The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this insightful episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Jordan Thiel, U.S. Sales Manager at ATP, to discuss the power of intentional leadership, building trust, and managing teams effectively in the agribusiness industry.

1. The Importance of Caring and Intentionality in Leadership:

• Jordan shares his belief that the core of successful leadership and sales is showing genuine care. Without demonstrating care, it’s difficult to gain trust or inspire others to follow your lead.
• Sales, particularly in agribusiness, is not about being pushy but about building relationships and trust with customers.

1. Navigating Leadership Challenges:

• Jordan recounts his personal journey in stepping into leadership roles at a young age, managing teams with more experience than him. His approach of being humble, admitting his lack of experience, and asking for help created strong bonds of trust.
• Vulnerability and humility, rather than ego, are essential qualities in leadership.

1. Overcoming Tough Days in Leadership:

• Both Jordan and Mark discuss the reality of burnout and the struggle of staying motivated, especially in high-pressure environments. Jordan shares his personal strategies for rejuvenating his energy and focus, including family time and self-reflection.
• They emphasize the importance of reinvesting in oneself through learning, mentorship, and coaching during moments of low motivation.

1. Retaining Talent in a Competitive Environment:

• Finding and keeping good talent is one of the biggest challenges in agribusiness. Jordan shares his perspective on helping employees succeed by removing obstacles, encouraging open communication, and fostering a culture of growth and trust.
• An effective leader helps employees grow within the company, giving them more responsibility and development opportunities to keep them engaged and committed.

1. Culture Creation and Building a Trusting Environment:

• In a growing organization, establishing a positive and trusting culture is vital. Jordan explains how ATP emphasizes the "why" behind their work, helping employees understand the deeper purpose of their roles and creating alignment with company goals.

1. Lessons in Leadership from Humility and Ownership:

• Jordan reflects on his early management roles, where he learned to admit mistakes openly and take responsibility for errors. This built credibility and trust with his team, further enhancing his leadership effectiveness.
• Mark highlights the importance of extreme ownership, a concept that resonates with many leaders as they navigate the challenges of leading others.

1. Public Speaking and Communication:

• Jordan discusses his personal goal of improving his public speaking skills, aiming to deliver presentations that engage and connect with audiences rather than relying heavily on slides. He sees effective communication as a critical part of leadership.

1. Books and Resources:

• Jordan recommends two influential books:
• Good to Great by Jim Collins, highlighting the importance of getting the right people in the right seats on the bus.
• Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, a simple yet powerful read about adapting to change and seizing new opportunities.

1. Personal Life and Work-Life Balance:

• Jordan shares how spending time with his family, particularly his young son, helps him stay grounded and energized in his work. He emphasizes the importance of balancing work with personal life and creating memorable experiences with loved ones.

• “If you don’t care, your customer will see through you. You can’t expect them to trust you if they don’t feel your genuine interest.”
• “Leadership is about being vulnerable and admitting when you don’t have all the answers. It builds trust and opens doors to growth.”
• “To me, leadership is helping your people remove roadblocks. When you make their lives easier, they perform better.”

For more episodes of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

In this engaging episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark welcomes Rebecca Helget, VP of Sales and Business Development at Integrated Ag Solutions. The episode delves into the significance of intentionality in life and business, focusing on Rebecca's career journey, leadership experiences, and her current role in agribusiness. Rebecca shares her thoughts on hiring the right talent, understanding individual motivations, and the importance of situational leadership.

Throughout the conversation, they explore strategies for cultivating a robust company culture, addressing talent retention, and leveraging cross-functional teams for enhanced productivity. Rebecca emphasizes the value of honesty in job roles, aligning individual and organizational goals, and continuously working on personal development. The episode is rich with actionable insights, particularly for those interested in agribusiness, leadership, and personal growth.

• Intentional Leadership: Rebecca defines intentionality as being deliberate and purposeful in actions, emphasizing its importance in achieving meaningful outcomes.
• Talent Acquisition and Retention: Hiring the right people and understanding their motivations are crucial for long-term retention and success.
• Situational Leadership: Adapting leadership styles to meet individual needs and team dynamics is essential, particularly in diverse and cross-functional environments.
• Personal Development: Continuous self-improvement and reflection are key to effective leadership and achieving personal and professional goals.
• Importance of Sleep and Exercise: Prioritizing sleep and maintaining physical health are vital for sustaining energy and productivity.

