The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell welcomes Graig Whitehead, Director of Biologicals and New Tech at ADM Fertilizer. Graig shares invaluable insights on intentional leadership, building meaningful connections, and simplifying complex challenges in the agri-business space. From his boots-on-the-ground approach to developing team rapport during COVID to practical strategies for bridging the gap between the office and the field, this conversation is a must-listen for leaders aiming to deepen relationships and drive results.

• Intentional Leadership Defined:
• For Graig, intentional leadership is about simplifying complexity and prioritizing face-to-face, one-on-one conversations to truly understand people.
• COVID’s Lessons on Connection:
• Transitioning to a new leadership role at ADM Fertilizer during COVID highlighted the importance of making extra efforts to connect with team members, such as follow-up calls to dig deeper into their experiences and build trust.
• The Value of Being Present:
• "Be present in conversations—whether with team members, managers, or family. Genuine attention fosters trust and builds stronger connections."
• Graig’s three-week road trip to visit 17 ADM terminals exemplifies his belief in the power of face-to-face interaction to drive collaboration.
• Leadership in Action:
• Graig recounts a unique management strategy to resolve conflict between high performers by forcing collaboration—a testament to his adaptive and people-focused leadership style.
• Simplifying Challenges:
• Graig emphasizes the importance of breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable tasks, focusing on priorities, and addressing issues before they escalate.
• Communication as a Superpower:
• Regular, unscheduled check-ins foster stronger relationships and prevent employees from associating communication with criticism.
• Building relationships before you need them ensures a solid foundation for tackling future challenges.

• “We often overcomplicate things in leadership. Intentionality is about knowing your people, spending time with them, and speaking directly.” – Graig Whitehead
• “If everyone in the room is thinking the same thing, there’s really only one person thinking.” – Graig Whitehead
• “The first solution to any problem is the cheapest. The longer it waits, the more expensive it gets.” – Graig Whitehead

Loved this episode? Share it with your network and let us know your biggest takeaway. Don’t forget to subscribe for more actionable insights from top leaders in the agribusiness world.

Stay Intentional. Lead with Impact.

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell chats with Brady Eilers, a dynamic leader at Rantizo. Brady shares insights from his journey—from high school math teacher to startup executive—while navigating the challenges of raising four young kids and leading a growing company. Dive into this conversation about intentionality, building culture, and how technology is transforming agriculture.

• What It Means to Be Intentional:
• Brady explains his philosophy of proactive planning, inspired by the quote, “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” He also discusses the visual motivator of the "Wait But Why" life calendar to focus on what truly matters.
• Innovating in Ag Tech:
• Discover how Rantizo is streamlining precision agriculture with drones and an Uber-like platform that connects operators with spraying opportunities, reducing friction and creating new business opportunities.
• Leadership in Startups:
• Brady shares the three questions he asks his team weekly:

1. Are you having fun?
2. Are you learning?
3. Do you feel like you’re making an impact?
4. These questions guide the team’s growth, keep morale high, and ensure alignment with the company’s vision.

• The Power of Transparency:
• Rantizo builds culture by maintaining transparency, even when discussing challenges. People want to be on a winning team, and Brady explains why honest conversations and celebrating wins are crucial to building trust.
• Balancing Family and Work:
• Brady opens up about how early mornings, family time, and coaching his kids’ sports help him maintain balance and energy while leading in a demanding startup environment.

• “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” – Brady Eilers
• “People want to win—they want to spend their 40, 50, 60 hours a week feeling like they’re on a winning team.” – Brady Eilers
• “Vulnerability doesn’t mean being emotionally expensive; it means being honest about where you are.” – Brady Eilers

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In this episode of The Intentional Agri-Business Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Greg Ruehle, President and CEO of Sorghum Growers. They dive deep into the world of sorghum, from its environmental benefits to its growing role in addressing dietary needs. Greg also shares valuable insights on intentional leadership, talent development, and fostering a thriving organizational culture in the agriculture industry.

• What It Means to Be Intentional:
• Greg emphasizes the importance of active listening, intellectual curiosity, and fostering meaningful connections in leadership roles.
• Sorghum’s Growing Impact:
• Discover how sorghum is becoming a staple for health-conscious consumers and its potential to combat water scarcity issues in agriculture.
• The Role of the Farm Bill:
• Greg discusses the critical importance of the Farm Bill in protecting farmers and ensuring long-term sustainability in agriculture.
• Leadership and Culture Building:
• Learn how intentional leadership can help attract and retain top talent, and why clear communication and defined roles are essential for creating a thriving organizational culture.
• Personal Lessons from Leadership:
• Greg opens up about working with boards, developing young talent, and the lasting impact of raising future leaders in agriculture.

