The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Raj Madam, Director of Innovation at Chamberlin Agriculture. Based on the West Coast, Chamberlin Agriculture is at the forefront of biologicals and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Madam shares insights into leading with intention, the importance of a clear vision, and how Chamberlin Agriculture is navigating the complexities of innovation in agriculture.

Dr. Maddam discusses the challenges of introducing new technologies and products to growers and how the focus is on solving real-world problems, rather than simply pushing products. He highlights the importance of sustainable practices, soil health, and green chemistries in the future of farming. The episode also dives into Dr. Maddam’s personal journey from Australia to the U.S., his groundbreaking work in gene-editing poppies, and the importance of balancing profitability with sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Clear Vision and Leadership: Leading with a clear vision that communicates both goals and sustainability to your team is critical for success.
• Problem-Solving Approach: Successful innovation requires focusing on real agronomic problems faced by growers and offering data-backed solutions.
• Sustainability in Agriculture: Chamberlin Agriculture is pioneering the use of biologicals and green chemistries to reduce CO2 emissions and promote soil health.
• Technology Adoption: Adoption of new technologies is often slow but effective when the benefits are clearly demonstrated through trial data and real-world outcomes.
• Gene Editing and Innovation: Dr. Maddam’s research into gene-editing poppies offers a glimpse into the potential future of reducing the harmful effects of opioids while maintaining their medicinal benefits.

Notable Quotes:

• “Having a clear path and vision is one of the main attributes of an intentional leader.”
• “We are solving real-world problems, not just selling a product. That’s how we create trust with our growers.”
• “Farmers are the best scientists because they’re constantly evolving with new challenges.”
• “Our vision is towards sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and offering green chemistries for the future of agriculture.”

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how Chamberlin Agriculture is innovating for a more sustainable and profitable future in agriculture while tackling some of the biggest challenges in the industry.

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.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell talks with Craig Patty from River Valley Co-op. The conversation revolves around intentional leadership, managing distractions, achieving work-life balance, and effectively retaining talent in the agribusiness sector. Craig shares his personal definition of intention, emphasizing the importance of consistent actions and predictable behaviors both at work and home.

The discussion touches on various challenges faced by leaders in agribusiness, including the need for effective time management and the importance of onboarding processes for new employees. Craig and Mark delve into strategies for maintaining productivity and the role of technology in supporting workforce efficiency. They also discuss the critical aspects of work-life balance, mentoring, and leadership vulnerability.

• Intentional Leadership Principles:
• Consistency and predictability are crucial for effective leadership.
• Setting and sharing schedules helps maintain accountability and manage distractions.
• Work-Life Balance in Agribusiness:
• Importance of recognizing diverse needs and stages of life for employees.
• Strategies to ensure a healthy blend of work and personal life.
• Managing and Retaining Talent:
• Focus on culture fit and comprehensive onboarding processes.
• Providing support and flexibility tailored to individual circumstances.
• Productivity and Time Management:
• Utilize peak performance times for focused tasks.
• Effective use of calendars and technology to block out time for critical activities.
• Vulnerability in Leadership:
• Being authentic and transparent to foster better relationships and productivity.
• Leaders should show weaknesses and seek support from their teams.

1. "I think it's really important for me to get really intentional about my actions and make every moment count as much as I possibly can." - Craig Patty
2. "Being intentional about how I show up is key; that I'm consistent in that fashion too." - Craig Patty
3. "We want to be the employer of choice, and we want people to feel valued." - Craig Patty
4. "Everybody's watching our lead, so how we show up each and every day cascades through the organization." - Craig Patty
5. "Get comfortable being uncomfortable." - Craig Patty, referencing advice from a mentor.

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and leadership tips on the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast. Listen to the full episode for an in-depth understanding of Craig Patty's leadership philosophy and practical advice on managing an agribusiness team effectively.

In this enlightening episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Clint Prange from Beck's Hybrids to discuss the nuances of intentional leadership in the agribusiness sector. Clint shares his insights on maintaining top-of-mind awareness, the importance of leading versus lagging indicators in sales, and the critical role of company culture in retaining and attracting talent. This conversation offers valuable lessons on the practical aspects of leadership, deeply rooted in personal experiences and professional triumphs.

Clint Prange delves into what it means to be an intentional leader, emphasizing the significance of strategic thinking and proactive measures. He highlights the common pitfalls that leaders face, such as high turnover and maintaining a motivated sales force, and how addressing these challenges requires a strong focus on relationships and employee satisfaction. This episode also explores the importance of continuous personal development, with Clint sharing his reading habits and the value he places on lifelong learning through various resources including books by John Maxwell and others.

• Intentional Leadership: Being intentional means keeping priorities top of mind and setting up a daily routine that aligns with growth goals.
• Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: The current sales metrics reflect past performance, but not future potential. Focus on forward-looking indicators for sustained growth.
• Culture and Recruitment: Hiring for cultural fit is crucial. A great work ethic and a positive attitude are the cornerstones of a strong team environment.
• Relationship Building: Strong relationships are foundational to effective leadership and long-term success, particularly in mitigating conflicts and retaining talent.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in daily personal and professional development to stay ahead and be an effective leader.

1. "If we want to see growth happen, we got to be intentional about it... it's got to be top of mind." - Clint Prange
2. "He or she who holds the relationships, holds the keys to everything." - Clint Prange
3. "You have to make it your distinct own... you're going to have to figure out a way that's going to work for you." - Clint Prange
4. "Build the network before you need it." - Mark Jewell
5. "Creating an environment that people want to be around retains talent and attracts talent." - Clint Prange

Tune in to t

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark is joined by Sylvester Miller of FMC. Recorded at the Commodity Classic, the lively conversation explores the essence of intentional leadership within the agribusiness sector. Sylvester shares his perspective on being intentional in life and work, detailing how prioritizing family, faith, and career shapes his professional and personal ethos. He stresses the importance of caring, passion, and prioritizing tasks for effective leadership.

Sylvester delves into his journey within the agriculture industry, highlighting his current role as the Central Corn Belt Division Manager at FMC. He discusses his experience managing sales teams and the impact of recognizing and nurturing individual team members' strengths. Sylvester elaborates on the dynamics of leading a high-performing team, the importance of work-life balance, and fostering talent retention through personal investment. The conversation is enriched with practical insights from his background in sports and its influence on his leadership style.

• Essence of Intentional Leadership: Prioritizing family, faith, and career with passion and care drives effective leadership.
• Team Management: Tailoring leadership approaches to individual team members' strengths can significantly enhance performance and engagement.
• Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial, even in demanding roles.
• Retaining Talent: Investing in professional development and understanding personal interests helps in retaining and attracting top talent.
• Sports Influence: Skills gained from sports, such as teamwork, handling multiple personalities, and learning from losses, are invaluable in leadership.

• "To be intentional is being intentional... taking a vested interest in the things that you want to accomplish and get done." - Sylvester Miller
• "Faith is something that you just have... Faith is the things seen in the eyes." - Sylvester Miller
• "Agriculture is not a job, it's not a career, it's a lifestyle." - Sylvester Miller
• "Understand what are the different things that excite that team, that teammate or the person on your team." - Sylvester Miller
• "You can't fear developing people that you're actually going to lose them; develop people so that you can take advantage of the time that you do have them." - Sylvester Miller

Stay tuned for more episodes of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast where industry experts share insights and strategies to elevate leadership in agribusiness. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into intentional leadership with Sylvester Miller.