In this episode, Mark Jewell sits down with Shane Johnson, VP of Agronomy at United Cooperative, to discuss what it means to lead intentionally in the ever-changing agribusiness industry. Shane shares insights from his 17-year career in agriculture, including strategies for team development, navigating industry challenges, and maintaining a family-first leadership culture. From training young agronomists to tackling negativity during tough economic times, Shane’s leadership approach is both inspiring and practical.

• Intentional Leadership Defined:
• Shane emphasizes setting a clear path and moving forward with purpose, even amidst the curveballs of agribusiness.
• Family-First Leadership Culture:
• At United Cooperative, Shane prioritizes work-life balance, encouraging his team to put family first, even during busy seasons. This culture contributes to strong retention rates and a positive work environment.
• Navigating Transitions:
• Shane’s shift from agronomist to leader was natural, thanks to his focus on mentorship and building relationships. He encourages leaders to learn from mentors and surround themselves with people who challenge them to grow.
• Training the Next Generation:
• United Cooperative invests heavily in young seller training, focusing on agronomic knowledge, sales techniques, and building confidence to overcome objections.
• Staying Positive in Tough Times:
• Despite current challenges like lower commodity prices and higher input costs, Shane urges his team to stay focused on opportunities and avoid falling into negativity.

• “When this career is over, all we have is our family in the end.” – Shane Johnson
• “You can’t cut your way to prosperity; you have to yield your way to prosperity.” – Shane Johnson
• “Where your focus goes, your energy flows.” – Mark Jewell
• “The times I’ve been most resentful are when I’ve been the least intentional.” – Mark Jewell

1. Surround Yourself with Strong Leaders:

• Learn from mentors and peers who challenge and inspire you.

1. Focus on Family:

• Building a family-first culture can improve retention and team morale.

1. Invest in Training:

• Regular training for young staff ensures they’re equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

1. Adopt a Positive Mindset:

• Avoid getting caught in negativity cycles, even during difficult market conditions.

1. Embrace Technology:

• Use automation and the latest tools to increase operational efficiency and support team success.

Stay intentional, stay focused, and let your leadership create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others.

In this compelling episode, Mark Jewell welcomes Lon Stroschein, founder of Normal 40, to explore the journey of intentional leadership and life transitions. From his South Dakota farm roots to becoming a corporate executive and eventually founding Normal 40, Lon shares powerful insights on courage, clarity, and finding meaning in midlife. Together, Mark and Lon discuss themes of leadership, personal growth, and the evolving role of agribusiness professionals.

• What It Means to Be Intentional:
• Lon defines intentionality as "trust with clarity where you expect to be led and lead others," emphasizing the importance of clarity, consistency, and proactive daily actions.
• From Wandering to Clarity:
• Lon's concept of Normal 40 speaks to professionals who feel caged, frustrated, or unfulfilled despite external success. His story of leaving a high-powered executive role resonates with anyone questioning their career path or legacy.
• Courage vs. Confidence:
• Making big life changes isn’t about starting with confidence; it’s about leaning into courage. Confidence is built through courageous action and persistence.
• Building a Backup Plan:
• Lon stresses the importance of developing a side project or skill—not necessarily for income but for proof of your own potential and as a confidence-builder.
• Insights for Agribusiness Leaders:
• Leaders in agribusiness must balance the needs of their teams and customers while remaining intentional in their roles. Empowering employees to solve problems in their own way fosters engagement and innovation.

• “If you wait until you’re ready, you better be ready to wait.” – Lon Stroschein
• “You’re not going to leave with confidence. You’re going to leave with courage. Confidence comes later.” – Lon Stroschein
• “The best life is hard to make a living at, but don’t confuse those two things.” – Lon Stroschein’s father
• “Leadership is a reflection. Your environment reflects back the things you need to work on.” – Mark Jewell

1. Define What You Don’t Want:

• Start by identifying what’s not working. This process can illuminate the path toward what truly matters.

1. Save Early, Save Often:

• Delayed gratification and early savings can provide the freedom to explore new opportunities later in life.

