Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark Jewell sits down with Darin Moon, founder and CEO of Redox, a family-run ag innovation company with over 30 years of scientific research behind it. What started as one farmer’s frustration with inefficient nutrient delivery has grown into a powerhouse of patented plant science that’s reshaping how agriculture uses inputs like nitrogen.

Darin shares how he went from a single patent idea to founding Redox, a business now producing breakthrough biological products — including a nitrogen-optimization technology capable of cutting fertilizer needs by up to 50%.

Whether you lead a legacy operation, an ag startup, or a team in transition, this episode is a deep dive into intentional leadership, creative problem-solving, resilient family culture, and a passion for changing agriculture from the inside out.

1. Intentionality Starts with Authenticity

To Darin, leading with intention means being genuine, focused, and rooted in truth. He refuses to pretend or posture — the work is too important for ego.

2. Innovation Happens When You Integrate — Not Just Invent

Darin fused insights from both organic and conventional methods to create something new — ways of making nutrient inputs go further by activating specific plant processes. His patented nitrogen-optimization breakthrough isn’t just theoretical; it’s backed by more than a decade of trials and scientific validation.

(Learn more about Redox's nitrogen-optimization technology, “RDX-N,” by visiting the Product section of their website.)

3. Resilience + Faith = Legacy

It took 394 experiments before Darin landed his first patent — a story of persistence that’s become a core value at Redox. But what makes this story powerful is the way Darin integrated faith, family, and business so none had to be sacrificed to grow the others.

4. Build Businesses that Work for People

As a family-operated company, Redox prioritizes values over valuation. Their team operates with deep loyalty and intentional culture — not because it’s fashionable, but because it’s who they are at home and at work.

5. Self-Care Isn’t Optional — It’s a Leadership Requirement

Darin’s personal routine includes physical training, a cold plunge, red light therapy, and scripture reflection — all before 8 AM. His advice is simple: "If you’re not showing up whole, what are you really building?"

• “You can’t be an organic farmer just for the label — you have to be one with a purpose.” – Darin Moon
• “A plant doesn’t care if the nitrogen is organic or conventional — it cares how well it can use it.” – Darin Moon
• “The number one product in agriculture is still people.” – Darin Moon
• “Leadership at home is just as real as leadership at work. And it might be more important.” – Mark Jewell
• “You don’t get to skip the hard parts and still expect the breakthrough.” – Darin Moon

• Audit your own leadership for intentionality: are you showing up with clarity and focus — or just moving fast?
• Check if your company values are real or just words: would your spouse, kids, or team agree?
• Reflect on where traditional, scientific, or biological insights might combine to create a better way forward.
• Build one small self-care practice into your routine this week — even if it’s a walk or ten-minute pause.

• Exploring biological solutions or new nutrient technologies in ag
• A leader wanting to leave a legacy — not just a business
• Trying to balance ambition, family, and long-term purpose
• Curious how faith and science can work together in leadership

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell interviews Chris Abbott, CEO of Pivot Bio, a company revolutionizing crop nutrition with gene-edited microbes that replace or reduce synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.

Chris shares how intentional leadership, customer-first strategy, and bold cultural standards have shaped Pivot Bio’s growth — even in the wildly volatile commodity and fertilizer markets of recent years. Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a fast-moving startup, this episode brings practical and powerful insight into building companies that win by doing right — for the business, the farmer, and the environment.

Be Intentional or Be Left Behind

For Chris, intentionality begins with time ownership. “It’s my most limited resource,” he says. Whether with family or work, Chris has learned to compartmentalize, plan his days, and preserve sacred blocks for what matters most — including personal health and leadership reflection.

Microbes, Markets, and a Mission

Pivot Bio engineers nitrogen-fixing microbes, enabling farmers to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers — and save money in the process. Their products now cost 30% less than synthetic nitrogen and can be shipped to any acre in 48 hours. It’s a disruptive, scalable, and sustainability-positive solution in a world hungry for lower-cost crop nutrition.