• “Being intentional means listening with the purpose of truly understanding.” – Greg Ruehle
• “Sorghum isn’t just a resilient crop—it’s a game-changer for diets and sustainability.” – Mark Jewell
• “Leadership is about rolling up your sleeves and being present with your team.” – Greg Ruehle

Enjoyed this episode? Share your thoughts on social media and tag us! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help others discover the podcast.

In this insightful episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Josh VanDeWalle, a seasoned leader at Bayer. From growing up on a Nebraska farm to leading sustainability initiatives with global food giants, Josh shares his journey of intentional leadership, innovation, and personal growth.

• The Power of Being Fully Present: Josh emphasizes that intentionality begins with showing up fully in every interaction. Whether it’s in conversations, meetings, or personal life, presence is a key driver of meaningful connections and impactful leadership.
• Stretching Beyond Comfort Zones: From engaging in Bayer’s global Catalyst Challenge to partnering with companies like Walmart and PepsiCo, Josh highlights how stepping out of his comfort zone has accelerated his growth and leadership journey.
• Building Culture with Authenticity: Authenticity is critical to fostering trust and creating a healthy workplace culture. Josh shares how leaders can encourage teams by being genuine, open, and consistent in their communication.
• Innovation in Action: Josh’s work on Bayer’s Grower Loyalty Program and his role in developing a new sustainable wheat initiative showcase how intentionality can lead to transformative changes within the agriculture sector.
• Advice for Emerging Leaders: Seek opportunities that challenge you, surround yourself with mentors, and never stop learning. Josh’s career progression is a testament to the value of embracing diverse experiences.

• “Being intentional is about being fully present. It’s about engaging with purpose in every moment.” – Josh VanDeWalle
• “The best leaders reach out directly, even when they don’t have all the answers. That authenticity builds trust.” – Josh VanDeWalle
• “Challenge yourself. Stretch beyond your comfort zone. The growth you’ll experience is invaluable.” – Josh VanDeWalle

This episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders seeking to elevate their intentionality and drive meaningful change in agribusiness. Whether you’re navigating your early career or refining your leadership approach, Josh’s journey offers valuable lessons for everyone.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell is joined by Brad Fruth, Director of Innovation at Beck's Hybrids. Brad shares insights into his unique role, where he collaborates with teams to drive impactful, intentional change and explores cutting-edge innovations that benefit both the company and farmers.

• Intentional Leadership through Service: Brad emphasizes that being intentional starts with waking up each day with a mindset to serve others. It’s about shifting focus from personal gain to impacting those around you.
• Innovation Isn’t Just About Ideas: At Beck's, innovation is more than brainstorming. It’s about action and passion. Brad explains how they foster innovation by empowering passionate individuals to champion projects they truly believe in.
• The Role of Coaching in Leadership: Brad shares how intentional coaching, rooted in honesty and integrity, has transformed the way he guides team members. He believes in giving actionable feedback and watching how individuals respond to challenges.
• Driving Culture in a Rapidly Growing Organization: Brad highlights the importance of hiring for cultural fit and soft skills. At Beck's, they prioritize work ethic, attitude, and adaptability over technical expertise, which can be taught.
• Celebrating Wins and Building Trust: Despite his results-oriented mindset, Brad acknowledges the value of pausing to celebrate successes and recognize the efforts of those around him.

• "To be intentional is to wake up every day with the purpose of serving others." – Brad Fruth
• "Innovation thrives when passionate people solve real problems for their customers." – Brad Fruth
• "A ‘no’ is just as valuable as a ‘yes’—it helps shape the next step forward." – Brad Fruth
• "The best coaching comes from relationships built on trust and genuine care." – Brad Fruth

Join us for a deep dive into intentional leadership, coaching, and fostering innovation in agribusiness. Whether you’re navigating change or seeking inspiration, Brad’s insights will leave you motivated to lead with intention.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Greg Sanford, VP of Sales for Verdesian’s Midwest Region. With a 20-year professional history, Mark and Greg discuss not only their past working relationship but also the transformative power of intentional leadership in agribusiness.

• Being Intentional in Relationships and Self-Care: Greg shares his personal journey toward intentionality, from relationships to self-discipline in health and wellness. Reflecting on his own transformative journey, he emphasizes that intentional living is often about making sacrifices for the greater good—whether it’s through creating a positive work culture or being present for loved ones.
• Creating a People-First Culture: As a relatively new leader managing a high-performing team, Greg reveals his approach to connecting with team members on a personal level. By focusing on individual motivations and aspirations, he strives to build a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and celebrated.
• Navigating Change in Agribusiness: With a career spent at Verdesian through significant changes and challenges, Greg discusses the importance of adaptability. He offers insights on how he leads with stability and consistency, even when the organization faces uncertainties.
• The Power of Pause: Greg highlights a valuable lesson for leaders: “The world belongs to those who pause before reacting.” Taking a step back before making a decision is essential for clear-headed leadership, which he reinforces through his commitment to physical and mental fitness.