1. Develop a Side Project:

• A side hustle or skill gives you confidence, options, and proof that you’re capable of more.

1. Empower Your Team:

• Allow employees the freedom to solve problems in their way, creating a culture of trust and engagement.

1. Celebrate Agriculture’s Unique Lifestyle:

• Recognize the richness of agricultural life and invite others to experience its rewards, even amid its challenges.

Intentional leadership begins with intentional self-reflection. Take the first step today.

Host Mark Jewell welcomes Kacee Bohle, founder of AgriMinds, to explore how intentionality and mindset can transform both personal and professional life in the agriculture industry. Kacee shares her journey from career uncertainty to launching AgriMinds, a coaching program designed to help agribusiness professionals thrive. The conversation dives deep into topics like mindset, leadership, career transitions, and the power of building authentic connections in the ag space.

• Intentionality as a Skill:
• Being intentional means proactively planning and aligning actions with values and goals. Kacee emphasizes the importance of anticipating choices and embracing both proactive and reactive moments.
• The AgriMinds Journey:
• AgriMinds is a 12-week coaching program tailored to the ag industry, blending personal growth with professional development. Participants explore mindset, tools, and habits to show up better at home and in the field.
• Mindset Shifts Drive Growth:
• Addressing limiting beliefs—like scarcity or victim mindsets—can unlock new opportunities. Kacee discusses practical ways to identify and shift unproductive thought patterns, empowering individuals to thrive.
• The Power of Ownership Mindset:
• Transitioning from an employee to an owner mindset requires reflection and intentionality. Whether running your own business or stepping into a leadership role, adopting an ownership mentality leads to greater impact and fulfillment.
• Collaboration Over Competition:
• Kacee highlights the abundance mindset, where collaboration among peers creates opportunities for growth, learning, and shared success within the ag industry.

• "Being intentional is about planning to plan—thinking ahead and aligning actions with your purpose." – Kacee Bohle
• "The question isn't 'how do I do this?' but 'who do I need to become to lead this?'" – Mark Jewell
• "Growth happens when we pause, reflect, and intentionally shift what isn’t working for us." – Kacee Bohle
• "Generosity gets rewarded with in-kind generosity. Share your platform and lift others up." – Mark Jewell

• Assess Your Mindset:
• Reflect on beliefs about money, success, and relationships. Identify and shift unproductive patterns.
• Embrace Ownership in Your Role:
• Whether as an employee or entrepreneur, approach challenges with an owner’s mindset and seek to create value in every situation.
• Seek Growth Opportunities:
• Engage in programs like AgriMinds to develop tools, community, and habits that foster intentional growth.
• Collaborate, Don’t Compare:
• Focus on your unique strengths and collaborate with peers instead of competing, creating a ripple effect of success.
• Pause to Reflect:
• Take time for quiet reflection to gain clarity and make intentional choices about your next steps.

Intentionality fuels transformation. Take the first step today.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell is joined by Lana Green, National Account Manager at Vive Crop Protection. Lana, a fellow North Carolinian originally from South Dakota, shares her approach to intentional living, both personally and professionally. From managing her time effectively to fostering professional development, Lana’s insights will inspire leaders to align their actions with their values. She also offers a glimpse into her role at Vive and how intentionality plays a crucial role in building strong teams and fostering growth.

• Intentional Living Starts with Self-Care:
• For Lana, intentionality begins with self-care, emphasizing the importance of personal time management and maintaining a regular schedule. Only by taking care of herself can she show up as her best self in her professional role.
• Deliberate Choices Lead to Clarity and Focus:
• Lana explains that living intentionally means making conscious, deliberate choices that align with personal and organizational values. This clarity helps maintain a positive mindset and focus on achieving goals.
• Being Best in Class Requires Intentionality:
• Organizations aiming for "best in class" products and services must start by fostering best-in-class people. This requires individuals to prioritize intentional living to show up as their best selves in every role.
• The Value of Professional Development:
• Professional development is key to attracting and retaining talent. Lana stresses the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and offering opportunities for employees to grow both as individual contributors and as influencers within their organizations.
• Mentorship is a Non-Negotiable for Success:
• For Lana, mentorship is an essential part of her career journey. She maintains relationships with mentors at different levels (senior, peer, and external) to stay true to herself, receive valuable feedback, and navigate challenges effectively.
• Effective Time Management for Leaders:
• Lana reflects on the challenges of managing time in a world filled with constant data and distractions. She emphasizes the need to prioritize urgent and important tasks while being intentional about setting aside time for reflection and meaningful work.

