Cultivating Leaders

Belonging is the foundation of great leadership. But what does it really look like to lead and work in a place where you can show up as 100% yourself?

In this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Kirk Maag, environmental & natural resources attorney at Stoel Rives LLP, explores authenticity, inclusion and the power of leading with belonging. From growing up on a farm in eastern Oregon to helping guide national conversations on belonging through the Cultivating Change Foundation, Kirk shares what happens when workplaces truly make room for people to bring their full selves.

Kirk gets real about:

• Leading authentically: Why bringing your whole self to work makes you a better leader and teammate.
• Creating cultures of belonging: Practical ways organizations can support authenticity and inclusion at every level.
• Building the future of agriculture: How openness and acceptance help attract and retain the next generation of ag leaders.

This episode challenges you to rethink what it means to belong and why authenticity might be your greatest leadership advantage.

Want to hear more from Kirk? Check out his blog here!

Connect with Kirk

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Connect with Stole Rives on LinkedIn
• Stole Rives Website

Connect with AFA

• Follow us on LinkedIn
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• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on TikTok
• Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Leadership is easy when everyone agrees. But the real test comes when the voices get loud, opinions fracture and every decision is met with scrutiny.

Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share how he navigates criticism, conflict, and controversy while staying true to his mission and values. From managing 22,000 members with competing priorities to weathering social media storms and high-stakes industry debates, Mark offers a candid look at what steady, humble leadership requires today.

Mark gets real about:

• Leading through criticism: why thick skin, empathy and intent matter more than popularity
• Communicating in conflict: how to listen, humanize the conversation and disagree without division
• Staying grounded through chaos: habits that keep leaders mission-focused in turbulent seasons

This episode will challenge you to rethink how you respond when pressure rises and how humility and clarity can move people farther than force.

Want to hear more from Mark? Check out her blog here!

Connect with Mark

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow the American Angus Association on Instagram
• Follow the American Angus Association on LinkedIn
• Visit their website

Connect with AFA

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on TikTok
• Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Although the connection between farms and consumers feels more distant than ever, the power of social media and transparency could be the best advocacy tool.

Dr. Michelle Schack, veterinarian, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore how curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors in agriculture. From her start at UC Davis to her leadership role as co-founder of DairyKind, Michelle shares how she’s using education, empathy, and social media to build bridges between farmers and consumers.

Michelle covers:

- The possibilities in a career: the future of the industry relies on people of all backgrounds who are passionate about food production

- Bridging the Gap: understanding both sides of the food system is essential to the future of ag

- Empowering Animal Care: training and supporting farm employees drives animal well-being

This episode will challenge you to think differently about advocacy and what it really means to create a sustainable agriculture industry.

Want to hear more from Michelle? Check out her blog here!

Connect with Michelle

- Connect on LinkedIn

- Follow her on Instagram

- Follow her on TikTok

- Visit her website

Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn

- Follow us on Instagram

- Like us on Facebook

- Follow us on TikTok

- Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Great leaders don’t just drive results. They build environments where people thrive, embrace change and foster growth.

Jackie Applegate, incoming Chief Executive Officer of PBI Gordon, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore what true organizational health looks like in action. With more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and leadership, Jackie has built a career rooted in resilience and people development.

Jackie gets real about:

- Empowering organizational health: leading with culture, clarity, trust and team morale top of mind

- Leading through change: building cohesive teams that embrace and encourage organizational change

- Embracing a career journey: navigating a career from scientist to CEO and leading different business divisions

This conversation will challenge how you think about culture, communication and change.

Want to hear more from Jackie? Check out her blog here!

Connect with Jackie

- Connect on LinkedIn

- PBI Gordon on LinkedIn

- Visit their website

Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn

- Follow us on Instagram

- Like us on Facebook

- Follow us on TikTok

- Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Whether you’re a student stepping into your first leadership role or a professional navigating a divided industry, this episode will challenge you to listen with intention, lead with humility and persist with passion.

In this episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, we are joined by Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. From her roots as the daughter of peanut farmers in southwest Georgia to leadership roles in governmental agencies, Krysta has built a remarkable career at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability and policy. Krysta shares the skills that have carried her through some of the most challenging conversations in food and agriculture—skills that today’s future leaders will need just as much as she did.

Krysta reflects on:

• Tough Conversations Make Progress: in a world full of conflict, taking the time to talk through issues can lead the industry forward
• Lead by Listening and Learning: challenge your perspective and find stronger solutions by asking thoughtful questions
• Be Confident and Humble: acknowledging weaknesses and surrounding yourself with strong teams will make you stronger

This conversation is a masterclass in how to navigate tough conversations, embrace new ideas, and lead with both conviction and compassion.

Want to hear more from Krysta? Check out her blog here!