1. "Being intentional really is just being deliberate on purpose." - Rebecca Helget
2. "I just feel like we shouldn't be selling people jobs." - Rebecca Helget
3. "The more you understand what everybody fits together, the more you've got a close-knit culture." - Rebecca Helget
4. "If I can do these things, anybody can do these things, it's just being intentional." - Rebecca Helget
5. "Prioritizing your sleep and maintaining physical health are vital for sustaining energy and productivity." - Rebecca Helget

Make sure to tune in to the full episode for more in-depth insights and strategies from Rebecca Helget. Stay updated with the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast for more enlightening conversations and expert advice in the field of agribusiness.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast! Today, Mark Jewell engages in a dynamic conversation with TJ Bradford, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Vayda. Hailing from Mississippi, TJ dives deep into the essence of intentionality in agribusiness and how it separates accidental success from true greatness. From his personal anecdotes of playing basketball to his professional journey, TJ emphasizes the importance of knowing your "why" to fuel resilience and prevent burnout.

In this episode, TJ sheds light on Vayda's mission to scale regenerative agriculture practices and how the company leverages technology to assist farmers in this transition. He discusses practical applications such as cover crops, the significance of soil health, and Vayda's efforts in creating customized solutions for farmers. As a startup, Vayda prioritizes talent acquisition and building a strong company culture through intentional communication and fostering collaborative relationships. TJ's insights into the role of strategic partnerships highlight the importance of collaboration to advance the field of regenerative agriculture.

• Intentionality in Agribusiness: TJ underscores the critical role of being intentional in achieving greatness and understanding the "why" behind actions.
• Regenerative Agriculture: Vayda's focus on conservation, stewardship, and scaling regenerative practices to improve soil health and sustainability.
• Cover Crops: The practical implementation of cover crops as a vital component of regenerative agriculture, tailored to farmers’ specific needs and goals.
• Company Culture in Startups: The importance of intentional team-building and fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration.
• Strategic Partnerships: How Vayda collaborates with various entities, from fertilizer manufacturers to universities, to drive innovation and research in regenerative agriculture.

1. "Intentionality separates accidents from greatness." – TJ Bradford
2. "Discipline without direction is drudgery." – TJ Bradford
3. "Healthy things live. Living things grow, and growing things change." – TJ Bradford
4. "You can't manage time. You can only manage yourself within the time that you're allotted." – TJ Bradford
5. "The smallest world you will ever be a part of is the one where you're the center of it." – TJ Bradford

Listeners are encouraged to delve into the full episode to gain deeper insights into the evolving world of regenerative agriculture and how strategic partnerships and intentionality play pivotal roles. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast!

In this enriching episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ty Higgins from the Ohio Farm Bureau. Higgins shares his seasoned insights on the importance of intentionality, goal-setting, and effective communication within the agricultural realm. The discussion covers his personal journey from a farm broadcasting career to his current role and emphasizes the critical role of storytelling in agriculture.

Throughout the episode, Higgins elaborates on the significance of leveraging social media to foster connections and tell authentic agricultural stories. He underscores that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are vital tools to communicate with consumers, debunk myths, and promote transparency in the ag industry. Moreover, Higgins highlights the importance of personal branding, not only for individuals but also for companies aiming to attract and retain top talent.

The latter part of the conversation explores leadership and cultural dynamics within organizations. Higgins stresses adaptability, understanding the younger workforce, and nurturing an environment that encourages growth and innovation. Real-life examples, including his notable #TenGallonChallenge initiative, illustrate Higgins' commitment to agricultural advocacy and community support. Additionally, he discusses key leadership traits such as vulnerability and patience, essential for driving meaningful change and fostering a collaborative work culture.

• Setting Goals: Ty Higgins emphasizes the importance of writing down and setting specific goals to maintain intentionality and focus in both personal and professional life.
• Leveraging Social Media: Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is crucial for agriculture professionals to communicate with consumers and promote transparency.
• Personal Branding: Establishing a personal brand can significantly enhance career opportunities and organizational visibility in the ag industry.
• Understanding Culture: Appreciating the values and motivations of the younger workforce is essential for attracting and retaining top talent in today’s agribusiness landscape.
• Vulnerability in Leadership: Being open to new experiences and showing vulnerability are key components for growth and effective leadership.

