The Bridge

In 2023 and 2024, Beacon partnered with Omaha’s Inclusive Communities team to plan for some educational workshops. The first of these was held on January 17, 2024 and focused on Identity & Intersectionality and Implicit Bias. In this podcast, two Beacon members who participated in this workshop share their key takeaways. 

Happy New year! On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we’re joined by John Regentin, VP of Experiential Leadership at FCCS. His focus is to provide organizational development, experiential learning, leadership development, coaching and facilitation to people across the country. Roots was lucky enough to work with John through our brand-new program in 2023 called Building Roots. Listen to the podcast to learn more about Building Roots and how John’s background set him on a trajectory to help people across the world find growth points in all areas of life through experiential learning workshops.

Building Roots will be accepting nominations in the summer of 2024. Our second annual event is planned for September 2024. If you’re interested or would like more details please email $Roots.

We have an exciting announcement! All 5 ERGs will be joining forces to bring you relatable content throughout the year. With a new brand, we will post one episode per month related to each ERG’s focus area. Listen to the podcast and keep an eye out on Yammer to stay in the loop with changes coming!

Book: “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

FCCS | FCCS - Forward. Thinking. (fccsconsulting.com)

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Jud Jesske, SVP Business Development-Commercial Protein. This is the final episode in our series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners. Jud gives us an inside look at the beef and swine operations our commercial protein team serves. You’ll be able to hear right away how passionate Jud is about adding value to the people and industry he serves!

Quotes from Jud:

“Customers want lenders who have the unique ability and knowledge that they need, and provide value to the operation-that’s one key benefit to the industry specialization we have at Farm Credit.”

“Never compromise your core values.”

“If you need an alarm clock to get out bed in the morning, you’re not doing what you’re meant to do.”

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Chris Obermeyer, VP Credit Operations and Major Evan Perperis of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Evan shares his timeline of his military career, and how his military training works as guidance on leadership, problem solving and perseverance in all aspects of his life.

The Patriot ERG mission statement describes our group as a community of one who aspire to continue to serve and honor those who have served our country. Whether it’s installing American flags at each retail location, bringing in veteran speakers, or organizing the 9/11 stair climb events, we’re proud to honor those who currently serve, have served, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Host

Chris Obermeyer

Guest

Evan Perperis

On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Megan Sprague, Young Beginning Small (YBS) officer out of the North Platte office. And, for the first time ever, we bring customers along on this podcast. Aaron Obrien and Kurt Trusty of AK Farms join us to tell us about their experience with our YBS program. This is the third episode in our series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners.  Aaron and Kurt share how the YBS program allowed AK Farms to get off the ground while Megan provides great insight as to what YBS is and how this targeted approach can help the customers she is serving.  

Host: Andy Pfeifer

How would your operation be different without a relationship with Megan?        

Kurt Trusty of AK Farms: “Without Megan, there would not be an AK farms.”

Megan Sprague, YBS officer: “I would like to highlight that when they came in last year, I was really excited about the opportunity they had in front of them(to farm 8 quarters) but I was really excited knowing that we just launched the YBS program, and this is exactly what program is designed for.”

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