on what the other person wants, what they care about, and what outcomes they’re trying to achieve. The shift sounds simple, but it’s transformative. Instead of trying to convince, impress, or persuade, the goal becomes understanding. When you understand what someone wants, you earn the right to proceed—and only then does what you offer actually matter. Dean also introduces a powerful framework for influence built on two principles: focus on the other person, and earn the right to proceed. Rather than jumping in with advice or opinions, great leaders and sellers ask permission, make observations, and invite conversation. This approach lowers defenses, builds trust, and creates space for real dialogue. The episode goes deep into mindset and preparation, especially for newer sales professionals who feel stuck or intimidated. Dean emphasizes that confidence doesn’t come from talent—it comes from clarity. When outcomes are clearly defined and expectations are realistic, people are free to grow without comparing themselves to veterans with decades of experience. Mark and Dean also explore accountability, drawing a distinction between monitoring activity and aligning around results. True accountability focuses on outcomes, not micromanaging behavior. When leaders agree on results and review progress consistently, people take ownership—and performance follows. Throughout the conversation, there’s a recurring reminder: improvement doesn’t come from comparison. It comes from progress. Measuring yourself against who you were yesterday, not against someone with 30 years of experience, is how real growth happens. This episode is a masterclass in communication, leadership, and selling with integrity. It’s not about scripts or tactics—it’s about mindset, discipline, and learning how to have better conversations that actually move people forward. Listen if you are: A sales professional who feels stuck pitching instead of connectingA leader responsible for developing people, not just hitting numbersNew to sales and looking for confidence without pressureExperienced in your role but ready to improve how you communicateSomeone who believes relationships still matter in business

    44 min

  4. JAN 26

    Jay Doan: Legacy, Land & Leadership

    ​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/ Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Jay Doan of Black Leg Ranch — a fifth-generation North Dakota ranch that has evolved far beyond cattle into a stacked, regenerative, value-added agribusiness. Jay shares what it really takes to keep a family operation alive across generations, from brutal honesty about debt and communication to the decision to go regenerative long before it was trendy. This isn’t a polished Instagram version of ranch life — it’s the real work of leadership, culture, and stewardship. If you lead a farm, ranch, or family business, this conversation will challenge how you think about legacy, diversification, health, and intentional leadership. Key Takeaways Intentional leadership starts with honest self-conversation Jay defines being intentional as being genuinely honest with yourself about where you are and where you’re going, not just what sounds good on the surface. Without that self-honesty, every big decision eventually cracks under pressure. Multi-generational success is built on communication, not nostalgia Five and six generations working together isn’t romantic — it’s heavy. Jay explains that what keeps Black Leg Ranch intact isn’t just tradition, but the willingness to have open, sometimes uncomfortable conversations across generations. Regenerative agriculture was a survival decision, not a trend The ranch nearly collapsed in the 1980s and 90s. That pressure forced Jay’s father to rethink soil health, grazing, and debt — pushing them toward cover crops, holistic management, and biodiversity long before it became mainstream. Diversity is risk management for the land and the business Black Leg Ranch didn’t stack enterprises because it was fashionable — they did it because monoculture is fragile. Cattle, bison, hunting, agritourism, beer, and meat sales all create resilience when markets, weather, or supply chains break. Your health and the land’s health are inseparable Jay connects regenerative farming directly to human health — pointing out that a society growing sick food produces sick people, and that consumers are beginning to demand something better. Notable Quotes “Being intentional is being genuinely pointed with an end goal in mind — and being honest with yourself about it.” — Jay Doan “There’s a weight that comes with legacy. You don’t want to be the generation that screws it up.” — Jay Doan “We were homesteading before it was cool.” — Mark Jewell “Run your operation like a business first — lifestyle second.” — Jay Doan Action Steps Have the hard conversation with your family or partners about where the business is really headed.Audit your diversity. Are you exposed to one crop, one market, or one buyer?Look at soil health and financial health together — they’re connected.Write down the stories of the generation ahead of you before they’re gone.Get outside your comfort zone — internships, travel, and outside perspectives build better leaders. Listen If You Are Part of a family farm or ranch trying to survive generational transitionExploring regenerative agriculture or diversified revenue streamsFeeling the pressure of debt, stress, and monoculture...