• “Being intentional means making deliberate choices to reflect on what’s most important, both personally and professionally.” – Lana Green
• “In order to be best in class, individuals need to make sure their intentionality is at a high level.” – Lana Green
• “Mentorship is a non-negotiable for me, both professionally and personally.” – Lana Green
• “Would you rather be rushed or busy? I’d rather be intentional with my time.” – Lana Green
• “Living intentionally is about being the same person in every room you enter.” – Lana Green

1. Make Self-Care a Priority:

• Leaders should prioritize their physical, emotional, and mental well-being to show up as their best selves for their teams and organizations.

1. Implement Deliberate Time Management:

• Schedule time for reflection and ensure that your daily activities align with your values and priorities. Be mindful of the tasks that need immediate attention versus those that can be addressed later.

1. Foster Professional Development:

• Organizations should invest in mentorship programs and opportunities for growth to retain top talent and nurture leadership development.

1. Build a Strong Mentorship Network:

• Seek out mentors at various levels—senior, peer, and external—to gain a variety of perspectives and remain true to yourself while navigating challenges.

1. Focus on Consistency:

• Make sure that intentionality remains consistent in both professional and personal life, showing up the same way in every situation and maintaining a high level of authenticity.

Lana Green’s approach to intentional living emphasizes clarity, focus, and consistent effort in both personal and professional realms. As leaders, aligning our actions with our values and committing to self-care allows us to show up as our best selves and lead with purpose.

Leadership is a journey—let’s make it an intentional one.

In this episode, Mark Jewell welcomes Josh Hilbrands, the new CEO of AgPlus in southwest Minnesota. With over two decades of co-op experience, Josh dives into the importance of intentional leadership, culture-building, and navigating the challenges of leading an organization post-merger. He shares his approach to fostering accountability, unifying teams, and keeping a people-first focus while leading change with trust and clarity.

• Defining Intentional Leadership:
• For Josh, intentionality means consistency, accountability, and following through on commitments.
• Being intentional ensures alignment between goals, execution, and team dynamics.
• Challenges and Surprises in Stepping Up as CEO:
• Biggest learning curves: managing insurance, banking, and deeper financial oversight.
• The pleasant surprise: incredibly low turnover (2%) and a culture of dedicated, long-tenured employees.
• Culture and Accountability:
• People and culture are the differentiators in any business. AgPlus prioritizes inclusion, feedback, and trust.
• Moving from "good to great" requires clear accountability and consistent processes across all divisions.
• Managing Post-Merger Dynamics:
• Mergers bring unique challenges, including identity crises and lingering competition among legacy teams.
• Intentional change management focuses on fostering unity, removing friction, and aligning teams under a shared vision.
• The Role of Accountability in Unity:
• Employees often ask for accountability because it creates clarity, consistency, and fairness.
• Addressing friction and aligning standards helps teams operate more efficiently and with greater trust.

• “People don’t leave companies, they leave people. Culture and leadership matter.” – Josh Hilbrands
• “All the times in life I’ve been the most resentful are because of the times I’ve been the least intentional.” – Mark Jewell
• “When we all agree on the plan, it’s hard to argue with the direction. Stick to the plan and execute.” – Josh Hilbrands
• “Change is hard, but it’s necessary. Intentionality is how we move from friction to unity.” – Mark Jewell

1. Create Accountability with Intention:

• Set clear goals and hold teams accountable to ensure consistent progress.
• Build a culture where feedback is valued and employees feel part of the solution.

1. Focus on Unity During Change:

• Remove legacy barriers and create a shared vision post-merger or during transitions.
• Communicate clearly and align teams under a single identity.

