The People Spark Podcast

People Spark®
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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. 1d ago

    More Than Filling the Gap

    As AI changes the work around us, the human side of leadership may matter more than ever. Engagement doesn’t always call for another system or initiative; it can begin with a thoughtful conversation, a moment of coaching, or a leader making time to connect. The eight factors of engagement offer a way to pause and notice what your team may need. But when the pressure to fill a gap takes over, that time can be easy to lose. What might shift if connection became part of the work? _____________________________________________________ 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

    More Than Filling the Gap

  2. Nov 3

    Not Every Season Is Harvest (w. Cheryl Collins)

    Organizations move in seasons. There are times to plant, times to grow, times to harvest, and times to let the ground rest. Trying to force every season into harvest only wears out the people doing the work. In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Collins, Vice President of HR at Wilco, to talk about leading through change without losing sight of the people carrying it. Because change is not always about moving faster. Sometimes good leadership means listening before acting and recognizing when your team needs room to breathe. _____________________________________________________ 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

    Not Every Season Is Harvest (w. Cheryl Collins)

  3. Oct 27

    When the Message Leaves the Room

    An announcement can reach every inbox and still leave a team unsure what it means. Communication is less like sending a message and more like passing a signal down the line: people need a chance to hear it, make sense of it, and bring their questions back. In this episode, we talk about how leaders can help that happen, and how the right people in the room can help a conversation move forward. Because good communication doesn’t end when the meeting does. It shows up in what people understand and can do next. _____________________________________________________ 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

    When the Message Leaves the Room

  4. Oct 20

    Beyond the Resume (w. Lori Culler)

    A resume can tell you where someone has been, but it cannot always tell you where they are capable of going. And, in today’s hiring market, candidates are looking just as closely at you as you are at them. In this episode, we sit down with Lori Culler, founder of AgHires, to talk about what it means to look beyond the résumé. Because the right hire may not check every box on paper. Sometimes you have to widen the gate, look a little deeper, and give the right person a reason to choose you too. Want to know about Lori & Ag Hires: Ag Hires Website Ag Hires YouTube Page How to Go Beyond the Surface in Interviews Video _____________________________________________________ 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

    Beyond the Resume (w. Lori Culler)

  5. Oct 13

    Lost in Translation

    A message can travel through an entire organization and still never really reach the people it was meant for. Somewhere between what was said, what was heard, and what gets passed along, the meaning can get lost. In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between simply passing a message down and actually helping your team understand it. How do we give leaders room to translate a message for their people without losing the heart of what needs to be communicated? Because good communication isn’t just about making sure the message gets there. It’s making sure it still means something when it does. _____________________________________________________ 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

    Lost in Translation

  6. Oct 6

    Changing Tides

    The tide doesn’t ask if we’re ready before it changes. It shifts, pulls us in a new direction, and sometimes leaves us trying to find our footing before the next wave comes in. In this episode, we’re talking about how leaders can navigate those changing tides without constantly reacting to every new thing that comes their way. Sometimes that means focusing less on everything that’s changing and getting really clear about what isn’t. Because when your team knows what they can still count on, it gives them an anchor while everything else keeps moving. _____________________________________________________ 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

    Changing Tides

  7. Sep 29

    It’s Not a Generational Thing

    It’s easy to blame workplace challenges on generational differences, but are we really that different? In this episode, we’re looking beyond the labels and talking about the experiences that shape how people show up at work. No matter the generation, people want to feel seen, valued, respected, and clear about what’s expected of them. As leaders, it’s our job to stop assuming and start understanding. _____________________________________________________ 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

    It’s Not a Generational Thing

  8. Sep 22

    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
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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
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © People Spark®
  • Show Website
    The People Spark Podcast