Connect with Krysta

• Connect on LinkedIn
• U.S. Dairy Export Council on LinkedIn
• Visit their website

Connect with AFA

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on TikTok
• Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

And, that’s a wrap on season 1!

In this special episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Nicole is joined by the podcast producer, Savannah Nichols, for a trip down memory lane. The pair look back at the lessons, surprises and stories shared by 20 incredible industry leaders this season. Consider this your SparkNotes version of the podcast so you know what episodes need a listen.

The Cultivating Leaders Podcast will be back with more influential agricultural leaders on October 1st!

Connect with AFA

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on TikTok
• Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Your voice, multiplied across agriculture, can change the outcome of major decisions.

Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, joins the Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share his experience with grassroots leadership, chasing innovation and creating sustainable agriculture leaders. President Duvall has built a career on telling the story of American agriculture by leaning on his experience of growing up on his family’s dairy farm in Georgia. Today, he represents millions of farmers across the country, which relies on finding unity across a diverse industry.

President Duvall covers:

- Telling Agriculture’s Story: grassroots organizations make a difference at every level in agriculture

- Balancing Tradition with Innovation: a sustainable agriculture industry means evolving to meet market demands

- Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Generation: it is important to equip future leaders with the skills to navigate challenges

This episode will inspire you to engage, adapt and invest in the leaders who will carry agriculture forward.

Connect with President Duvall

- American Farm Bureau Federation on LinkedIn

- President Zippy Duvall on Instagram

- American Farm Bureau on Instagram

- Visit their website

Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn

- Follow us on Instagram

- Like us on Facebook

- Follow us on TikTok

- Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

What does it really mean to live a good life and to lead with integrity?

Corey Ciocchetti, nationally recognized speaker and professor, joins the Cultivating Leaders Podcast for a powerful conversation around leading with ethics. Corey explores why good character is a non-negotiable, how to define success on your own terms and what it takes to build a life of authenticity.

Corey covers how to:

- Lead with Character: he argues that character should be the foundation of all leadership development, yet it's often missing from formal leadership training programs

- Pursue an Authentic Life: success should not be measured by wealth, status or external validation, but by internal contentment, strong relationships and moral integrity

- Building Personal Values: focusing on small, consistent decisions leads to a more fulfilled, grounded life and a stronger leadership impact

This episode will challenge and inspire you to pursue the kind of success that actually matters.

Connect with Corey

- Connect on LinkedIn

- Follow on Instagram

- Visit his website

Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn

- Follow us on Instagram

- Like us on Facebook

- Follow us on TikTok

- Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Courtney White, Head of HR for BASF Agricultural Solutions North America and Global Inclusion Officer, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to dive into the power of inclusion and the value of Human Resources. Courtney shares how today’s most effective HR strategies go beyond hiring—they curate culture. He unpacks what it means to put people first, why timing matters just as much as talent, and how psychological safety drives retention and innovation. Plus, Courtney brings a powerful perspective on inclusion, showing that true belonging is built on mutual respect, everyday courage, and intentional leadership.

Courtney dives into:

- Inclusion is Rooted in Respect: it is a daily practice grounded in mutual respect and is upheld by everyday choices and courage

- The Value of People-centric HR: modern HR must go beyond filling roles to curating culture

- Leading with Courage and Curiosity: leaders must embrace inclusion, ask more than they tell and model respectful behavior

Whether you’re building a team or leading one, this episode offers fresh insights on growing people and purpose in tandem.

Connect with Courtney

- Connect on LinkedIn

- Follow BASF on LinkedIn

- Visit the BASF Website

Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn

- Follow us on Instagram

- Like us on Facebook

- Follow us on TikTok

- Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

A fifth-generation meat purveyor has grown her business built on tradition by leading with innovation and grit.

Suzanne Strassburger, fifth-generation meat purveyor and president of Strassburger Meats, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast. She opens up about the reality of being a woman leader in the meat industry and evolving her family’s business. Suzanne’s leadership mindset led her back to business school at age 50, built a culture of women employees, and enabled her to thrive through decades of industry change.

Suzanne opens up about:

• Continuing a Family Legacy: five-generations deep, Suzanne juggles honoring her family’s heritage while embracing new technologies
• Leading through Industry Diversity: for many years, she was one of the few women leading in the meat industry, but now 40% of her employees are women
• Investing in Continuing Education: she is a testament that great leaders never stop learning by going back to business school, taking AI classes and offering a long list of leadership books

This episode is packed with raw stories and hard-won wisdom, packed into great stories from Suzanne’s lifetime in the business.

Connect with Suzanne

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Visit the Strassburger Steaks website - Here
• Strassburger Steaks on Instagram
• Strassburger Steaks on Facebook
• Visit the Suzy Sirloin website - Here
• Suzy Sirloin on Instagram
• Suzy Sirloin on Facebook

Connect with AFA

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on TikTok
• Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!