What does it take to turn cutting-edge robotics into practical tools for farmers? In this episode of Shift & Thrive, Natalie is joined by Katie Bradford, co-founder and CEO of Rotate8. She shares how her team is making farming tech more accessible, modular, and repairable. From her transition from engineer to leader to her vision for slow, sustainable growth, Katie offers insights on collaborative leadership, user-centered design, and the future of agricultural innovation.

Takeaways:

• Before making strategic changes, take the time to understand the existing system thoroughly. Engage with team members to grasp why current design choices were made.
• Involve your team in key decisions to build a sense of ownership and reduce resistance to change. Collective buy-in can strengthen commitment and morale.
• Articulate and commit to a clear mission that resonates with your team and customers. This can drive motivation and provide a guiding principle for business decisions.
• Collaborate with other companies to enhance your product offerings and enter new markets more efficiently. Partnerships can drive innovation and broaden your reach.
• Stay curious and question the status quo. Encourage continuous learning within your team and remain adaptable to emerging trends and challenges.
• Seek out mentors and also offer mentorship to others. Building a strong network can provide support, insights, and opportunities for growth.

Quote of the Show:

• “Ripping off the band-aid and making those tough calls has just made everything better. And now, in hindsight, it has made me a lot more confident.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-katie/  
• Website: https://www.rotate8.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change 
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 
• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. 

Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com