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. 20h ago

    Danny Leckie: Scaling a Mission That Matters

    Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thriving-leader Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-company In this special CEO Season episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark welcomes back Danny Leckie, CEO of Hatch, for a conversation about explosive growth, bold vision, and what happens when intentional leadership is tied to a mission bigger than yourself. Hatch has grown from a regional nonprofit into a national organization working to close a critical gap in the food bank system: access to high-quality protein. Today, Hatch operates across 42 states, has worked with more than 178 food banks, and has delivered over 350 million meals in the last decade—including 100 million in the past year alone. From 5 Million to 100+ Million Meals When Danny took over leadership of Hatch five years ago, the organization was distributing roughly 80,000 dozen eggs each month. Today, that number has grown to more than 1.5 million dozen eggs per month, along with more than 2 million pounds of meat. In just four years, Hatch grew its annual impact from approximately 5 million servings of protein to 102 million. Now Danny and his team have planted an even bigger flag: 30X the organization over the next decade. Danny shares the story behind one of Hatch's biggest initiatives yet: a coalition designed to close the protein gap in America's charitable food system. What began with a bold "what if?" conversation grew into a collaboration involving major agricultural companies, protein organizations, hunger advocates, and government leaders. Within 90 days, the effort helped mobilize $40 million toward the mission, with a long-term goal of providing 3 billion servings of protein annually. Tony Robbins also joined the mission, committing up to $8 million in matching funds toward Hatch's national crowdfunding campaign. For Danny, it's an example of what becomes possible when people truly believe in a mission—and are willing to lead from the front. Getting protein into the charitable food system isn't simply about having enough food. It's also an infrastructure problem. Many food pantries don't have the refrigeration, freezer space, or transportation needed to accept fresh protein. Over the past two years, Hatch and its partners have delivered more than 300 coolers to food pantries. One properly supported cooler can help move roughly 8,000 pounds of food per month. That's why Danny's team is intentionally working on both sides of the equation: creating a dedicated protein supply chain while building the infrastructure communities need to receive and distribute it. Growth at this scale comes with criticism, politics, and plenty of competing opinions. Danny's response is to keep returning to the mission. Hatch's North Star is clear: Close the protein gap and provide 3 billion servings of protein each year. Every partnership, dollar, and decision should move the organization closer to that goal. And even if they don't hit the full target? If millions more people gain access to nutritious food because they were willing to aim big, the effort still matters. Toward the end of the conversation, Danny shares something that's easy to lose sight of when talking about millions of meals and 30X growth. The numbers aren't the real story. The people are. The real impact happens at the neighbor level—in families gathering around a table, children gaining access to better nutrition, and communities becoming healthier and stronger. As Danny puts it, they're not building Hatch for Hatch. They're building it for the people who need it. It's a powerful reminder that intentional leadership isn't simply about setting bigger goals. It's about remembering who those goals are meant to serve. Listen if you are: Leading an organization through rapid growthBuilding toward a bold, long-term visionTrying to create partnerships around a meaningful missionWorking in agriculture, food, or the nonprofit sectorLooking for ways your business can make a tangible differenceCommitted to leading with purpose and measurable impact Think bigger, stay anchored to your North Star, and never let the size of the numbers distract you from the individual lives you're working to change.