1. Ty Higgins: "For me, it's setting goals right. Every morning I wake up, I set a goal or goals for that day."
2. Ty Higgins: "I think that if you put yourself out there, no one tells your story like you do."
3. Ty Higgins: "I fully believe that when I was hired to work for Ohio Farm Bureau, my social media presence was a major factor."
4. Mark Jewell: "Intentional leaders attract great talent. What’s the number of people standing in line to come work for you?"
5. Ty Higgins: "Vulnerability is a catalyst for growth. Supporting those who put themselves out there and pushing people out of their comfort zone helps everyone expand their potential."

Tune into the full episode to glean deeper insights into Ty Higgins' expert views on leadership, personal branding, the importance of social media in agriculture, and the evolving dynamics of workplace culture. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast.

In this deeply engaging episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell converses with David Ringger, the Training Innovation Manager at Beck's Hybrids. The discussion unearths the profound importance of intentionality, faith, and mentorship in both personal and professional realms. David shares practical tips on staying present, fostering genuine connections, and the overarching power of faith in guiding life's choices.

David delves into his professional journey that spans risk management, food manufacturing, and mergers and acquisitions before finding his true calling at Beck's Hybrids. He highlights the unique culture at Beck's, emphasizing the company's strong focus on personal development, employee engagement, and faith-based training. The episode also covers David's perspectives on overcoming professional hurdles through faith and intentionality. Listeners will find David's experiences and insights highly inspiring and applicable to their own leadership journeys.

• Intentional Presence: David emphasizes the need to be present in interactions, sharing practical tips to avoid distractions and maintain focus.
• Faith and Resilience: Overcoming professional challenges with faith, David’s story underscores the importance of relying on a higher power during times of stress.
• Impact of Mentorship: The fulfillment that comes from mentoring and seeing others succeed is a recurring theme in David's experience.
• Unique Culture at Beck's Hybrids: The company's commitment to employee development and a faith-based approach sets it apart in the industry.
• Practical Advice: Actionable tips on improving employee engagement, using eye contact, three-second reflection before responding, and personalized training plans.

1. "Intentionality really boils down to being in the moment, being focused on the individual I'm with, being focused on the task I'm doing, and avoiding distraction as much as possible." — David Ringger
2. "I take my phone out, I show it to the person I'm talking to, and I turn it over on purpose and I tap it. That tells them and tells me, you've got all of me." — David Ringger
3. "We wash feet. It's a place of service." — David Ringger
4. "Better by the books you read and, and the people you meet." — David Ringger, quoting Sonny Beck
5. "God is sovereign. I really can't control all that much. And I have really good people. Let's trust them to do their job." — David Ringger

Stay tuned and don't miss out on this enriching conversation. Listen to the full episode for more insights on how to be an intentional leader in agribusiness, foster meaningful relationships, and integrate faith into your professional journey. 

In today’s episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, Mark sits down with Jake Gouldie, a seasoned District Manager from Syngenta based in Kansas. Jake shares his profound insights on intentional leadership, the importance of direct communication, and the nuances of managing a geographically dispersed team.

Throughout the episode, Jake emphasizes the significance of being thoughtful, purposeful, and direct in leadership. He introduces the concept of the "three Ds" of intentional leadership: being thoughtful, purposeful, and decisive. Jake discusses his leadership journey, particularly his transition to leading people and how trust, clarity, and collaboration play key roles in his strategy. He also delves into the challenges and opportunities in the seed industry, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation in agribusiness. For those keen on talent attraction and retention, Jake’s emphasis on personal development plans and creating a culture of respect and trust offers invaluable insights.

• Three Ds of Leadership: Thoughtfulness, purposefulness, and decisiveness form the backbone of effective and intentional leadership.
• Trust and Communication: Building trust and maintaining clear, direct communication are crucial for leading a geographically dispersed team.
• Collaborative Goal Setting: Cultivating a culture of collaboration where goals are set together and focusing on the delta (gap) improves team dynamics and goal achievement.
• Continuous Development: Investing in personal development plans and creating opportunities for team members to grow professionally helps in talent retention.
• Vulnerability in Leadership: Being open and vulnerable as a leader fosters trust and respect among team members.