Culture Is a Strategy — Not a Slogan

Chris drives a culture that’s customer-centered and values-driven. His hiring rules?

1. Serve the customer like you’d want your family to see.
2. No assholes. Ever. Even if they’re profitable.

This rule has reshaped everything from hiring decisions to dropping distribution partners who mistreated the team.

Lead Through Cycles, Not Headlines

Commodity volatility, geopolitical impacts, investor pressure — Chris has lived it all. But instead of reacting, he narrows focus to 3 pillars:

• Pillar 1: Product & innovation
• Pillar 2: Commercial infrastructure
• Pillar 3: Network effect built from customers, partners, investors, and farmers

These guiding principles keep the team aligned, even through turbulent markets.

• “It’s not the farmer’s job to both feed the world and save it. We’ve got to help them.” – Chris Abbott
• “If you hire world-class people but tolerate poor behavior, you’ve already lost.” – Chris Abbott
• “Make a decision your family would be proud of. That rule alone takes care of 99% of leadership challenges.” – Chris Abbott
• “Nothing loses you a good employee faster than watching you tolerate a bad one.” – Mark Jewell
• “Innovation is worthless unless it’s higher performing and cheaper.” – Chris Abbott

• Reevaluate your “no-go zones” as a leader. What time, values, or behaviors are non-negotiable?
• Identify the 3 pillars that drive your business — and communicate them consistently.
• Schedule intentional pauses each week for strategic clarity — the kind no meeting can offer.
• Bonus: Pick up Outlive or The Outsiders, two books Chris recommends for leadership clarity and long-term thinking.

• Leading a team or business through market volatility
• Passionate about sustainability and profitability in agriculture
• A founder or exec trying to scale without compromising culture
• Curious about microbiology’s role in the future of ag

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark Jewell sits down with Greg Mills, a seasoned agribusiness executive and leadership consultant with over 25 years at ADM and a deep background in crop insurance, organizational culture, and global food systems.

Greg unpacks what it means to be an intentional leader inside a large corporation — where predictability and scale often come at the expense of innovation and connection. From building culture and clarity across continents to navigating droughts, crises, and corporate resistance to change, Greg shares hard-earned lessons on leading with integrity, trust, and purpose.

This conversation is a masterclass on how intentional leaders create alignment, drive engagement, and steward both people and mission in an industry that feeds the world.

1. Culture Always Comes First

Greg reminds us that “culture eats strategy for lunch.” A high-trust culture accelerates execution far faster than rules and processes ever could. When people understand and believe in the mission, alignment replaces micromanagement.

2. Clarity Is the Leader’s Greatest Responsibility

Leaders often assume clarity after saying something twice — but true clarity requires consistent communication, repetition, and modeling. “If your team doesn’t understand the mission, it’s not their fault — it’s yours.”

3. Leadership Is Proven When the Lights Aren’t On

Real culture is revealed in the quiet moments. Greg’s story about unloading safety equipment for adjusters after hours reminds us that credibility is built in small, unseen actions that show you’re willing to do the work yourself.

4. Strategic Thinking Requires Permission to Pause

Many leaders feel guilty for taking time to think strategically, but that stillness is essential. Greg and Mark discuss how proactive strategy — not reactive firefighting — is what sets intentional organizations apart.

5. Build Environments That Encourage Ownership

From empowering crop insurance adjusters to create “the perfect claim process” to recognizing local heroes across continents, Greg’s approach centers on engagement. Leaders don’t just manage tasks — they create the conditions for others to lead.

• “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” – Greg Mills
• “Clarity is a leading indicator of success.” – Mark Jewell
• “The most important job for an intentional leader is to create an environment where everyone understands the mission — and how their work fulfills it.” – Greg Mills
• “Leaders read, and readers lead.” – Greg Mills
• “Intentional leadership doesn’t happen 15 minutes before the meeting. It’s thought out, repeated, and lived daily.” – Greg Mills

• Audit your culture: Is it defined by trust, clarity, and ownership?
• Develop your own “stump speech” — the consistent message that ties every decision and meeting back to your mission.
• Make time to think strategically each week; sharpen your saw before leading others to do the same.
• Choose one way this month to model servant leadership when no one’s watching.
• Pick up one of Greg’s recommended reads: The Speed of Trust, Drive by Daniel Pink, or Grit by Angela Duckworth.