  2. Aug 31

    Dan Stachofsky: A New Frontier in Farm Health

    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 sits down with Dan Stachofsky, founder and managing director of Essential Energy, for a thought-provoking conversation about technology, health, agriculture, and the environments surrounding people, plants, and animals. Before moving into this work, Dan was a tech executive helping Fortune 100 companies, including Microsoft and Amazon, manage digital infrastructure during the rise of cloud computing and AI. Today, he leads Essential Energy, a nonprofit focused on EMF and light-conditioning tools. Dan defines intentionality this way: Live into what is true—with compassion. For Dan, intentional leadership means being willing to share what you believe while staying curious about what someone else believes. When truth and compassion meet, conversations shift from defending to discovering. From Big Tech to a Different Kind of Energy Dan's perspective changed after his firstborn daughter was born with complex medical challenges. That experience led his family to explore health, nutrition, environment, and alternative approaches. They eventually moved away from Seattle, began growing their own food, and became increasingly interested in how the surrounding environment might affect health. That journey ultimately shaped the work Dan does today through Essential Energy. Are We Paying Enough Attention to the Farm Environment? A major focus of the episode is electromagnetic fields, or EMFs. Dan explains his view of the difference between naturally occurring electromagnetic fields and artificial fields produced by modern technology—from electrical infrastructure and Wi-Fi to wireless communications and equipment. The bigger question becomes: As agriculture adopts more technology, are there environmental factors we aren't measuring yet? Dan sees the physical environment as another part of the farm-management puzzle—alongside genetics, nutrition, soil health, and management practices. What Farmers Are Seeing Dan shares examples from farms using Essential Energy's conditioning technology, including reported changes in cattle performance, crop yields, animal behavior, and food nutrient measurements. His media kit also includes farmer testimonials reporting differences in soybean and corn yields, conception rates, cattle gains, and berry production. At the same time, Dan acknowledges that some of the comparisons discussed in the episode were not tightly controlled experiments and that more detailed testing is still needed. That leads to one of the strongest themes of the conversation: Stay curious. Ask questions. Test ideas. Gather better data. And don't dismiss something simply because it's unfamiliar. Stewardship Beyond the Soil Dan's challenge to agriculture is to broaden how we think about stewardship. Farmers already steward soil, water, livestock, crops, and natural resources. What else in the environment deserves our attention? What aren't we measuring? And what could we learn if we're willing to investigate? Because intentional leadership doesn't require having every answer. Sometimes it starts with being willing to ask a question nobody else is asking. Listen if you are: Curious about technology and farm healthInterested in emerging approaches to livestock and crop performanceThinking about how AI and increased technology use are changing agriculturePassionate about stewardship and regenerative agricultureWilling to explore unconventional ideas while asking for better data Intentional leadership requires curiosity. As technology becomes more embedded in agriculture, great leaders stay open to asking what we're gaining, what we may be overlooking, and how we can become better stewards of the environment around us.

  3. Aug 24

    Robert Hunter: Be Present in the “Is”

    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 sits down with Robert Hunter, an executive leader, strategist, and fifth-generation Canadian farmer who has spent more than 20 years helping organizations navigate change, build partnerships, and create opportunities for growth. Robert has built his career at the intersection of agriculture, food systems, sustainability, innovation, trade, and public policy. Having lived and worked across Canada, Europe, Asia, and the United States, he brings a unique global perspective on what it takes to lead through complexity and change. His career has included senior leadership roles with organizations including CropLife International and Protein Industries Canada, and he currently advises organizations on strategy, governance, and industry transformation. Robert's definition of intentionality centers around a deceptively simple idea: Be present in the “is.” Leaders are trained to solve problems, make judgments, and drive toward outcomes. But in our rush to find the answer, we can miss what's actually happening in front of us. Robert challenges leaders to slow down long enough to understand the current reality—the people, environment, emotions, and circumstances—before jumping to conclusions or solutions. One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes from Robert's work on the Board of Directors of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, an organization supporting mental health in agriculture. When a fellow board member shared the devastating impact of a farmer's suicide in her community, Robert's instinct was to immediately find a solution. What resources could they provide? What could they do differently? How could they prevent it from happening again? But he recognized that wasn't what the moment needed. It needed someone willing to listen, acknowledge the pain, and simply be present. Sometimes leadership isn't about fixing the situation. It's about holding space for the people experiencing it. The conversation also explores Robert's journey from his family's farm in Canada to working across the global agricultural value chain. After beginning his career as a fifth-generation farmer, Robert moved into roles that exposed him to consumer demand, international markets, trade, regulation, policy, and innovation. That experience shaped how he views agriculture today: Innovation, commercialization, and policy have to work together. Progress doesn't happen when each operates in isolation. Another major theme throughout the episode is trust. After working across multiple countries and cultures, Robert believes trust is one of the most important foundations for building an environment where people can thrive. And trust starts with listening. Before entering a new organization, team, or culture and immediately deciding what needs to change, leaders need to understand the dynamics already at work. Robert shares a memorable observation from his international experience: Europeans are polite. Americans are nice. Canadians are kind. While intentionally simplified, his point is that communication, agreement, disagreement, and trust can look very different depending on the culture you're operating within. Great leaders learn to recognize those differences while remaining consistent in who they are and how they communicate. The conversation then turns to one of the biggest challenges facing leaders today: Distraction. News. Social media. AI. Politics. Technology. Constant information. There will always be something competing for our attention. Robert's perspective isn't that leaders should try to eliminate distraction entirely. Instead, they need to accept the environment they're operating in and learn how to lead effectively within it. The challenge for the next generation of leaders will be learning how to move organizations forward without constantly becoming reactive to whatever happens next. That requires something deeper: Knowing who you are. Robert shares that throughout his international career, he sometimes imagined moving to another country would allow him to become a different type of leader. Eventually, he realized something. He was still the same person. The real work wasn't becoming someone else. It was understanding who he was and learning how to become the best version of that person. The episode closes by looking toward agriculture's future. Robert challenges the industry to think bigger about its North Star. Food security will always matter—but what other global challenges could agriculture help solve? As AI reshapes employment and economies around the world, could agriculture play a larger role in creating meaningful livelihoods? Could agriculture help reconnect people to food, family, and community? Could the industry become part of the solution to challenges we haven't even identified yet? Robert's global experience has shown him that food remains deeply connected to culture in many parts of the world. Perhaps one of agriculture's greatest opportunities isn't simply producing enough food. It's helping people reconnect with why food matters in the first place. Listen if you are: Leading through uncertainty or organizational changeWorking across different teams, cultures, or countriesTrying to become a better listener and communicatorFeeling overwhelmed by constant distraction and informationInterested in the intersection of agriculture, policy, innovation, and tradeThinking about agriculture's role in solving future global challengesCommitted to becoming a more intentional leader Intentional leadership starts with being present enough to see reality as it is—not simply as you expected it to be. Listen first, understand the moment, know who you are, and then lead forward.