• “For me, I think I can boil it down to a few things. One, be thoughtful, be purposeful. Number two, and I think the third one that probably gets overlooked a lot for me when it comes to being intentional, is being direct.” - Jake Gouldie
• “Intentional leadership has to be decisive. It doesn't wait around. It doesn't wait to be told.” - Mark Jewell
• “For me, the biggest wind, though, is there's people that were on it, you know, one of the first teams I managed seven or eight years ago, and I get their Christmas cards and their baby announcements. And to me, that is actually one of the biggest wins.” - Jake Gouldie
• “You have to be comfortable with your leader. You don't always have to be comfortable with the task or the direction.” - Jake Gouldie
• “Focus on the controllables. It's a lot easier to keep your energy up if you don't spend a lot of time thinking about the things that you can't change or control.” - Jake Gouldie

For a deep dive into intentional leadership and to gain more practical insights from industry professionals like Jake Gouldie, be sure to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, Mark Jewell hosts Craig Dick, the VP of Sales and Marketing at Phospholutions, Inc. Craig shares his perspective on what it means to be intentional, emphasizing the importance of making decisions that expand rather than limit one's opportunities. Growing up on a farm, Craig’s career has been diverse, from working with startups to leading sales strategies in well-established companies. His insights into sales and marketing, particularly in the agribusiness sector, offer valuable lessons for listeners.

Throughout the conversation, key themes include the importance of culture, intentional decision-making, and the unique challenges and rewards associated with working in startup environments. Craig discusses the significance of maintaining a consistent marketing message, celebrating team achievements, and fostering a positive and supportive company culture. He also details the strategic approach Phospholutions, Inc takes in positioning their innovative products in the market to ensure both sustainability and profitability. The dynamic interplay of his professional insights with personal anecdotes provides a rich narrative that both informs and inspires.

• Intentionality in Decision-Making: Craig stresses making mindful decisions that expand opportunities and network rather than limiting them.
• Building a Strong Company Culture: The company values at Phospholutions, Inc—mindful, original, and bold—play a central role in their operational success.
• Challenges of Startup Environments: Craig highlights both the unique challenges and rewards of bringing new technologies to market in the agribusiness sector.
• Consistency in Marketing: The importance of maintaining a robust and consistent marketing message over time to ensure customer retention and brand recognition.
• Importance of Personal Well-Being: Craig emphasizes the role of physical health, including exercise and proper nutrition, in maintaining high energy and productivity levels.

1. "For me, it's being mindful of where you want to go and what you want to accomplish, but making decisions along the way that increase your options and not reduces them."
2. "We just really have a different view on how to bring agricultural products to market as a startup than what you've historically seen the last 10-15 years in agriculture."
3. "What they've created here from a culture standpoint is just unlike anything I've ever been a part of."
4. "It's about being intentional from day one of what are you trying to build and what kind of team are you trying to put together."
5. "If you find that message that is a bit sticky and you find people reacting to it, you're going to be bored to tears repeating the benefits, but it takes the channel a long time to remember it."

We encourage listeners to dive into the full episode for a deeper understanding of how intentionality and culture drive success in agribusiness. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions in upcoming episodes of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast!

In this compelling episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell dives deep into a conversation with Jordan Howe, an area manager at Nutrien Financial. Jordan shares his journey from a farm kid in eastern Iowa to managing a vast territory across the U.S. and Canada. The episode explores the essence of being intentional, leadership challenges, and the nuances of managing a diverse team within a leading agricultural organization.

Throughout the discussion, Jewell and Howe touch on crucial themes like the importance of purpose and clarity in leadership, the evolving dynamics of workforce management, and the significance of personal development. With a focus on creating a balanced and fulfilling work environment, Jordan emphasizes the need for authenticity, investing in oneself, and understanding the unique motivations of team members. This episode is rich with insights for anyone interested in leadership, personal growth, and the agricultural industry.

• Purpose and Clarity: Understanding and aligning your actions with a clear purpose is vital for intentional leadership.
• Managing Diverse Teams: Effective leadership involves recognizing and respecting varied personalities and experiences within the team.
• Generational Dynamics: Bridging the age gap in teams requires authenticity, caring leadership, and an understanding of different life experiences.
• Self-Investment: Investing in personal mental and physical well-being enhances your capacity to lead and support others effectively.
• Creating Positive Work Environments: Building a work culture where employees feel supported and valued can lead to high retention and satisfaction.

