Cultivating Leaders

Want to lead with confidence and build real connections in the agriculture industry? In this episode, Ellen Zimmerman, Director of Industry Relations for the U.S. Grains Council, shares how embracing authenticity and fostering genuine relationships can make you a magnetic leader!

In this conversation, Ellen dives into:

• Authenticity in Leadership: Her journey to owning how she shows up
• Building Genuine Relationships: Fun tips and tricks to staying connected
• The Power of Mentors: How a “personal board of directors” can guide your career and life

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your leadership journey, Ellen’s insights will help you show up as your true self and build lasting connections.

Connect with Ellen

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow her on Instagram
• Email her at [email protected]

About the U.S. Grains Council

• Visit their Website
• Connect on LinkedIn

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!

Ebony Webber never saw herself being involved in the agriculture industry. Now, she serves as the CEO of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), helping others find their place. Tune in for Ebony’s unconventional route to leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

In this episode, Ebony reflects on:

• Career growth: Ebony took leadership of MANRRS at 22 years old and has created a nationally recognized program
• Building pathways: She shares unique perspective on opportunities for future talent
• Attracting the future: Ebony addresses the need to attract more people to agriculture

From the power of mentorship to the evolving workforce needs in agriculture, Ebony offers insights on how young professionals can develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and embrace career opportunities in the industry.

Tune in for a conversation filled with leadership wisdom, career advice, and a deep dive into why agriculture is, at its core, a people business.

Connect with Ebony

• Connect on LinkedIn

Learn more about Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences

• Connect 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.

What does it take to lead yourself well? On this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, TEDx speaker and financial expert Adam Carroll opens up about his personal journey from financial struggles to building a life of intentionality and resilience. Adam believes that great leadership starts with self-discipline and clarity in your own life.

In this conversation, Adam dives into:

• Self-leadership: Why leading yourself well is key to leading others effectively.
• Intentional living: How setting goals and creating boundaries can drive personal and professional growth.
• Financial clarity: Simple ways to build a healthier relationship with money and reduce stress.

Adam’s story is a reminder that resilience and strong leadership start with the daily choices we make. Whether you're looking to grow as a leader or gain more control over your life, this episode is packed with practical insights to inspire your journey.

Connect with Adam

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow him 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!

In this episode, Diana gets candid about her journey from being a self-proclaimed “negative” leader to embracing humility as her greatest superpower. Packed with practical takeaways, Diana shares:

· The art of curiosity: How asking the right questions can unlock innovation.

· Mastering feedback: Using honest (and sometimes uncomfortable) insights to grow as a leader.

· Chasing the impossible: Why prioritizing learning can help you achieve audacious goals.

If you’ve ever wondered how top leaders turn challenges into growth opportunities, this conversation is for you. Tune in and discover why curiosity and humility are the ultimate tools for building unstoppable teams.

Connect with Diana

- Connect on LinkedIn

- Follow her on Instagram

- 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!

In this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, host Nicole Erceg sits down with Jake Worcester, Vice President of Development at National 4-H Council, to explore the art of navigating change in today’s evolving workplace. Jake shares practical strategies for leading through transitions, fostering a strong team culture in remote environments, and building trust and resilience in times of uncertainty. Whether you’re leading a remote team or adapting to workplace shifts, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and clarity.

Connect with Jake

- Connect on LinkedIn

Learn more about the National 4-H Council

- Connect 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!

Does the world really need another podcast? Mark Stewart, President and CEO of AFA joins Nicole Erceg to talk about the what and why of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast. We cover what you can expect from AFA on this new platform.

Connect with Mark

- Connect on LinkedIn

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!