1. Trust and Listen to Your Team:

• Leadership thrives when employees feel seen, heard, and involved in decision-making processes.

1. Balance Action with Patience:

• Leaders must slow down, analyze challenges, and avoid reactive decision-making to make informed, intentional moves.

Leadership is a journey—let’s make it an intentional one.

Mark Jewell sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, Director of Agronomy at Nutrien, to discuss intentional leadership, talent retention, and the importance of rest in high-performance roles. Dr. Wyant shares his journey from digging soil pits in the desert to leading agronomy efforts at the world’s largest NPK producer. This episode is packed with actionable insights for agribusiness leaders, covering everything from celebrating team wins to capturing institutional knowledge.

• Intentional Leadership:
• Being intentional means carving out time and prioritizing what truly matters, even amidst the whirlwind of professional and personal demands.
• Leaders must recognize where team members are in their journey and tailor their support accordingly.
• The Role of Rest in Productivity:
• Rest is essential for maintaining decision quality and sustaining leadership energy.
• Incorporating downtime into your schedule leads to better performance and avoids burnout.
• Talent Development and Retention:
• Value your team members’ contributions and help them align their goals with organizational objectives.
• Pairing new employees with seasoned veterans fosters skill development and long-term success.
• Celebrating Wins:
• Take time to acknowledge achievements—both big and small.
• Celebrating milestones builds morale and strengthens team culture.
• Capturing Institutional Knowledge:
• With an aging workforce, it’s critical to document and preserve the expertise of experienced team members.
• Simple practices, like recording interviews, can help retain valuable organizational insights.

• “To be intentional, you carve out what’s important, put it on the mantle, and give it priority.” – Dr. Karl Wyant
• “You can’t go 24/7 as a manager. Rest is where decision quality comes from.” – Dr. Karl Wyant
• “Focus on what’s working, celebrate wins, and build a culture of gratitude.” – Mark Jewell
• “If you’re not listening to the experienced folks on your team, you’re missing half the game.” – Dr. Karl Wyant

1. Incorporate Rest: Schedule time to recharge as part of your leadership strategy.
2. Celebrate Successes: Make a habit of recognizing individual and team achievements.
3. Preserve Knowledge: Record conversations with experienced employees to capture institutional wisdom.
4. Tailor Leadership Support: Adapt your management style to meet team members where they are.
5. Embrace Passion Projects: Exploring interests outside of work can spark creativity and fresh perspectives.

Lead with intention, celebrate progress, and infuse energy into all that you do.

In this insightful episode, Mark Jewell welcomes Tim Hammerich, host of the Future of Agriculture Podcast and partner at Cogent Consulting, for a deep dive into intentional leadership, culture building, and navigating challenges in agribusiness. From their shared FFA roots to current leadership hurdles, Mark and Tim explore how intentionality shapes success in business and life. Tim also shares his journey transitioning from recruitment to communications consulting and how embracing "infinite games" has transformed his perspective on success.

• Intentional Leadership Starts with Choices:
• Being intentional is about making definitive choices and accepting the opportunity cost of those decisions.
• Leaders who embrace intentionality attract like-minded individuals, creating strong, aligned teams.
• Building a Strong Organizational Culture:
• Define core values and repeat them consistently. For Tim’s Little League team, these were: effort, respect, and teamwork.
• Prioritize what matters most to your organization, and be honest about your limitations.
• Lessons in Talent Retention:
• Know who you are as an employer—set realistic expectations for your team.
• Align talent with company values and needs to ensure long-term success and engagement.
• The Power of Infinite Games:
• Shift focus from finite goals (e.g., earning a specific income) to infinite pursuits like designing a fulfilling lifestyle.
• An infinite mindset creates resilience and sustained motivation.
• Energy Management > Time Management:
• Prioritize movement, hydration, and rest to maximize productivity and focus.
• Working on high-leverage tasks rather than low-value activities leads to greater impact and fulfillment.