    37 min

  5. JAN 19

    Duane Simpson: Beyond the Headlines In Agribusiness

    ​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/ Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation on leadership, policy, and navigating uncertainty in agribusiness. Duane brings a rare perspective — blending decades of experience in government, global agribusiness, and cooperative leadership — to help leaders understand what’s really happening behind the headlines in Washington, how policy decisions impact the farmer balance sheet, and why intentional leadership matters more now than ever. This episode isn’t about politics for politics’ sake. It’s about clarity, resilience, and leading people well in a season of volatility. Key Takeaways Intentional leadership is about designing moments, not just delivering messages Duane defines intentionality as thinking deeply about what people should feel, know, and do after a leadership moment — whether that’s a major announcement, a transition, or a difficult conversation. Leaders who ignore the emotional component leave impact on the table. The farmer balance sheet is under real pressure Across agriculture, farmers are navigating rising costs, tight margins, and uncertainty. Duane explains that NCFC’s work centers on two levers: lowering input costs and expanding markets — both critical to long-term farm viability. Policy details matter more than headlines From tariffs to labor to the updated dietary guidelines, Duane breaks down how seemingly distant policy decisions directly affect domestic demand, production costs, and competitiveness for U.S. farmers. The nuance matters — and leaders need to understand it. Ag labor is one of the most pressing cost challenges Labor availability and affordability continue to strain producers, especially in specialty crops and dairy. Duane explains why existing systems like H-2A are imperfect — and why solutions must balance realism with economic sustainability. Technology won’t replace people — but it will reshape roles AI, automation, and software will elevate average performance faster, reduce friction, and shift how work gets done. The leaders who win will focus on adaptability, resilience, and redeploying people into higher-value roles — not eliminating them. Notable Quotes “Intentionality is thinking about what you want people to come away with — how they feel, what they know, and what they do next.” — Duane Simpson “The volatility and uncertainty are more damaging to the economy than any single tariff.” — Duane Simpson “Technology can’t replace human connection — especially in agriculture.” — Duane Simpson “Intentional leadership matters more now because the noise is louder than it’s ever been.” — Mark Jewell Action Steps Audit how you communicate big moments with your team — are you designing the experience or just delivering information?Stay informed beyond headlines. Understand how policy details affect your operation.Plan for workforce transitions. Automation should elevate people, not disconnect them.Create space to think. Reading, walking, and reflection are leadership disciplines — not luxuries.Double down on human connection. In-person conversations still matter. Listen If...