  4. Aug 17

    Celeste Lindsey: Align with the Impact You Want to Create

    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 sits down with Celeste Lindsey, Executive Director of the Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association (EMDA), for a conversation about servant leadership, relationship-building, and creating lasting value through intentional service. When asked what it means to be intentional, Celeste's answer is refreshingly simple: Align your actions, conversations, and decisions with the impact you want to create. Whether she's serving members, leading an association, or building relationships, her goal is the same—to make people feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. Celeste shares how EMDA has spent more than 80 years connecting manufacturers of shortline agricultural equipment with distributors, sales representatives, and industry partners. Rather than simply hosting events, the organization exists to create meaningful connections that help businesses grow year-round through networking, education, and strategic partnerships. One of the most inspiring moments of the conversation is hearing how Celeste found her current role. After years as a preschool educator and later a construction recruiter, she wasn't looking for a career change. In fact, she initially turned the opportunity down. But after repeated conversations—and a few unexpected changes in her life—she recognized the opportunity as something she was meant to pursue. Sometimes the right opportunity finds you before you're looking for it. The discussion then shifts toward leadership. Managing an association means balancing many personalities, competing priorities, and differing opinions. Celeste explains that one of her greatest leadership tools isn't persuasion—it's communication. By clearly explaining the "why" behind decisions and taking time to understand the people she serves, she's built trust with members and board leaders alike. Her background in education continues to influence how she leads today. Teaching preschool taught her how to simplify complex ideas, communicate with clarity, and patiently help people grow—skills that translate remarkably well into executive leadership. Another key theme throughout the episode is the importance of listening. Rather than assuming she knows what members need, Celeste continually asks for feedback and looks for opportunities to improve the member experience. One example is EMDA's newly launched online connection tool, created directly from member requests. By listening first, she turned a challenge into one of the organization's newest benefits. The conversation also explores overcoming self-doubt and earning credibility as a young leader. Early in her career, Celeste often had to overcome assumptions based on her age. Instead of allowing those perceptions to define her, she focused on consistently delivering results and building trust over time. When asked about her proudest accomplishments, Celeste shares two defining moments. The first was securing a highly competitive $90,000 grant that transformed the preschool she led, creating lasting educational opportunities for students, teachers, and families. The second is her work at EMDA, where membership has grown dramatically over the past few years through stronger relationships, increased visibility, and a renewed focus on serving members well. Beyond her leadership role, Celeste is passionate about health and fitness. She operates a small gym from her barn dominium, leading strength training and HIIT classes for members of her local community. For Celeste, physical fitness isn't separate from leadership—it strengthens it. Building discipline through exercise, fueling your body well, and creating healthy routines all contribute to becoming a stronger, more resilient leader. Throughout the conversation, one message remains clear: Great leadership isn't built through flashy moments. It's built through consistency, communication, and genuinely caring about the people you're called to serve. Listen if you are: Leading an association or member-based organizationLooking to strengthen relationships with customers or membersBuilding trust through communicationNavigating leadership early in your careerPassionate about personal growth, health, and leadershipLooking for practical ways to serve people more intentionally Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about consistently showing up, listening well, communicating clearly, and making people feel valued every single day.