• “Intentionality is about making a choice, even when it means closing other doors.” – Tim Hammerich
• “The leaders winning the talent game are those who know what they stand for—and what they don’t.” – Mark Jewell
• “Don’t try to do so much. Focus on what’s most important and let go of the rest.” – Tim Hammerich
• “The ag economy is tough right now. Give yourself grace and prioritize taking care of yourself.” – Tim Hammerich

1. Create Intentional Culture: Define and embody your core values. Reiterate them consistently to build alignment.
2. Focus on Energy Management: Stay hydrated, get quality sleep, and move regularly to sustain high performance.
3. Prioritize the Infinite Game: Focus on long-term fulfillment and growth rather than short-term wins.
4. Evaluate Your Time: Assess the financial and personal ROI of your activities to focus on what truly matters.

Tim leaves listeners with an important reminder to give themselves grace during challenging times. Whether navigating the complexities of agribusiness or balancing personal responsibilities, taking care of yourself and staying intentional can lead to greater fulfillment and resilience.

Lead with intention, embrace the infinite game, and thrive in all areas of life!

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Daniel Stephens, Chief Sales Officer at TIMAC Agro. Daniel shares his journey in agriculture, leadership philosophy, and the strategies TIMAC uses to build a winning culture. From embracing honesty and transparency to fostering a team-oriented environment, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders in agribusiness. Plus, Daniel and Mark dive into personal stories about the importance of stepping back, resetting, and connecting with nature.

• What It Means to Be Intentional:
• Clear communication and collaboration are the foundation of intentional leadership.
• Surround yourself with a strong team and maintain open dialogue to collectively achieve success.
• Building a Strong Team Culture:
• Make work fun and engaging by celebrating wins and fostering camaraderie.
• Invest in relationships that create a sense of belonging and loyalty within the organization.
• Practical examples from TIMAC include attending events together, organizing escape rooms, and group barbecues.
• The Value of Transparency and Integrity:
• Honesty builds trust with customers and employees alike.
• Leaders must model vulnerability and acknowledge their mistakes to create a culture of accountability.
• Lessons from Personal Stories:
• Early life lessons, like Daniel’s story of breaking his father’s pencil, illustrate the long-term value of honesty and owning mistakes.
• Mark ties in the Biblical story of Adam and Eve to emphasize the human tendency to hide from failure and the importance of overcoming it.
• Guiding Young Talent in Agribusiness:
• Help new employees understand the effort and time required to build trust and relationships in the industry.
• Pair younger professionals with experienced mentors who can guide them in “what right looks like.”
• Prioritizing Rest and Resetting:
• Leaders need time to disconnect and recharge to be fully present.
• Nature, hobbies, and downtime are essential for maintaining personal well-being and peak performance.

• “Being intentional means creating clear communication and a vision everyone can align with.” – Daniel Stephens
• “Bad news doesn’t get better with time—rip the band-aid off and deal with it.” – Daniel Stephens
• “When we create a culture of transparency and honesty, we build trust and stronger relationships within our teams.” – Mark Jewell
• “The agribusiness industry is tough, but with the right team culture, you can make it a fulfilling and enjoyable place to work.” – Daniel Stephens

• Be Transparent: Acknowledge mistakes openly and create an environment where employees feel safe to do the same.
• Celebrate Wins: From group outings to personal gestures like birthday texts, small acts build team morale.
• Help New Talent Grow: Pair younger employees with mentors and help them see the long-term value of relationship-building.
• Find Your Reset: Make time for hobbies, nature, or other activities that allow you to recharge and bring your best self to work.

What resonated most with you from this episode? Share your insights or stories about team building and leadership with us on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review for the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell engages in a deep and dynamic conversation with Jason Minton, a leader at Taranis. With a background in both large corporations and small, innovative startups, Jason shares his unique perspective on intentional leadership, coaching, and fostering empowerment within teams. This episode is packed with actionable insights on balancing work and life, creating meaningful connections, and leading with purpose.