• "Intentionality is about creating purpose-driven action to elevate the lives and work of those around you." – Greg Sanford
• "Being intentional starts with how you show up for yourself, from health to relationships, and extends to how you serve your team." – Greg Sanford
• "The world belongs to those who pause before reacting." – Greg Sanford
• "If you can tackle one hard thing each day, like a grueling workout, you set the tone for every other challenge." – Mark Jewell

Tune in to discover Greg’s approach to intentional leadership, his journey toward personal growth, and the ways he’s helping his team excel by focusing on their strengths and fostering a culture of resilience and respect.

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, host Mark Jewell sits down with James Paterson, VP of Sales and co-founder of Agrotech USA, to discuss the essence of intentional leadership and culture-building in agribusiness. James, a former professional rugby player, shares how lessons from rugby, such as "sweeping the sheds" (the idea that no one is too important to do the small tasks), have shaped his approach to leadership and team culture at Agrotech.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentionality Starts Small: James reflects on how the humility to “sweep the sheds” influences a company’s culture, teaching that every team member, from leaders to new hires, contributes to larger goals through small, intentional actions.
2. Adapting to Industry Shifts: With fewer farmers and more digital resources, James emphasizes the importance of hiring sales team members who are adaptable and tech-savvy, as today's clients often make independent buying decisions based on online information.
3. Empowering Through Vulnerability: By fostering an open culture where team members are encouraged to discuss both wins and losses, James highlights how shared experiences and open communication build trust and resilience within the team.
4. Building on Strengths, Not Fixating on Weaknesses: Drawing from both sports and business experience, James explains why focusing on team members’ strengths leads to more productivity and satisfaction, rather than fixating on areas of improvement.
5. Sustainable Motivation Through Physical and Mental Well-being: For James, daily exercise provides a constant amidst the uncertainty of a startup. He underscores the importance of finding a personal practice that brings clarity, whether it's exercise, mindfulness, or other routines.

Notable Quotes:

• "Nobody's too big to do the small things that need to be done." – James Patterson
• "Sustainable culture is built when people can share their losses, learn together, and celebrate wins collectively." – James Patterson
• "The best coaches empower their players to lead and learn from each other, rather than dictating every move." – James Patterson
• "In our team, it's about focusing on strengths, not weaknesses. We ride what each person does best to achieve collective success." – James Patterson
• "For me, exercise is that one constant I control. It sets the tone for clarity, focus, and showing up fully every day." – James Patterson

If you're interested in leadership, building resilient team culture, and learning how small, intentional actions contribute to big results, this episode is for you.

Today, we're celebrating a huge milestone—The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast has reached its 100th episode! In just 10 months since our launch, we've shared powerful insights from leaders across the agribusiness industry, growing our audience and community each step of the way. This episode is a tribute to our journey together and to the eight most downloaded episodes so far, bringing you a mash-up of the top insights that have resonated most with listeners.

What to Expect in This Special Episode:

As we revisit some of the standout moments, you’ll hear wisdom from top industry leaders on intentionality, purpose, and leadership. We’ve collected impactful answers to our signature question, “What does it mean to be intentional?” This mash-up of perspectives reveals the unique ways leaders define and implement intentionality, offering a true snapshot of what intentional leadership means across the agribusiness industry.

From January to now, your support has made this milestone possible. Whether you’re tuning in on your drive, during fieldwork, or on your way to the office, every download, share, and review has helped grow our reach and impact. We’re now consistently reaching close to 1,000 downloads each month, creating a ripple effect of intentionality across the industry.

As we move forward, expect even more dynamic conversations, practical insights, and new approaches to leadership in agribusiness. One of our key focuses will be exploring the different facets of intentional leadership, deepening our understanding of what it means to lead with purpose in today’s evolving landscape.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and here’s to the next 100 episodes of growth, learning, and intentionality! If this episode inspires you, share it with a friend or colleague who might benefit from the wisdom here, and remember to subscribe so you don’t miss out on what’s coming next.

In this insightful episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Sean Vanslyke, CEO of SEMO Electric Cooperative. They dive into the essential role of electric cooperatives in rural communities, the unique challenges of leading a people-centered organization, and how intentional leadership shapes a thriving work culture. Sean shares his personal leadership philosophy and discusses how empathy, vulnerability, and intentional actions make a profound impact on his team and the community he serves.