  5. Aug 10

    Rob "Robo" Hendrickson: Burn the Boats

    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 entrepreneur, inventor, creative strategist, retired professional rodeo cowboy, and FullBucket Health co-founder Robo Hendrickson. What begins as a conversation about entrepreneurship quickly becomes a masterclass on intentionality, focus, AI, innovation, and building a business that truly matters. Robo shares one of the biggest shifts in his career. For years, Robo considered himself an opportunist. He was constantly finding new ideas, launching businesses, pursuing partnerships, and chasing the next opportunity. At one point, he had eleven different ventures competing for his attention. Then one question changed everything: What if being intentional mattered more than being opportunistic? That realization led Robo to clear his plate, walk away from good opportunities, and focus his energy on the few things that mattered most. Sometimes success isn't about adding more. It's about having the courage to burn the boats behind you. The conversation moves into Mark's three-part definition of intentional leadership: Be deliberate.Be decisive.Be uniquely who you were created to be. Rather than copying someone else's leadership style, intentional leaders discover their own voice and lead from a place of authenticity. Robo also shares remarkable stories from his entrepreneurial journey. From helping build Sony's first website during the early days of the internet to creating innovative training systems for retail sales teams, Robo reflects on what it was like to pioneer technology before most people understood its potential. The lesson? Great innovators don't wait until they have all the answers. They start building anyway. The conversation naturally shifts to artificial intelligence. Mark and Robo compare today's AI revolution to the birth of the internet—filled with excitement, uncertainty, skepticism, and incredible opportunity. Rather than fearing AI, they encourage leaders to become students of it. Technology will continue to change, but leaders who remain curious and intentional will always have an advantage. One particularly practical discussion centers around how AI is already transforming sales. From coaching conversations and improving emails to helping new salespeople learn faster, AI isn't replacing great salespeople—it's accelerating their growth. The leaders who learn how to work alongside AI will outperform those who ignore it. The second half of the episode explores Robo's return to agriculture through FullBucket Health. After years serving global brands like Sony, GameStop, XM Satellite Radio, and Blockbuster, Robo realized something important: It doesn't matter what you do nearly as much as who you do it with. That realization led Robo back to agriculture alongside two visionary veterinarians, where together they built a company focused on improving animal health through science-backed nutrition and probiotics. The conversation dives into emerging research surrounding gut health, inflammation, the microbiome, and how improving animal health starts from the inside out. It's a fascinating look at where veterinary medicine—and human health—is headed. The episode closes with one of the most inspiring parts of Robo's story. Through FullBucket Health's one-for-one giving program, every product sold helps provide nutritional support to working animals in Guatemala and other developing countries. More than 28 tons of supplements have been distributed while veterinary students and professionals work together to improve animal health, educate families, and create lasting impact in rural communities. It's a reminder that great businesses don't simply create profit. They create purpose. Listen if you are: Struggling with too many opportunities and not enough focusBuilding a business around purpose instead of profitCurious about how AI is changing leadership and salesLeading innovation inside your organizationInterested in entrepreneurship and brand buildingLooking to make a meaningful impact beyond your business The most successful leaders don't chase every opportunity—they intentionally choose the few that align with their purpose, then give them everything they've got.