• A senior or emerging leader in agribusiness navigating corporate complexity
• A CEO or GM looking to build culture and clarity across your organization
• A small business owner striving to grow with integrity and purpose
• A leader seeking to balance strategy, stewardship, and humanity in your leadership journey

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark Jewell sits down with veteran sales strategist Ken Pieh, a man with nearly four decades of experience transforming sales organizations—from Medtronic to fast-growing startups—through better incentive design.

Ken shares real-world stories of how one small med-tech company went from $30 million to $200 million in revenue by overhauling its compensation model. He breaks down why most sales incentive plans unintentionally reward the wrong behaviors, and how to fix that before it costs you your best people.

This is an episode every CEO, VP of Sales, and sales manager in agribusiness needs to hear. If your incentive plan doesn’t align with your culture, goals, and leadership vision—you’re probably burning money and morale.

💡 Great sales incentives are leadership tools—not accounting formulas.

Most organizations treat comp plans like spreadsheets, but the best leaders use them to drive culture, motivation, and performance. When reps believe they can win, they sell more—and stay longer.

💡 Simplicity wins.

Ken compares a well-built comp plan to hiking 100 miles with a 15-pound pack: you only take what’s essential. Sales plans should fit on one page and be easy enough for every rep to explain.

💡 Quotas should stretch—not break—your people.

Unrealistic targets crush motivation. A “Hall of Fame” performer will still have a bad quarter now and then. Your comp design should keep them in the game, not push them out.

💡 The wrong contest can destroy culture overnight.

When the wrong people walk across the stage, resentment spreads fast. Fixing a comp plan is easy—fixing morale after a bad contest isn’t.

💡 Leadership, not luck, drives retention.

When Medtronic expanded from 95 to 750 reps, turnover stayed low because leaders treated people right and designed incentives that made sense.

“You can’t imagine the transformative change that happens when a company moves from poor sales comp design to one that works.” – Ken Pieh

“There’s more emotion tied up in sales contests than there is in money.” – Ken Pieh

“Every time I ended up resentful in life, it was because I was the least intentional. Intention is the antidote.” – Mark Jewell

“If your incentive plan doesn’t match your message, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.” – Mark Jewell

• Audit your incentive plan. Identify where it may be unintentionally rewarding the wrong behaviors.
• Simplify. If your comp plan takes more than one page to explain, it’s too heavy.
• Align training with incentives. Make sure your sales development investments have incentive structures to back them up.
• Revisit quota setting. Are your targets achievable—or demotivating?
• Bring in outside perspective. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to spot your fatal flaws.

• A sales leader or CEO struggling to retain top performers
• A sales manager trying to fix morale or turnover
• An agribusiness leader whose team doesn’t buy into the incentive plan
• A consultant or coach looking for better ways to align behavior and performance

Join our champion program: [email protected] 

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark Jewell sits down with Martha Schlicher, CEO of Impetus Ag, to talk about intentional leadership, innovation, and the reality of building agricultural startups in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. From her groundbreaking work at Monsanto to leading a new venture tackling crop pest resistance, Martha shares hard-earned wisdom on stewardship, startup grit, and the responsibility of developing sustainable solutions for growers.

This is a conversation about courage, clarity, and conviction in leadership—how to make every day and every dollar count when you’re stewarding people, purpose, and innovation that impacts global food systems.