    41 min

  6. JAN 12

    Ron Lynch: Risk, Surrender, and Becoming Who You Were Created to Be

    ​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/ Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell is joined by Ron Lynch — filmmaker, screenwriter, entrepreneur, and spiritual thinker — for one of the most profound and unconventional conversations the show has hosted to date. Ron brings a rare perspective shaped by decades in Hollywood, direct-response marketing, storytelling, and deep personal surrender. From writing films connected to Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, to launching billion-dollar products like OxiClean and GoPro, to stepping away from fame-driven success in favor of purpose-driven impact, Ron’s life embodies the very principles he teaches. Together, Mark and Ron explore a powerful idea: what if your life is a screenplay already written — and your job is to step into it intentionally? They unpack surrender, ego, risk, divine interruption, and how stagnation often signals that we’re resisting the next plot twist God is inviting us into. This episode isn’t about productivity. It’s about becoming. Key TakeawaysIntentionality Begins with SurrenderFor Ron, intention isn’t control — it’s surrender. True intentional living means releasing ego, making space for divine interruption, and trusting that God’s plan is better than our own. When we deviate, we’re corrected — not punished, but lovingly redirected. Your Life Has an Arc — and You Are the Main CharacterEvery great story has a beginning, a transformation, and an ending. Ron challenges listeners to stop drifting through life and start recognizing where they are in their own narrative. Growth requires movement. Stagnation is a sign the story has stalled. If You’re Stuck, You’re Avoiding RiskWhen life feels boring, stagnant, or misaligned, Ron offers a direct truth: you’re not taking enough risk. Change requires stepping into uncertainty. Plot twists only happen when the hero is willing to act. Plot Points Create ProgressJust like a screenplay, life requires intentional plot points — concrete actions that move the story forward. Vision without action keeps people trapped in fantasy. Transformation happens when ideas are turned into steps. Leave White Space for the CallRon emphasizes the importance of margin. When life is over-scheduled, there’s no room for unexpected opportunity. The most meaningful shifts often come through interruptions — conversations, invitations, or moments we couldn’t have planned. You Are Not the Studio HeadOne of the most grounding reminders of the episode: you are not in charge — and you don’t want to be. Leadership, faith, and fulfillment grow when we stop pretending we’re in control and return to childlike trust. Becoming You Is the AssignmentRon reframes life’s purpose simply and powerfully: you are here to become fully who God created you to be. Not someone else. Not a safer version. Not a smaller version. Becoming you is the work. Notable Quotes“Intentionality for me is surrender — because God’s plan is better than mine.” – Ron Lynch“If you want a great story, but you won’t take risks, the problem isn’t God — it’s you.” – Ron Lynch“Growth requires plot twists. If nothing is changing, you’re resisting the next scene.” – Ron Lynch“Leave space in your life — that’s where the call comes.” – Ron Lynch“Your job isn’t to control the story. It’s to step into it.” – Mark Jewell Action StepsReflect on where you are in your life’s story — beginning, midpoint, or transformation.Identify one risk you know you’re being called to take — and commit to...

    46 min

  7. JAN 5

    Amanda De Jong: The Quiet Power Behind Rural America

    ​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/ Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Amanda De Jong, CEO of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) — a nearly 100-year-old organization representing over 2,000 rural land experts across all 50 states. Amanda brings a deeply grounded, refreshing perspective on leadership, one rooted in active listening, stewardship of time, and respect for legacy. From land transitions and farm succession to culture-building inside long-standing institutions, this conversation highlights the often unseen professionals who quietly shape the future of rural America. This episode is not about loud leadership. It’s about intentional leadership — the kind that listens first, honors history, and builds for the next generation. Key Takeaways 1. Intentional Leadership Starts with Listening Amanda defines intentionality as being fully present — listening deeply to boards, staff, members, and stakeholders before rushing to solutions. Especially when stepping into a role held for decades, listening isn’t passive — it’s strategic leadership. 2. Time Is the Most Valuable Resource Leaders Steward If you take someone’s time, you owe them your attention. Amanda challenges leaders to end meetings that lack engagement and to stop multitasking their way through conversations. Presence builds trust. Distraction erodes it. 3. ASFMRA: The Silent Force Behind Land Transition Farm managers and rural appraisers often work behind the scenes during some of the most emotional moments families face — death, succession, retirement, and land sale. These professionals ensure land is valued correctly, managed responsibly, and preserved for future generations. 4. Land Is Personal and Business — Both Can Be True Amanda speaks from lived experience as both a farm kid and a farm wife. Legacy isn’t about forcing the next generation into agriculture — it’s about stewarding land wisely so future choices remain possible. 5. Culture Isn’t Fixed — It’s Fed Organizational culture is a living system. Amanda emphasizes that culture must be modeled, nurtured, and protected — not “fixed.” Leaders must remove negativity, reward learning, and allow failure without fear. 6. The Best Leaders Don’t Have All the Answers Strong leaders surround themselves with trusted advisors — a “kitchen cabinet” — and listen to those with expertise. Leadership is not knowing everything; it’s knowing who to listen to. 7. Agriculture Needs a New North Star The old rally cry of “feeding the world” no longer resonates in an age of abundance. Amanda and Mark explore a new calling for agriculture — one rooted in stewardship, distribution, legacy, and thriving rather than survival. Notable Quotes “People want to be heard — and there’s usually truth in what they’re saying.” – Amanda De Jong“Time is the most precious resource we have. If I take your time, I’m going to listen.” – Amanda De Jong“Culture isn’t a thing to fix. It’s something you care for.” – Amanda De Jong“The best leaders don’t have all the answers — but they listen to the people who do.” – Amanda De Jong“Land carries emotion, history, and responsibility — not just value.” – Mark Jewell Action Steps Audit how present you truly are in meetings and conversations.Identify your personal “kitchen cabinet” — trusted advisors you listen to consistently.If navigating land...

