The People Spark Podcast

People Spark®
  • 5.0 (11)
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The People Spark® Podcast is where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses. Hosts Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, HR and leadership consultants with over 35 years of combined experience, share insights from the field and conversations with leaders who have been where you are. From navigating change and improving retention to building culture and leading with confidence, every episode delivers simple, actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away. Whether you’re leading a family business, co-op, managing a dealership, or running an ag-adjacent business, this podcast will help you stop spinning in circles and move forward with clarity, confidence, and results.

  1. 4d ago

    Before They Retire

    Before you assume someone’s retirement plan, start the conversation. In this episode, we’re talking about how leaders can prepare for what’s next while honoring the experience and legacy of a retiring team member. We’ll break down how to navigate the awkwardness, reduce risk, and create a transition plan that works for the person, the team, and the business. _____________________________________________________ Ready to put this episode into action? Explore This Episode’s Resources:Access practical tools, resources, and next steps related to this conversation. _____________________________________________________ Continue the Conversation Looking for more practical insights? Join Ag Leader's Edge: Get practical leadership strategies, tools, and real-world insights delivered straight to your inbox. Join a community of over 1,400 agricultural leaders committed to building stronger teams and organizations. Subscribe: https://agleadersedge.beehiiv.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=people_spark_podcast&utm_content=ag_leaders_edge Explore More Resources: Discover articles, leadership toolkits, podcast episodes, and additional resources designed to help you lead with confidence. Visit: https://agleadersedge.beehiiv.com/resources?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=people_spark_podcast&utm_content=resources Learn How We Can Help: Whether you're developing leaders, navigating executive transitions, or building a stronger people strategy, People Spark Consulting is here to help. Learn More: https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=people_spark_podcast&utm_content=consulting

    Before They Retire

  2. Sep 15

    Procrasta-Branding

    Procrasta-branding/pro-KRAS-tuh-bran-ding/noun "The act of doing work that feels strategic and productive while avoiding the decisions or actions that would actually move the business forward." Sometimes work feels productive without actually creating progress. In this episode, we explore how fear, perfectionism, and overwhelm can keep us busy while our biggest priorities remain untouched. We also share how one small step can help us stop spinning and start moving forward. Now, let’s dive in! _____________________________________________________ Ready to put this episode into action? Explore This Episode’s Resources:Access practical tools, resources, and next steps related to this conversation. _____________________________________________________ Continue the Conversation Looking for more practical insights? Join Ag Leader's Edge: Get practical leadership strategies, tools, and real-world insights delivered straight to your inbox. Join a community of over 1,400 agricultural leaders committed to building stronger teams and organizations. Subscribe: https://agleadersedge.beehiiv.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=people_spark_podcast&utm_content=ag_leaders_edge Explore More Resources: Discover articles, leadership toolkits, podcast episodes, and additional resources designed to help you lead with confidence. Visit: https://agleadersedge.beehiiv.com/resources?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=people_spark_podcast&utm_content=resources Learn How We Can Help: Whether you're developing leaders, navigating executive transitions, or building a stronger people strategy, People Spark Consulting is here to help. Learn More: https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=people_spark_podcast&utm_content=consulting

    Procrasta-Branding

  3. Sep 8

    The 8 Factors of Engagement

    Employee engagement gets talked about so often that it can start to feel like noise. We know it matters, but the conversation can become so big that it’s difficult to know where to begin. In this episode, we unpack the 8 Factors of Engagement, a framework that we talk about a lot in our podcast, and helps leaders focus on what actually makes people want to stay, grow, and contribute. The answer isn’t always more money or another engagement program. Before looking at your entire organization, how engaged are the managers shaping those experiences every day? --- Culture Development Session Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned. Leadership Transformation Program Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.   Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.     In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover.    Learn more at www.developagleaders.com. Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals   (Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode)

    The 8 Factors of Engagement

  4. Sep 1

    AI Is Not the Strategy

    AI is evolving FAST, but it doesn’t need to become the center of how we work. In this episode, we explore how leaders can use AI to support their businesses without replacing the elements that keep us connected to our work and give what we do more value. When we apply AI with intention, it can help us think outside the box more freely while making the mundane or tedious parts of our businesses more efficient. Our strategy for the future shouldn’t be built around AI. AI should support that strategy as a tool that helps all of us move faster and more effectively without losing sight of your businesses goals. --- Culture Development Session Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned. Leadership Transformation Program Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.   Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.     In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover.    Learn more at www.developagleaders.com. Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals   (Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode)

    AI Is Not the Strategy

  5. Aug 25

    Introducing Ag Leaders Edge

    How do leaders keep growing when they’re the person everyone else turns to? This week, we’re introducing Ag Leaders Edge, a new program built to give Ag leaders practical tools and resources they can use right away. We share why we created it, what leaders can expect each month, and how it can help turn everyday leadership challenges into opportunities for growth. Because leadership may feel lonely, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. --- Culture Development Session Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned. Leadership Transformation Program Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.   Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.     In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover.    Learn more at www.developagleaders.com. Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals   (Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode)

    Introducing Ag Leaders Edge

  6. Aug 18

    When Values Collide

    Most organizations have values. But can your people recognize them in action? This week, we explore the gap between the words on the wall and the behaviors we see every day. Values like safety, service, teamwork, and accountability can pull people in different directions. It’s our job as leaders to make clear what those values actually look like and what takes priority when they colide. --- Culture Development Session Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned. Leadership Transformation Program Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.   Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.     In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover.    Learn more at www.developagleaders.com. Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals   (Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode)

    When Values Collide

  7. Aug 11

    The Bad Apple

    We’re back together in person, and this week we’re talking about the team member whose negativity seems to affect everyone around them. When is a behavior coachable, and when has the bruise gone too deep? These conversations can be uncomfortable, but avoiding them is still a choice. Because culture isn’t just what we say. It’s what we allow. What conversation have you been avoiding? --- Culture Development Session Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned. Leadership Transformation Program Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.   Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.     In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover.    Learn more at www.developagleaders.com. Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals   (Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode)

    The Bad Apple

  8. Aug 4 ·  Bonus

    Versus: Feedback vs. Reflection

    Should we lead with clear feedback or thoughtful questions? We argue both sides of one of coaching's biggest debates and uncover why the best leaders know when to use each. In this series, we pit Erin and Kristen against each other as they take opposite sides of leadership topics. Sometimes they're defending an approach they truly believe in. Sometimes they're arguing the side they don't. The goal isn't to win. It's to challenge our thinking, uncover the "why" behind both perspectives, and help leaders make better decisions for their own teams. --- Culture Development Session Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned. Leadership Transformation Program Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.   Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.     In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover.    Learn more at www.developagleaders.com. Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals   (Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode)

    Versus: Feedback vs. Reflection
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The People Spark® Podcast is where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses. Hosts Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, HR and leadership consultants with over 35 years of combined experience, share insights from the field and conversations with leaders who have been where you are. From navigating change and improving retention to building culture and leading with confidence, every episode delivers simple, actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away. Whether you’re leading a family business, co-op, managing a dealership, or running an ag-adjacent business, this podcast will help you stop spinning in circles and move forward with clarity, confidence, and results.

Information

  • Creator
    People Spark®
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © People Spark®
  • Show Website
    The People Spark Podcast