From Farm Roots to Industry Leader: Erin Horst on Women in Ag-Tech

Summary

In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, host KP interviews Erin Horst, a technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health. Erin shares her journey from growing up on a swine farm to becoming a leader in the dairy industry, discussing her educational background, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated field. The conversation explores themes of success, leadership, and the evolving dynamics of women in STEM, particularly in agriculture. Erin emphasizes the significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, the impact of child-free choices in the workplace, and the importance of empathy and understanding in professional interactions. She concludes with valuable advice for personal growth and career development.

Takeaways

• Erin's journey from a swine farm to dairy technical consulting is inspiring.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in Erin's career development.
• Success is defined by team contributions rather than individual achievements.
• The dairy industry is seeing a positive shift towards more women in leadership roles.
• Women often face challenges in being taken seriously in male-dominated fields.
• Feedback and constructive criticism are essential for growth.
• Child-free choices can impact perceptions in the workplace.
• Empathy is vital in professional conversations about personal choices.
• Stepping outside of comfort zones leads to personal and professional growth.
• Erin emphasizes the importance of being prepared and informed in her role.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erin Horst and Her Journey

02:28 Career Path and Transition to Industry

05:23 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

08:01 Defining Success in a Collaborative Environment

10:41 Shifting Dynamics in the Dairy Industry

13:05 Challenges Faced as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field

15:53 Leadership Qualities and the Role of Feedback

18:20 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

20:55 Child-Free Choices and Their Impact on Careers

23:26 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

26:03 Parting Advice and Conclusion

29:52 Outro

Keywords

Erin Horst, dairy industry, women in STEM, mentorship, imposter syndrome, career development, leadership, child-free choices, success, personal growth, feminist, empowerment, the feminist exec