    35 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Jace Young: The Financial Wake-Up Call

    In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark sits down with Jace Young, CEO of Legacy Farmer, for one of the most raw and necessary conversations happening in agriculture today. Jace grew up in a multi-generational Kansas cattle operation and later became an ag loan officer — only to watch his own family lose their $10 million farm because of financial disorganization, lack of clarity, and generational assumptions. That loss became the catalyst for Legacy Farmer, a coaching + financial software movement now helping hundreds of farmers each year finally understand their numbers, protect their legacy, and stop generational collapse. Together, Mark and Jace break down the hidden crisis in agriculture: 95% of farmers do not understand their finances well enough to make sound decisions — and the entire system is feeling the consequences. This is a conversation every farmer, banker, agribusiness leader, and rural family needs to hear. Key Takeaways1. Intentionality Means Solving the Foundational Problem FirstFor Jace, intentional leadership is the discipline to stop chasing ideas and address the real issue — the one at the base of every operational, financial, and family breakdown. 2. Farmers Aren’t Failing Because They’re Unsmart — They’re Failing Because No One Taught Them the NumbersMost farmers were never trained to read a balance sheet, interpret cash flow, or calculate true field-level profitability. Even operators worth $50–70 million often lack basic financial structure. This isn’t incompetence — it’s a systemic gap in education no one bothered to fill. 3. The Ag Banking System Is Part of the ProblemFarmers trust loan officers as advisors, yet many of those officers have little ag experience, limited financial depth, and hands tied by policy and liability. The result? Generations making multimillion-dollar decisions with incomplete guidance. 4. $592 Billion in Ag Debt — With No Clear AccountingBy the end of 2025, U.S. farm debt is projected at nearly $600 billion. According to Jace, a significant percentage is mismanaged or untracked — a terrifying reality for an industry representing less than 2% of the population but carrying massive national risk. 5. Men Don’t Fear Failure — They Fear Being ExposedThe greatest barrier to transformation is the fear of seeing the truth. When Legacy Farmer members enter the program, the first battle is internal: confronting decades of decisions they’ve been avoiding. Transformation starts the moment they stop hiding. 6. Financial Clarity Isn’t Just Business — It’s Emotional and GenerationalWhen a man is hiding financial stress, his wife feels it. His kids feel it. His entire home feels it. Jace shares how clarity in finances leads to restored marriages, reduced anxiety, healthier communication, and real leadership at home. 7. This Work Saves LivesThe suicide rate in agriculture is three times higher than the average U.S. industry. When farmers gain clarity, structure, and hope, the ripple effect is massive — from business stability to emotional and relational healing. This isn’t bookkeeping. It’s life-saving work. Notable Quotes“Intention is the discipline to solve the foundational issue — and refuse every distraction until it’s done.” – Jace Young“95% of farmers don’t know their numbers. Not because they can’t — but because no one ever taught them.” – Jace Young“The number one fear men have is the fear of being exposed.” – Jace Young“Your decisions today become your children’s children’s inheritance — or their burden.” – Mark Jewell“If...

    39 min
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About

As leaders, everytime in life we become the most resentful, it is always because of the times in life we have been the LEAST intentional. This podcast is created as a resource for leaders in agribusiness to learn what it takes to lead with intention. We interview leaders from all around agriculture, learning their take on intentional leadership and what they are doing to bring intention to their teams and organizations.

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