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Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Rob Dongoski, Ag & Food Partner at Kearney, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, consulting, and where the agriculture industry is headed next.

Rob defines intentional leadership in a way that hits at the core:

Clarity.

Knowing your purpose.

Aligning your actions to it.

And giving people around you enough visibility into your intentions that even when you fall short, they understand where you’re coming from.

Because failure isn’t the issue.

Lack of clarity is.

The conversation dives into the unique role consulting plays in agriculture. Leaders inside organizations often become insulated—seeing the same problems and relying on the same solutions. Consultants bring a different lens, connecting insights across the entire food system—from consumer demand all the way back to production.

That outside perspective matters.

Because the biggest shifts in agriculture don’t start on the farm.

They start with the consumer.

Rob highlights a major shift already underway:

The convergence of nutrition and health.

For decades, agriculture focused on feeding the world—producing more calories, more efficiently. But the next chapter is different.

It’s not just about how much we produce.

It’s about what we produce—and why it matters.

Consumers—especially younger generations—are becoming more intentional about what they eat. They’re willing to spend more on food that aligns with health, longevity, and values.

This is creating a new reality:

A “K-shaped” food system.

• One group prioritizing health, nutrition, and longevity
• Another continuing to prioritize convenience and cost

Both markets will exist.

But leaders need to understand which one they’re serving—and build accordingly.

The conversation also touches on the power of pattern recognition.

Working across the entire food system gives Rob and his team visibility into trends others might miss. Changes in consumer preferences ripple backward—impacting commodities, supply chains, and production decisions long before they show up in headlines.

The leaders who win are the ones who see those signals early.

Not the ones reacting late.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder:

The future of agriculture may not be entirely new.

In many ways, it’s a return to what once was—knowing where food comes from, how it’s produced, and building trust with the consumer.

Because the next era of agriculture won’t be defined by scale alone.

It will be defined by clarity, connection, and purpose.

Listen if you are:

• Leading in agriculture and trying to anticipate what’s next
• Looking for a broader perspective beyond your organization
• Navigating changing consumer preferences
• Thinking about the role of health and nutrition in ag
• Wanting to become a more intentional, clear leader

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Gavin Rulon, Emerging Technology Advisor at Beck’s Hybrids, for a timely and practical conversation about AI, leadership, and how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Gavin defines intentionality in a way that cuts deeper than most:

It’s deciding how you think—not just what you do.

In a world full of constant inputs, distractions, and incomplete information, intentional leaders don’t just react. They step back, process, and make the best possible decision with the data available—while staying open to adjust as new information comes in.

That mindset becomes critical as AI continues to evolve.

The conversation breaks down the role of AI in agriculture—not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to enhance how work gets done. From writing emails and building presentations to analyzing data and creating training materials, AI is already compressing hours (or days) of work into minutes.

But the biggest opportunity isn’t in the technology itself.

It’s in how leaders choose to use it.

A key theme throughout the episode is this:

AI should be a thought partner—not a thought leader.

Gavin emphasizes that the most effective users of AI are those who already have domain knowledge. The tool amplifies what you know—it doesn’t replace the need to think. Leaders who rely on it to do their thinking risk losing their edge entirely.

The conversation also highlights practical applications that are already making an impact:

• Using AI to rapidly prototype ideas and analyze data
• Creating training materials, presentations, and SOPs in a fraction of the time
• Leveraging tools like NotebookLM to turn documents into searchable knowledge bases
• Improving communication by refining tone, clarity, and intent

At the same time, the discussion addresses one of the biggest concerns surrounding AI: job displacement.

Gavin takes an optimistic view.

Jobs will change—just like they always have with new technology. But the leaders who adapt, learn, and stay engaged will find more opportunity, not less. The real risk isn’t losing your job to AI.

It’s losing your agency to it.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder:

Technology should free up time for what matters most—relationships, conversations, and meaningful work. The best leaders won’t use AI to do more.

They’ll use it to do what matters better.

Because the future won’t belong to those who avoid AI.

It will belong to those who use it—intentionally.

Listen if you are:

• Trying to understand how AI fits into your role or business
• Looking for practical ways to save time and increase efficiency
• Concerned about how technology will impact jobs in agriculture
• Leading teams that need to adapt to new tools and systems
• Wanting to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Jay Vroom, President of VroomLeigh Agriculture and former CEO of CropLife America, for a powerful conversation shaped by over 45 years of leadership in agriculture.

Jay defines intentional leadership in one word:

Listening.

Not hearing—but truly listening.

