Leaders Of The West

It’s hard to believe 2025 is almost here. I have been looking back at this year as well as what’s on the horizon. That’s what I’m talking about today: what’s coming up! In this episode, I am excited to dive deep into something we announced in October!

In March of 2025, Of The West is launching a brand new platform called Schools Of The West. It is going to be an innovative online directory that is designed to connect people with educational opportunities specific to agriculture and western industries. 

I share how we created Schools Of The West to support the future of agriculture and the western way of life. I also walk through who the platform serves, what features it has, how the institutions and programs are benefiting from it, and how to learn more. 

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I’m honored to have Mesa Pate with us today. Mesa is a true cowgirl in every sense of the word. 

In today’s episode we talk about Mesa’s unique upbringing on a multi-generational ranch in Montana as well as all the traveling her rodeo family did. Mesa shares about her deeply close relationship with her mom, Tammy Pate. Together, they created Art of the Cowgirl.

Mesa also shares the changes and challenges she faced selling Art of the Cowgirl, as she became a mom and, sadly, lost her own mom just last year. 

We talk all things Art of the Cowgirl with its new owners and the different educational programming, workshops, trade shows, horse shows, ranch rodeo, and horse sales it has to offer. 

Mesa’s wisdom at such a young age shines in this episode you don’t want to miss. 

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Justin Bates of Strategic Financial is joining me once again for another bonus episode! We are covering the highly requested topics of financial debt and leverage. Understanding debt, how to approach debt, and how to leverage debt are all very important when it comes to planning and fully understanding our finances and Justin is breaking it all down for us today.

In today’s episode, we are taking a look at debt management and the importance of clear financial goals when it comes to your approach for paying off debt. We are discussing the differences in good debt versus bad debt, how to determine if you should invest or pay down debt, and whether or not you should pay extra on your mortgage. Justin also shares the difference between debt and leverage as well as some ideas of different leverage options. Whether you are looking to attack your debt or looking to leverage different income streams, Justin’s tips and insight will leave you encouraged to explore your different options to reach your goals!

Listen to the previous episodes in the Justin Bates Financial Podcast Series

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I’m so excited to have one of the most decorated rodeo athletes in barrel racing on today’s episode! Hailey Kinsel is here to share a behind-the-scenes peek into her background and the lessons she’s learned and grown from. 

Hailey deep dives into her upbringing on a ranch and how her passions were developed by her parents encouraging her to try different interests. They wanted her to be well-rounded and her background in gymnastics, playing multiple instruments, and singing in addition to her rodeo career prove just that!

Hailey shares how she chooses to be positive and how her faith is the inspiration to find joy despite any circumstances she faces. We hear about her role models, the wisdom she finds in both wins and losses, and how she is preparing for the upcoming finals. 

Hailey is a professional barrel racer with roots planted in a south Texas cattle ranch. She was a state champion and national qualifier in high school rodeo as a barrel racer and breakaway roper. She then attended Texas A&M University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Ag Economics and qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo and earned a national championship title. That trickled into a professional rodeo career that includes 8 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifications, 4 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world championships, and various rodeo wins. Most known for her incredible equine partner, DM Sissy Hayday a.k.a. “Sister,” who has amassed over 3 million dollars in barrel racing earnings with Hailey, she is also a barrel horse trainer, stallion owner, and business entrepreneur.

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• Follow on Instagram @haileykinsel

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I’m excited for today’s unique episode! I’m sitting down with Chandler Mulvaney, the Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Spokesperson Development for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. He’ll share his background and experience as well as information on the Trailblazers program, which is an extension of the Masters of Beef Advocacy program from the Beef Checkoff. I am a member of the Trailblazers 2024 cohort and have learned so much that I highly recommend applying. 

In this episode Chandler and I talk about the ins and outs of the Trailblazers program, what it entails, how and when to apply, the time commitment it takes, the benefits of it, and so much more. You won’t want to miss learning about this incredible program. 

Chandler also shares advice for those just getting started in their advocacy journey and those who are seasoned in speaking on behalf of their industry but they want to be better at it. 

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In this week’s episode I’m recapping some of the time-sensitive highlights of the past several podcast episodes of Leaders of the West. These episodes include interviews with trailblazing women you won’t want to miss. 

I also share two professional tips I find myself using often. First, I’ll cover the importance of respectfully making introductions along with a good example of how I make introductions myself via email that saves time and hassle for all parties. The second tip entails why professional photos of yourself are crucial and what to avoid when it comes to these types of photos. These tips will prove to be helpful in your business!

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Today’s episode is a little different. Lisa Whitman is joining us to help shed light on the Beneficial Ownership Information Report. You may not know about this report or that anyone that has an LLC or corporation needs to file it based on the requirements of the Federal Corporate Transparency Act. This law was enacted in 2021 but went into effect January 1st, 2024 under the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. If you don’t file this form for your LLC or corporation, you could be subject to a $10,000 fine. 

Lisa is a Former Miss Rodeo USA, she grew up on a ranch and farm, and she’s an attorney with over 25 years of experience practicing in Oklahoma and Texas. She also created Morgan Wyatt, a business service company that is currently helping businesses file their Beneficial Ownership Information Report form. 

This form needs to be filed by December 31st, 2024, but don’t panic! In this episode, Lisa helps us navigate where to file, who can help you file, reasons you might have to re-file, and what scams to avoid. 

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• Morgan Wyatt website

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Today we have the one and only Judy Wagner joining us! Judy is highly decorated in the western industry and I consider her a personal mentor. In this episode, Judy shares her backstory of growing up with seven siblings, losing her father at a young age, and the work ethic she gained while being raised on a Montana ranch. She also shares how she dreamt up Gator Ropes and has had such an incredible career at Montana Silversmiths. 

Judy bestows true inspiration throughout the episode, but especially as she shares how her highest compliment “nice job, cowgirl” or “nice job, cowboy” came about. We get deep into mentorship, what impact your actions have on others, and how we all need to keep dreaming. 

Don’t miss this episode chock full of wisdom from an extraordinary businesswoman, trailblazer, and human. 

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We are back with another bonus episode! Justin Bates of Strategic Financial is joining me to cover essential year-end finance tips for individuals and business owners for the upcoming tax season. Whether you're an employee, new business owner, or have an established business, Justin is sharing tips to help set you up for success.

In today’s episode, we are looking at the importance of taking a strategic approach to your finances throughout the year to avoid tax season stress and set you and your business up for financial success. Justin is also sharing insight into retirement plans, Roth IRAs, and why business owners need to separate business and personal finances. We also discuss financial planning needs for both young and established business owners, tax strategies for those in lower and higher tax brackets, and succession planning for established business owners. Regardless of where you are in your financial journey, Justin is providing valuable and practical insight to help you reach your financial goals.

Listen to the September Bonus Episode: BONUS: Retirement Planning Essentials with Justin Bates

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I’m excited to have my friend, Nicole Poyo Brennan on today’s episode. Nicole is an incredibly talented equine and western photographer. In this episode Nicole shares about her upbringing on the east coast, how she came to the western side of the United States, tips on time management, and how she has built her successful career. 

Nicole also shares information about her course, Equine Photography Foundations, she teaches at the Be A Maker School. From growing up loving horses, to doing NASCAR photography in college, Nicole’s path to where she’s landed is fascinating. 

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