On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Darrin Mercer, VP Finance, and Abby Jacobsen, Finance and Pricing Analyst. This is the second episode in our series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners.  Darrin and Abby give us insights about how the Farm Credit Funding system works and what a day in the life looks like for them!

Host: John Kofmehl

Advice for young professionals from Darrin & Abby:

Darrin- Have curiosity, read, listen to podcasts- there is always something to learn! Find a mentor, even if they are not in an area you are familiar with, they can challenge you to help you grow. Book recommendations- anything by Patrick Lencioni.

Abby- Get involved with classes, ERGs, or other groups to build relationships with teammates across the association. Focus on interactions with others!

Resource:

Farm Credit System: Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we’re joined by Angie Treptow, SVP Lending Operations and Kelsey White, Account Specialist in Emmetsburg, IA. Catalyst is an ERG with a mission to foster opportunities to empower women and enrich their professional development. This episode is prime content from two teammates who were directly involved in Team Thrive. If you’re in the mood for a confidence boosting message, this podcast is for you!

“Trust the process, trust our leaders, and know that although transition might be scary, it could lead to great opportunity. It may even pull skills out of ourselves that we didn’t even know we have. Push through the uncomfortable and don’t be your own worst enemy when it comes to mindset.”

 – Kelsey White and Angie Treptow

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Dustin Oswald, VP Capital Markets, and Nichole Christensen, Capital Markets Credit Officer. This is the first episode in a new series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners.  Dustin and Nichole give us insights about how the Capital Markets team fits into the Farm Credit system and what a day in the life looks like for them!

We look at Midwest agriculture as corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs, but the cool thing about our team is that we partner with and support other Farm Credit associations to serve industries like timber, energy, wine, and paper products. Serving these industries diversifies our risk and provides growth potential for Farm Credit Services of America.

Host: Sarah Weis

Guests: Dustin Oswald and Nichole Christensen

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we hear from Beacon members Lacey Konecny, Trish Mitchell and Carli Jacobsen as they discuss why the Beacon ERG is important to them, their theme for 2023 of Allyship and how we can show up in the workplace as an Ally.

Join in their upcoming events. For more information, visit the Beacon SharePoint site.

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we hear from Jackie Martinie, EVP Chief Credit and Operations. Jackie sits down with us to discuss her transition from Farm Credit Illinois to FCSAmerica and Frontier Farm Credit as well as a day in the life of ELT. It’s the second in a miniseries we’re hosting with ELT members. Hear about some current focuses, advice she has for young professionals, and who the fastest ELT member is! 

Advice for teammates who would like to be in a leadership role someday….“Dig deep to understand what you’re trying to achieve, where you’re trying to go, and why. Many people can’t answer the why, and I think you have to really understand who you are and why you’re doing what you’re doing to be successful and to be happy.”—Jackie Martinie

Host: Karie Spencer

Host: Ashley Schantell

Guests: Haley Byers, Steph Lunden, Yue Titus

Description: Crew takes over the podcast this month to share some of their favorite recommendations for work life balance. Join them as they give you tips and tricks on topics including meal planning, budgeting, and activities to do with your kids, all with the goal of making your day more successful!

Links:

Meal Planning-  What To Cook When You Don't Feel Like

Cooking | caroline chambers | Substack

Productivity- Effective Edge Class , Pomodoro method 

Budgeting Tips- Everydollar app, Mint.com, digit app

Things to do with kids: Instagram @dayswithgrey,

@busytoddler, @ABClearning, @recycleandplay

Crew yammer page with ideas: (20+)

Yammer - Conversation

Book recommendations:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Audio books apps:

Scribed, libby, audible

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we hear from Scott Binder. Scott sits down with us to discuss some things about him both personally and professionally as well as a day in the life of ELT. It’s the first in a mini series of hosting ELT members.  Hear about some current focuses, what the ELT relationship with our board looks like and who the best chef on ELT is! 

"In this company, it doesn’t matter what your title is. You can contribute and have a relationship in a whole group of different ways regardless of your title.” -Scott Binder

Host: Andy Pfeifer

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we are joined by our five brand-new Roots members. This is a chance to get to know the Roots team more and hear about what we have in store for 2023! Let’s give a warm welcome to our new teammates:

Jaden Coen - Leasing Representative, Omaha

Jess Miller – Business Analyst, Application Development Team 5, Omaha

Aditya Bhongir – Application Developer, Omaha

Sarah Weis – Product Support Analyst, Business Support, Cedar Rapids

Alyssa Buis – Business Analyst, Data Integration and GIS, Omaha

“I feel lucky to be working for a company that genuinely wants the best for its customers and employees, offers a multitude of different opportunities for involvement, and they are actively curating a culture people want to work in.” – Jaden Coen

“I want to empower others to continue to grow whether that’s personally or professionally and I feel that Roots embodies that mindset.” – Alyssa Buis

Host: Sarah Walther

Description: On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we hear from Nathan Jensen and Rory Witt as they share how morning routines have been influential in their lives. The podcast highlights Robert Sharma, author of “The 5 AM Club”, who writes about the benefits of having a morning routine and lays out formulas like the 20/20/20 method to make the most out of the first hour of every day.  We encourage you to listen to this podcast and read the book!

“The way you start your day influences the way it unfolds…we always perform in a way that is aligned with how we see ourselves, so turn I cant’s into I can’s and develop habits that help you reach your goals.” – Nathan Jensen, VP Capital Markets

Host: Kayleigh Stender

Podcast Recommendations: The Mandate Podcast, Peter Ziehan and the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Book Recommendations: Winning by Tim Grover, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and Winning the War in your Mind by Craig Groeschel

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we hear from the Roots Leadership Team as they share holiday traditions from their homes. From cookie decorating, to church, to Lego building, we all have unique memories that bring us closer together making Farm Credit teammates feel like family. Happy Holidays to all!

Host: Kayleigh Stender