• Intentional Leadership Means Stewarding Time and Resources Wisely: Martha defines intentionality as treating every day and every dollar like it matters—because it does. Whether in startups or large corporations, clarity of purpose drives impact and innovation.
• Innovation Is Born from Necessity: As pests evolve and resistance grows, new agricultural solutions are essential. Impetus Ag is pioneering technology that restores the effectiveness of BT traits, helping growers protect crops sustainably without dependency on “Big Ag.
• Startup Culture Mirrors the Farm: Martha likens leading a startup to running a farm—no room for ego, wasted time, or bureaucracy. Every team member must contribute and take ownership, from taking out the trash to innovating at the bench.
• Transparency Builds Trust: Intentional leaders walk a fine line between honesty and stability. Martha shares how leaders can be transparent about challenges without creating panic—fostering an environment of candor, collaboration, and accountability.
• The Power of Mentorship and Values: From her parents’ lessons on work ethic to guidance from mentors like Rob Fraley, Martha credits much of her success to learning from others and holding firm to moral lines in the sand—values that guide every decision.

• “Every day and every dollar matters. That’s what it means to be intentional.” – Martha Schlicher
• “If you can’t find a way through the mountain, go around it, over it, or under it—but don’t stop moving.” – Martha Schlicher
• “Intentional leaders are innovative. We see problems and create solutions that move the whole industry forward.” – Mark Jewell
• “Draw your line in the sand—your values, your morals—and never cross it. That’s your anchor.” – Martha Schlicher
• “Transparency isn’t weakness. It’s how we build trust and accelerate growth.” – Martha Schlicher

• Reflect on where you might be operating on autopilot. How can you treat your time and resources more intentionally this week?
• Revisit your company culture: Are you fostering ownership, honesty, and innovation across your team?
• Seek mentorship—learn from leaders who’ve been where you want to go.
• Explore the mission and technology behind Impetus Ag at ImpetusAg.com.

• A leader or entrepreneur in agriculture or agritech
• Building a startup or small business with limited resources
• Seeking to integrate innovation, stewardship, and integrity in leadership
• Curious about the future of sustainable ag and biotech innovation

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

This EMERGENCY EPISODE of The Intentional Ag Leader Podcast is a candid conversation between Mark Jewell, Christine Jewell, and Jon Anderson from The Momentum Company—sparked by a growing crisis across the ag industry: burnout. After witnessing multiple leaders and clients lose relationships, energy, and clarity to the grind, the team takes a bold stand.

They unpack why exhaustion and “survival mode” have become the norm, how to recognize when you’ve crossed into burnout, and what leaders can actually do to create healthy, high-performance cultures without sacrificing their families or sanity.

1. Burnout Has Become the New Normal—But It Doesn’t Have to Be.

Christine exposes how many leaders have normalized exhaustion and anxiety as “just part of the job.” Like a car that’s always red-lined, most people are running their systems to the brink without realizing the damage being done.

2. Survival Mode Is Not Success.

Jon shares how too many people have set their bar at “survive well.” The Momentum standard is higher—leaders must thrive, not just cope. When burnout goes unchecked, it often leads to breakdowns in performance, relationships, and even marriage.

3. Redefine What Success Looks Like.

Christine challenges leaders to re-evaluate their metrics. True success isn’t how many meetings or tasks you complete—it’s how much peace, clarity, and meaningful connection you cultivate. Redefining success changes every decision that follows.

4. Alignment Creates Capacity.

Burnout doesn’t only come from doing too much—it comes from doing too much of the wrong things. When leaders focus on the 20% of work that moves the mission forward, they gain energy and clarity instead of losing it.

5. Audit and Adjust Constantly.

Burnout prevention requires regular self-audits: Is this still working? Are our systems, meetings, and routines producing results—or just motion? Awareness and recalibration are the keys to sustained energy and performance.

6. Leadership Requires Leverage.

Mark and Christine share real-world coaching stories showing how delegation and clear systems aren’t luxuries—they’re leadership essentials. Leaders who refuse to train and release others become the bottleneck that drives burnout.

7. The Daily Brief Practice.

Mark introduces his “Daily Brief” ritual—a 10-minute morning email he writes to Christine that combines logistics, reflection, and gratitude. It’s become a powerful grounding tool for communication, clarity, and peace at home.