Key Takeaways:

1. Making Today Better than Yesterday: Sean talks about his daily approach to intentional leadership, focusing on improving each day not just for himself but for others. His goal is to help people achieve things they never thought possible by creating a supportive and empathetic environment.
2. The Role of Electric Cooperatives: SEMO Electric Cooperative serves five counties in Southeast Missouri, providing both electricity and broadband services. Sean explains how co-ops reinvest profits into their communities, having given over $20 million back to members since 1995, and how broadband has been a game changer for rural areas, allowing them to compete on a global stage.
3. Empathy as a Leadership Tool: Sean emphasizes the importance of knowing your people and their personal struggles and triumphs. He shares how empathy drives his leadership style, from celebrating milestones like new babies and marriages to supporting staff dealing with illness or loss. He believes that understanding people’s "why" is key to building a cohesive and motivated team.
4. Building Intentional Culture: Sean discusses his leadership philosophy around creating a culture where employees are "missed but not needed." He introduces six guiding principles that he instills in every team member from day one: Be Early, Smile, Act Safely, Move with Purpose, Don’t Gossip, and Give Thanks. These simple yet powerful principles help foster a strong, intentional culture at SEMO Electric.
5. Facing and Overcoming Challenges: Sean shares some of the biggest hurdles in his career, from self-doubt to dealing with difficult situations like employee theft. He highlights how tough decisions, while painful, are necessary for maintaining integrity and building trust within an organization.
6. The Joy of Watching People Grow: One of Sean’s greatest successes as a leader is watching people achieve things they didn’t think possible, whether it’s in their personal or professional lives. He likens this to coaching young athletes who get a chance to shine in a new role, reflecting the same sense of pride when his team members rise to new challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• "I encourage people to be missed, not needed. When you leave, people should say, 'When Mark was here, we did this,' not 'We need Mark to unlock the door.'"
• "You have to have empathy as a leader. People come to work to provide for their families, and sometimes they come to work to get away from their family challenges."
• "We're always interviewing for jobs, even if it's just seeing who walks into the lobby. You never know who you might meet or how someone might surprise you."

Join us for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, empathy, and creating intentional work environments. Whether you're managing a small team or a large organization, Sean Vanslyke's insights on leadership will inspire you to make a greater impact every day.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Jesse Allen, the National Content Director and host of Agriculture of America and Market Talk. Broadcasting live from Nashville, Jesse shares insights into the role of farm broadcasting in delivering essential information to farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders. With a background in both journalism and music, Jesse's unique career journey highlights the importance of staying present, delivering accurate information, and serving as a neutral voice in an industry that depends on timely updates.

Key Takeaways:

1. Being Intentional in Farm Broadcasting: Jesse explains what it means to be intentional as a farm broadcaster—staying focused, being present, and delivering accurate, unbiased information to the agriculture community. He emphasizes the importance of telling agriculture’s story in a clear, trustworthy manner, especially when farmers and ranchers rely on these updates to make critical decisions.
2. The Trust in Farm Broadcasting: Unlike many other media outlets, farm broadcasters have retained a high level of trust with their audience. Jesse discusses the responsibility that comes with this trust and how farm broadcasting stands apart by delivering content without the noise or sensationalism that often plagues mainstream media.
3. Behind the Scenes of Ag Media: Producing multiple hours of content daily is no easy task. Jesse dives into the complexities of content creation, including how his small but efficient team handles everything from market reports to interviews with high-profile guests like the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He offers a glimpse into the fast-paced world of ag media and the importance of teamwork and attention to detail.
4. The Evolution of Media in Agriculture: Jesse talks about how the rise of podcasts, video content, and social media has transformed farm broadcasting. He encourages agribusiness leaders to take advantage of these platforms to share their stories and connect with their audiences in new and engaging ways.
5. Balancing Passion and Profession: In addition to his broadcasting career, Jesse is a talented musician and songwriter. He shares how he balances his dual passions for agriculture and music while also managing family life. His approach to staying grounded includes checking his ego at the door and remembering the purpose behind his work: telling the story of agriculture.

Notable Quotes:

• "Farm broadcasters are caretakers of the message. We have a responsibility to tell agriculture's story with integrity."
• "It's not about being the first to report the news; it's about getting it right."
• "In today's world, you are your own media entity. Take advantage of the tools at your disposal to promote yourself and your work."

Tune in for an in-depth look at the intentional leadership required in farm broadcasting, and discover how Jesse Allen keeps the agriculture community informed and connected every day.