Jason Minton is a seasoned leader with experience in large corporations like Bayer and smaller, innovative companies like Taranis. He’s passionate about fostering coaching cultures, empowering teams, and aligning work with purpose. Jason balances his professional life with personal growth activities, such as leading a men’s group and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

• The Essence of Intentional Leadership:
• Focus on understanding and supporting those around you.
• Prioritize growth—your own and others’—to create a ripple effect of development and success.
• Empowering Teams:
• Empowerment involves autonomy, accountability, and consistent coaching.
• Recognize and reward good decisions while addressing mistakes constructively.
• Connect team members to the purpose and impact of their work to foster engagement and motivation.
• Navigating Cultural Integration in Mergers:
• Unify teams early by focusing on shared goals and purpose.
• Understand what’s important to all parties involved to create a cohesive culture.
• Avoid delays in alignment to minimize conflicts and maximize collaboration.
• Balancing Work and Life:
• Leaders must model healthy work habits, as employees mimic behaviors they observe.
• Establish clear boundaries and prioritize meaningful work-life integration.
• Creating Space for Reflection and Growth:
• Intentional time-blocking for strategic work, one-on-one meetings, and personal development is essential.
• Leaders should maintain consistent developmental coaching sessions with their teams.

• “Empowering others means giving them the autonomy to make decisions, even mistakes, and trusting them to grow through the process.” – Jason Minton
• “We often overestimate what we can accomplish in a day, but underestimate what we can achieve in a month or year.” – Mark Jewell
• “Aligning teams around a North Star—your vision, mission, and values—keeps everyone grounded and motivated.” – Mark Jewell
• “Leadership is about connecting people to the purpose of their work and helping them see the difference they’re making.” – Jason Minton

• Celebrate Wins: Identify people you can share successes with, not just challenges.
• Coaching as a Priority: Block time for one-on-one development discussions and make them non-negotiable.
• North Star Alignment: Start meetings by revisiting your vision, mission, and values to keep teams focused on what truly matters.
• Hobbies for Refreshment: Engage in activities that allow you to recharge and bring a fresh perspective to your leadership.

It’s your time to #thrivetoday.

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Brandi Miller, President & CEO of the Kansas Co-op Council and Co-founder of Tritica Biosciences. Brandi shares her insights on intentional leadership, her passion for supporting co-ops and innovation in agriculture, and the journey of stepping into her family business. This episode is packed with actionable advice on prioritizing relationships, navigating legislative challenges, and building capacity for success in agri-business.

• Intentional Leadership Defined:
• For Brandi, being intentional means leaning in, putting away distractions, asking thoughtful questions, and focusing on purposeful action rather than just staying busy.
• The Kansas Co-op Council’s Mission:
• Brandi outlines the Council’s three key roles:
• Advocacy: Protecting cooperative interests and navigating legislative challenges like urban migration and water issues.
• Education: Focusing on capacity building for directors while offering high-level employee training.
• Public Relations: Highlighting the critical role of co-ops in Kansas agriculture.
• Leadership in Action:
• Brandi highlights the importance of understanding what employees truly need from their roles, whether it’s flexibility, benefits, or professional growth opportunities.
• The shift from property tax concerns to labor shortages post-COVID has driven innovative solutions for talent retention in agriculture.
• Innovation at Tritica Biosciences:
• Brandi and her husband are working to revolutionize grain milling through a patented process that opens new doors for wheat usage, especially in cell-free protein synthesis. Their journey into business ownership together underscores the value of complementing each other’s strengths.
• Overcoming Challenges:
• Brandi candidly shares her ongoing battle with public speaking, a hurdle she has faced through consistent practice and seeking opportunities to improve.
• Learning piano as an adult serves as an inspiring personal example of embracing discomfort to grow.

• “Intentionality is about doing things with purpose, not just doing them because you’ve always done them.” – Brandi Miller
• “Organizations that thrive understand what their employees truly need, whether it’s flexibility, time off, or competitive benefits.” – Brandi Miller
• “Sometimes the greatest lessons come in the rearview mirror, from leaders you didn’t fully appreciate in the moment.” – Brandi Miller
• “We shouldn’t measure our worth by how busy we are. Being efficient and effective is where the real value lies.” – Brandi Miller

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 leaders across the agribusiness industry.