• “Most people don’t even realize they’re burnt out because they’ve normalized the pressure cooker.” — Christine Jewell
• “We’ve mistaken surviving for thriving. That’s not the standard.” — Jon Anderson
• “Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you quit—it means you’ve been given an opportunity to grow.” — Mark Jewell
• “We don’t have a time management problem; we have an energy management and clarity problem.” — Christine Jewell
• “When you define success by how much peace you have, everything changes.” — Christine Jewell
• “If Superman doesn’t learn restraint, he becomes the villain. The same is true for us as leaders.” — Jon Anderson

• 
  
• Redefine success: Write down what success truly means for you this season—beyond productivity.
• Audit your schedule: Ask, “Is this still working?” for every recurring meeting, task, or project.
• Delegate and systemize: Identify one thing this week you can hand off or simplify.
• Adopt the Daily Brief: Start each day with a short reflection and logistics note for your spouse or partner.
• Pause before you act: Don’t make decisions from pressure; act from peace and clarity.

• A leader feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or chronically “on.”
• A manager or sales professional caught in the grind and craving balance.
• A business owner watching burnout ripple through your team.
• A husband, wife, or parent wanting to protect your home life from work pressure.

📩 Get the Daily Brief Tutorial — Visit thechristinejewell.com/daily-brief for the free guide

Join our champion program: [email protected] 

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this insightful episode, Mark sits down with Sarah Tjoa, Chief Strategist at Noble West, a marketing agency reimagining the future of food. Coming from a non-traditional ag background, Sarah shares how her Los Angeles roots and 15+ years in marketing have shaped her approach to agricultural storytelling, branding, and leadership. Together, Mark and Sarah unpack what it means to lead and market with clarity, care, and urgency — and why intentionality matters just as much in business strategy as it does in communication.

Clarity is the Catalyst for Impact

Sarah’s “slider” model — balancing clarity, care, and urgency — shows how great leadership and marketing both depend on clear thinking and focused direction. Without clarity, even the best ideas lose momentum.

Humanity in Leadership and Messaging

Being a “deeply flawed, intentional human” is one of Sarah’s key leadership beliefs. Bringing empathy and authenticity into leadership and branding builds connection, trust, and sustainable growth.

Bridging the Gaps in Agriculture

As an outsider turned advocate for the ag industry, Sarah reveals how misunderstood agriculture is by the average consumer. Her work at Noble West focuses on connecting the value chain — from farmers to consumers — through better storytelling and education.

The Power of the ‘Why’

Most companies know what they do and how they do it — but few can clearly articulate why they do it. Sarah explains how defining your “why” becomes your competitive edge and the key to meaningful differentiation in both B2C and B2B markets.

Intentional Communication and Repetition Matter

Like leaders who repeat their vision until it sticks, brands must communicate consistently. Clarity isn’t a one-time exercise — it’s the result of repetition, alignment, and doing the reps until everyone on the team can clearly articulate the same message.

• “Intentionality is nothing if it’s not having impact or getting it done.” – Sarah Tjoa
• “Leaders can’t clarify enough — clarity is one of our greatest responsibilities.” – Sarah Tjoa
• “Most brands know what they do, but few know why they do it — and the margins are always in the why.” – Sarah Tjoa
• “As leaders, we have to be deeply flawed, intentional humans.” – Sarah Tjoa
• “When you build clarity and repeat it until everyone owns it, that’s when organizations move with purpose.” – Mark Jewell

• Audit your team’s clarity: Does everyone know your company’s why and where you’re headed?
• Revisit your messaging: Can you describe what you do — and why it matters — in 20 seconds or less?
• Reflect on your own “slider”: Where do you need to dial up clarity, care, or urgency this week?
• Read Radical Candor by Kim Scott — Sarah’s top book recommendation for every leader seeking to communicate with both honesty and empathy.

• A leader or marketer navigating change in agriculture or ag tech
• Someone seeking to clarify your brand’s message or company mission
• A professional balancing creativity, leadership, and communication
• Passionate about bridging the gap between farm, food, and consumer

In this episode, Mark sits down with Corey Scott, CEO of Midwest Dairy, for an insightful look at what it means to lead intentionally in one of agriculture’s most people-focused industries. Corey shares what it takes to manage a team spread across 10 states, steward millions in checkoff dollars, and stay grounded in purpose while navigating the complexities of consumer trends, farmer expectations, and the future of dairy.