  6. Aug 3

    Paul Mikesell: How AI Is Reinventing Modern Agriculture

    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 Paul Mikesell, Founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, for a fascinating conversation about AI, autonomous farming, laser weeding, and what it really takes to bring breakthrough technology into agriculture. Paul defines intentional leadership with a simple philosophy: Treat your employees well. Treat your customers well. Every major decision at Carbon Robotics is filtered through those two principles. Paul believes that when you genuinely care for your team and relentlessly serve your customers, long-term success follows naturally. The conversation quickly dives into the technology that's turning heads across agriculture. Carbon Robotics' LaserWeeder uses artificial intelligence, computer vision, and high-powered lasers to identify and eliminate weeds with millimeter-level precision—without chemicals. Instead of spraying an entire field, the system targets individual weeds while leaving crops untouched, allowing nutrients to remain in the soil and reducing dependence on herbicides. But this episode isn't really about lasers. It's about solving real problems. Paul believes technology should make farming: More profitableMore sustainableLess dependent on laborEasier to support for the long haul That philosophy has shaped every part of Carbon Robotics' business model. Unlike many equipment manufacturers, the company handles its own sales, manufacturing, service, and customer support. Paul believes owning the entire customer relationship creates better products, faster innovation, and greater trust. Because when someone buys a machine that will be part of their operation for the next decade, they're investing in much more than equipment. They're investing in a relationship. Another major theme throughout the conversation is this: Innovation means nothing without execution. Paul shares why so many ag-tech startups struggle—not because the technology isn't impressive, but because they underestimate the importance of service, logistics, parts availability, and long-term customer support. Selling the machine is only the beginning. Supporting it is the real commitment. The conversation also explores Paul's remarkable entrepreneurial journey. A lifelong programmer who started coding at age 10, Paul helped build multiple successful technology companies before bringing his AI expertise into agriculture. His vision was simple: Bridge the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and the real challenges farmers face every day. The discussion expands into the future of AI in agriculture—from autonomous tractors and computer vision to precision farming and real-time decision-making. While the technology is impressive, Paul believes one thing hasn't changed: Agriculture is still a relationship business. Even with groundbreaking innovation, trust is earned over years—not through software, but through showing up, listening, and supporting customers long after the sale. The episode closes with an important look ahead. As labor shortages continue, herbicide resistance grows, and consumers ask more questions about how food is produced, technology will play an increasingly important role. Not to replace farmers. But to give them better tools. Because the future of agriculture isn't about choosing between innovation and relationships. It's about using innovation to strengthen the relationships that have always been at the heart of farming. Listen if you are: Curious about AI and the future of agricultureInterested in autonomous equipment and precision farmingLeading innovation inside your organizationBuilding a customer-focused businessNavigating labor shortages or rising production costsLooking to lead with both technology and trust Technology may transform agriculture, but relationships will always be what drives it forward.

  7. Jul 27

    Karla Thieman: North Star 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 Karla Thieman, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at JBS USA, for a conversation about leadership, public policy, career development, culture, and what it takes to create lasting impact in agriculture. Karla defines intentional leadership through one simple idea: Have a North Star. Know where you're trying to go. The path won't always be straight. There will be setbacks, unexpected opportunities, and plenty of detours. But intentional leaders don't lose sight of the destination—they adjust their route while staying committed to the mission. For Karla, that North Star started early. As a high school senior, she knew she wanted to become an agricultural lobbyist—someone who could connect farmers to public policy and serve as a voice for agriculture in Washington, D.C. That vision guided every opportunity that followed, from Capitol Hill to USDA and ultimately to leading public policy efforts at JBS USA. One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is this: Leadership isn't about having a perfect plan. It's about having a clear direction. The conversation traces Karla's journey through writing the 2014 Farm Bill, serving as Chief of Staff to Secretary Tom Vilsack at the USDA, and eventually building JBS USA's Washington, D.C., public policy office from the ground up. Along the way, she shares an important reminder: Sometimes the opportunities that shape your career aren't the ones you planned for. They're the ones you were prepared for. Another major theme is culture. When Karla joined JBS, she didn't just build a team—she intentionally built a culture. She believes great teams start with great people, long before a position is ever available. Throughout her career, she's kept a "Rolodex" of talented individuals, investing in relationships and identifying future leaders long before she needed to hire them. The conversation also explores how JBS reinforces its culture across more than 80,000 employees through seven core values: DeterminationSimplicityAvailabilityHumilitySincerityDisciplineOwnership Those values aren't simply written on the wall. They're embedded into hiring, performance evaluations, leadership development, and daily decision-making. Because culture isn't built by intention alone. It's built through consistent reinforcement. Another powerful leadership lesson comes from Karla's experience leading teams at a young age. Like many emerging leaders, she wrestled with imposter syndrome after stepping into high-level leadership roles early in her career. Her biggest lesson? Information isn't power unless you share it. She observed that the best leaders weren't the ones who protected information to maintain influence. They were the ones who equipped their teams by creating transparency, trust, and ownership. That philosophy has shaped the way she leads today. The conversation closes with one of Karla's proudest accomplishments—helping launch the International Year of the Woman Farmer. What began as an idea in 2015 took more than a decade, multiple administrations, countless partnerships, and unwavering persistence before becoming a reality in 2026. It's a powerful reminder that meaningful change rarely happens overnight. Sometimes the most important work requires years of steady, intentional progress. Because leadership isn't measured by how quickly something happens. It's measured by whether you're willing to keep moving toward your North Star. Listen if you are: Navigating leadership or career transitionsInterested in agricultural policy and the Farm BillBuilding culture within your organizationDeveloping and leading high-performing teamsLooking to grow as an intentional leaderPassionate about the future of agriculture and public service A clear North Star won't eliminate the twists and turns—but it will keep you moving in the right direction.