1. "To me, being intentional means having a purpose, but also having clarity around that purpose." – Jordan Howe
2. "The fun part is we're dealing with farmers every day, and the respect for those people provides a little clarity." – Jordan Howe
3. "A lot of those self-doubts were in my own mind; people just want a good leader." – Jordan Howe
4. "Create an environment that others can't mimic or match, understanding their wants and needs." – Jordan Howe
5. "Be where your feet are. It's really working on being present and mentally clear." – Jordan Howe

Tune in to the full episode for an in-depth look at effective leadership strategies and the personal experiences that have shaped Jordan's approach to managing a diverse team in a leading agricultural organization. Stay connected for more insightful content from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast!

In this illuminating episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell engages in a profound discussion with Zach Martin, Director of Field Sales at Sound Agriculture. The conversation dives deeply into what it means to be an intentional leader in the agribusiness sector, emphasizing intentionality in leadership and the importance of digging deep where valuable opportunities lie. Using the analogy from the movie "Holes," Zach illustrates how leaders should focus their energy on digging where they are confident in finding treasure, thus connecting with their team's undiscovered potential.

Throughout the episode, key topics include the critical aspects of company culture, transparent communication, and the necessity of trust and confidence in the workplace. Zach discusses the impact of recent structural changes at Sound Agriculture, shedding light on the challenges and strategies in attracting and retaining talent. He emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships within the team and fostering a culture of honesty and openness.

• Intentional Leadership: Zach Martin explains how intentional leadership involves focusing on areas with potential and avoiding busywork that doesn't yield productive outcomes.
• Transparency and Vulnerability: Emphasizing the need for transparent and vulnerable communication, especially during times of change, helps to build trust within a team.
• Company Culture: Zach sheds light on the significance of creating an intentional company culture through unified purpose and deep, meaningful relationships among team members.
• Consistency in Personal Growth: Zach's personal journey underscores the importance of consistent self-care and growth to enhance one's effectiveness as a leader.
• Resource Utilization: The use of tools like Slack for internal communication and cultivating shared interests among employees helps to strengthen team bonds in a geographically dispersed company.

1. "For me, I think it's digging deep where you're confident that there's treasure." – Zach Martin
2. "The goal is not to be busy. It is to be productive." – Mark Jewell
3. "You've got to have people that are bought into a common purpose." – Zach Martin
4. "Vulnerability is a lot of times viewed as a weakness. I would view it as a superpower." – Zach Martin
5. "You have to have folks that trust what we're saying and how we're leading." – Zach Martin

Dive into the full episode for more insights!

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, Mark Jewell chats with Amy Kinsler, VP of Sales, Marketing, and Communications at Keystone Cooperative. Amy delves into the intricacies of leading a newly merged cooperative, focusing on intentional leadership, consistency, and strategic planning. She sheds light on how maintaining a calm presence can influence an organization during times of change and the importance of setting up a new organization with clear values and mission.

Amy discusses the innovative approaches Keystone Cooperative takes in talent attraction and retention, highlighting their new "Seed" program in collaboration with Indiana FFA. This initiative aims to develop high school seniors into future agribusiness professionals through a structured two-year program. Amy also emphasizes the importance of a well-built culture, the alignment of mission and values, and how these elements drive Keystone's success.

• Consistency: Amy stresses that consistent leadership helps build trust and stability within the team, especially during mergers and significant organizational changes.
• Well-Built Strategy: A strategic long-term plan is crucial for navigating market fluctuations and organizational growth.
• Talent Development: The "Seed" program is an innovative approach to attracting and cultivating new talent directly from high schools, aligning with Keystone’s mission and values.
• Culture as a Filter: Using culture as a decision-making tool ensures that actions and initiatives are aligned with the company's core values and mission.
• Empowerment and Delegation: Empowering team members to make decisions fosters trust and enhances performance across the organization.

1. "Calm is contagious." – Amy Kinsler
2. "A well-built strategy allows you to be consistent because you're able to play the long game." – Amy Kinsler
3. "When you hear your team repeat the language or the message back to you, you know it's resonating." – Amy Kinsler
4. "We want the person closest to the farmer, closest to the customer, to be the decision-maker." – Amy Kinsler
5. "Being authentic to myself and my talents was what started to drive my capacity within my roles." – Amy Kinsler

Tune in to this insightful episode to explore more about how Keystone Cooperative is setting new benchmarks in agribusiness through intentional leadership, innovative talent programs, and a deeply ingrained culture. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring industry leaders and their transformative strategies.