They dive deep into leadership, stewardship, and the power of clarity—plus a few laughs about protein, heavy cream, and “fancy cheese.”

• Intentional Leadership Starts with Showing Up
• Corey defines being intentional as showing up every day, even when it’s not easy or convenient. How you show up impacts the people watching you—whether family, employees, or your broader community.
• Purpose is the North Star
• In a complex industry like dairy, where every producer has unique values and opinions, Corey keeps her team focused on one question: Are we reaching the consumer effectively? That clarity cuts through the noise and keeps her organization aligned.
• Stewardship Over Sales
• Unlike private business models, checkoff organizations are funded through automatic assessments. Corey’s focus isn’t profit—it’s impact: being a wise steward of every dollar to build trust, grow demand, and elevate the farmer’s voice.
• Building Culture in a Virtual World
• With two-thirds of Midwest Dairy’s 55-person team working remotely, Corey emphasizes the importance of connection and common language. Through CliftonStrengths, her team speaks a shared language that helps them align around their unique gifts.
• Empowering Potential—Even When It’s Hard
• One of Corey’s biggest challenges? Seeing untapped potential in people who don’t see it in themselves. But the greatest joy comes when she helps someone discover that potential and grow beyond what they thought possible—even beyond her organization.
• Modern Consumers Still Love Dairy—Just Differently
• From high-protein cereals to heavy-cream coffee, dairy is thriving in new forms. The “Got Milk?” era has evolved into a demand for health, wellness, and clean protein—something Corey sees as a major opportunity for the industry.

• “How you show up matters. People are always watching—so make a choice in how you show up every day.” – Corey R. Scott
• “Our purpose is clear: to reach the consumer effectively and move more product for our farmers.” – Corey R. Scott
• “It’s not about cost of goods sold—it’s about stewardship. How can we be the best steward of every dollar we’re entrusted with?” – Corey R. Scott
• “When you have a clear North Star, you know what you’re about—and maybe more importantly, what you’re not.” – Mark Jewell
• “More is caught than taught. Culture spreads through example, not policy.” – Mark Jewell

• Reflect on your own North Star—what guides your leadership decisions when values or opinions conflict?
• Ask your team: “How can we set you up to be your best self?” Then actually do it.
• Revisit your internal language and frameworks—do your people share a common language around strengths, growth, and purpose?
• Explore Survival of the Savvy (Corey’s top leadership book recommendation) and consider adding it to your leadership reading list.

• A leader managing teams across distance and disciplines
• A checkoff organization or nonprofit leader focused on stewardship and impact
• An ag professional navigating shifting consumer trends
• Someone passionate about purpose-driven leadership and team culture
• A dairy lover who believes in showing up intentionally—every day

Join our champion program: [email protected] 

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with AgTech entrepreneur and COO/co-founder of Intent, Kevin Heikes. Together, they explore what it really means to lead with intention, both in business and in life. Kevin shares the journey of building Intent into a company that pioneered a new category in agriculture—farmer-led field trials—and how intentionality has been the guiding principle from the start.

This conversation dives deep into leadership, process, communication, and the discipline required to move beyond “interesting” ideas toward real solutions that create lasting impact.

The Power of Intention in Leadership

Kevin emphasizes that life will either direct you, or you will direct it. He explains how being intentional means actively creating direction—through calendars, forward-planning, and aligning daily tasks with long-term impact.

Building Intent: From Idea to Innovation

Intent was founded to flip the AgTech model on its head—focusing first on solving real farmer problems instead of chasing “interesting” ideas. Kevin unpacks how this approach led to the creation of a new category in large-scale farmer trials.

From Interesting to Indispensable

Kevin warns against the trap of “interesting.” Ideas or products that are merely interesting rarely get adopted. To succeed, solutions must solve real problems and deliver measurable results.