  8. Jul 20

    Amanda Martin: Leadership Starts With Showing Up

    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 Amanda Martin, President and CEO of the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation (IALF), for a conversation about leadership development, community impact, education, and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Amanda defines intentional leadership simply: Showing up with purpose. Whether it's following through on commitments, leading through service, making thoughtful decisions, or understanding how your actions impact others, intentional leadership begins with being deliberate about how you show up every day. At the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation, that philosophy comes to life through a two-year leadership development program that brings together leaders from every corner of agriculture—from row crop producers and agribusiness professionals to urban agriculture advocates and policy leaders. A major theme throughout the conversation is this: Leadership grows when people leave their bubble. One of the unique strengths of the program is its diversity of perspectives. Participants may come from completely different sectors of agriculture, but they share a common goal: helping strengthen their communities, their industry, and the future of food and agriculture. As Amanda explains, many of the challenges facing agriculture today aren't solved by staying in silos. They're solved by bringing people together. The conversation explores the growing importance of bridging the urban-rural divide, especially in states like Illinois where agriculture and large population centers coexist side by side. Amanda believes leaders have a responsibility to listen, understand different perspectives, and find common ground. Because despite different backgrounds, most people want the same things: Strong communitiesSafe foodOpportunity for future generationsA better future for their families Another major topic is leadership development in a rapidly changing world. Technology is evolving. AI is reshaping how people learn and work. Career paths are becoming less traditional. And leadership development must evolve alongside it. Amanda shares why she believes there are many pathways to success today—not just a traditional four-year degree. Whether through college, technical programs, certifications, apprenticeships, or leadership experiences, the goal remains the same: Continue growing. Continue learning. Continue expanding your perspective. The conversation also dives into one of the most important leadership skills of the future: Having difficult conversations. Amanda works closely with fellows on how to navigate disagreement, communicate with empathy, and lead productive conversations even when perspectives differ. One lesson she shares stands out: The goal isn't to win the conversation. The goal is to move things forward. In an increasingly divided world, that mindset may be more important than ever. The discussion also explores trust, networking, policy, and the future of agriculture. As food systems become more complex and global challenges continue to evolve, Amanda believes leaders must be prepared to think beyond their own operation, organization, or community. They must understand the larger ecosystem. Because agriculture doesn't operate in isolation. Policy affects production. Technology affects markets. Global events affect local communities. Everything is connected. The episode closes with a challenge for every listener: Invest in your leadership. Whether through formal programs, mentorship, community involvement, or personal development, leadership doesn't happen by accident. It happens when people choose to step forward. Because the future of agriculture won't be built by spectators. It will be built by leaders who are willing to show up. Listen if you are:Developing leaders within your organizationInterested in the future of agricultural leadershipNavigating change in education or workforce developmentLooking to improve communication and leadership skillsPassionate about building stronger communitiesCommitted to growing your leadership influence Key TakeawayThe best leaders don't just show up. They show up intentionally—and create space for others to grow alongside them.

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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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