The Role of Process and Communication

Running thousands of trials requires not just technology but relentless communication and process discipline. Kevin explains how Intent built systems to ensure trials are completed and results are meaningful for both farmers and companies.

Independent Feedback Matters

Farmers often hesitate to give manufacturers direct feedback, but they’re more candid with third-party partners like Intent. This independence builds trust, provides true insights, and helps both sides collaborate for better outcomes.

Leadership Lessons

Kevin shares the three questions he uses to gauge career satisfaction:

• Am I learning and growing?
• Am I having fun?
• Am I leaving the organization better than I found it?

Notable Quotes

• “You can either direct life, or life will direct you.” – Kevin Heikes
• “All the times in life I’ve become most resentful are when I was least intentional.” – Mark Jewell
• “I can’t sell interesting. Interesting doesn’t write a check.” – Kevin Heikes
• “Leave every place better than you found it—whether it’s family, work, or community.” – Kevin Heikes
• “God has never created anything that doesn’t multiply. As leaders, we’re called to steward people the same way.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps for Listeners

• Reflect on where you are allowing life to “direct you” instead of being intentional about your choices.
• Audit your calendar: are your daily tasks aligned with your long-term goals and impact?
• For sales leaders: train your teams to go beyond pitching and practice deep listening.
• Ask yourself Kevin’s three career questions regularly to evaluate alignment and growth.
• Seek feedback—honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations are where the real breakthroughs happen.

Listen If You Are:

• An agribusiness leader striving to be more intentional in your work and life.
• An entrepreneur looking to turn ideas into practical, market-ready solutions.
• A manager or sales leader wanting to build stronger communication and trust with your team and customers.
• Someone curious about innovation, leadership, and building processes that scale.

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark reconnects with longtime friend and industry leader Sarah Betzold, Midwest Region Director for BASF. From dairy farm beginnings and FFA leadership to navigating corporate transitions and leading high-performing teams, Sarah shares powerful lessons on ownership, adaptability, and leading through change. This conversation highlights the messy realities of leadership, the role of vulnerability, and the importance of “owning it” at every level.

Key Takeaways

Leadership Means Ownership

Sarah emphasizes that intentional leadership begins with “owning it.” Whether you’re an admin, sales rep, or regional director, stepping fully into your role creates culture and alignment across the team.

FFA as a Foundation

Her journey—from shy farm girl to state FFA officer—illustrates how leadership opportunities and encouragement early in life shape confidence, resilience, and career direction.

Navigating Change with Vision

Sarah recalls leading a team through the launch of Bravant amid corporate transitions and COVID—proving that clear vision, communication, and reducing hurdles for your team are key in uncertain times.

Vulnerability Builds Trust

Humility and “humble confidence” help leaders connect authentically, celebrate wins, and foster collective accountability, even with large teams.

Begin with the End in Mind

Facing challenges? Sarah advises focusing on the ultimate outcome and stepping into change as though you’ve already won, shifting perspective and energy.

Notable Quotes

• “Being intentional means own it. Leaders own it—and everyone on the team owns it too.” – Sarah Betzold
• “It’s your job to just help it be a little better for everyone on your team.” – Sarah Betzold
• “I would just tell myself not to be so damn arrogant.” – Mark Jewell
• “Vulnerability is really just doing your job—listening, supporting, and guiding your people.” – Sarah Betzold
• “Farmers are still going to farm. Livestock still have to eat. Every year brings change, and every day is a chance to drive up the driveway with something better.” – Mark Jewell & Sarah Betzold
• 
  

Action Steps

• Reflect on how you can “own it” in your current role, regardless of title.
• Practice active listening with your team—notice what drives them and what frustrates them.
• When navigating change, begin with the end in mind and communicate a clear vision.
• Celebrate wins with humility and gratitude, reinforcing that every contribution matters.

Listen If You Are

• A leader navigating change or transition within agribusiness.
• An FFA alum reflecting on how those lessons shaped your leadership.
• A professional seeking practical wisdom on building culture, trust, and resilience in your team.
• Curious about how top industry leaders balance humility, vulnerability, and performance.