Across decades of leadership, Jay has seen more failures come from a lack of listening than almost anything else. When leaders take the time to understand perspectives, empathize, and prepare for conversations, their decisions and communication carry far greater impact.

But listening requires more than presence—it requires preparation.

Great leaders don’t show up reacting. They anticipate. They understand who’s in the room, where people come from, and what matters to them. In a global, highly connected agricultural industry, that level of awareness is no longer optional.

The conversation also dives into one of the most defining challenges of Jay’s career: leading through the repeal of the Delaney Clause.

What started as a regulatory issue quickly became a national crisis—fueled by media, public perception, and fear. It took eight years, hundreds of organizations, and relentless persistence to build a coalition strong enough to change the law.

The lesson?

Big problems don’t get solved alone.

They require patience, alignment, and the ability to bring people together around a shared objective—even when opinions differ.

Looking forward, Jay highlights a critical inflection point for agriculture.

Innovation is accelerating—but regulatory bottlenecks are slowing progress. The cost and complexity of bringing new technologies to market continue to rise, creating real risk for the future of crop protection and food production.

At the same time, the opportunity has never been greater.

Precision agriculture, digital tools, and new technologies have the potential to dramatically improve how we grow food—making it more efficient, more sustainable, and more responsive to consumer needs.

But success will depend on more than innovation.

It will depend on storytelling.

Agriculture must do a better job communicating its value—particularly around environmental outcomes, sustainability, and the quality of food being produced.

The next chapter isn’t just about feeding the world.

It’s about feeding the world better.

And that requires leaders who are willing to listen, adapt, and engage in conversations that aren’t always easy—but are absolutely necessary.

Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about being willing to hear what others are trying to say.

Listen if you are:

• Leading through complex or high-stakes challenges
• Navigating regulation, policy, or industry change
• Trying to influence outcomes across multiple stakeholders
• Thinking about the future direction of agriculture
• Committed to becoming a more intentional, effective leader

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Matt Bartek, North American Commercial Lead at Innovative Seed Solutions, for a forward-looking conversation about intentional leadership, product development, and the future of sorghum.

Matt defines intentionality with clarity: start with the end in mind. Before developing a product, building a market, or leading a team, you have to know what you’re aiming for. Without that clarity, it’s easy to move—but hard to arrive.

At Innovative Seed Solutions, that mindset shows up in a unique way. As a genetics supplier, they don’t sell directly to farmers—but every decision starts with the farmer in mind. If the product improves profitability, resilience, or simplicity at the farm level, everything else in the supply chain works better.

The conversation dives into what it really takes to bring a seed product to market. From breeding and research to production, supply chain, and commercial strategy, success depends on understanding how every piece fits together. Matt emphasizes the importance of helping teams see beyond their role—so they understand how their work contributes to the full system.

A key theme throughout the episode is investment in people.

Rather than treating training and development as an expense, Matt shares how their team creates cross-functional experiences—bringing employees across regions and roles to see the full lifecycle of the product. When people understand the impact of their work, engagement and ownership increase.

The conversation also highlights sorghum as a crop with untapped potential.

From food products and livestock feed to ethanol and sustainability applications, sorghum offers versatility, efficiency, and adaptability in environments where other crops struggle. But the future of sorghum—and agriculture more broadly—depends on building markets, not just growing supply.

That means expanding domestic use, developing new applications, and aligning production with real demand.

The episode closes with a bigger question for the industry:

If we’re no longer the lowest-cost producer, what is our North Star?

For Matt, the answer lies in building sustainable systems—where farmers can remain profitable, operations can pass to the next generation, and agriculture continues to evolve with intention.

Because the future of agriculture won’t be defined by what we grow.

It will be defined by how we think.

Listen if you are:

• Leading product development or commercial strategy in ag
• Thinking about market creation and long-term demand
• Interested in alternative crops like sorghum
• Developing teams across multiple functions or regions
• Focused on building a more sustainable future for agriculture

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Lane Kreiling, Sales Support Manager at Beck’s Hybrids, for a real-world conversation about leadership where it actually happens—on the ground, in the middle of the season, when everything is moving fast and pressure is high.

Lane defines intentional leadership simply: understand your people. Know what motivates them, what challenges them, and how they operate. Leadership isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about making sure your team can show up the right way, both at work and at home.

In a role that sits at the center of logistics, customer service, and internal coordination, Lane’s job is less about moving product—and more about taking care of people. When customers are taken care of, everything else falls into place.

The conversation highlights the reality of seasonality in agriculture. When spring hits, the pressure is on. Emotions run high, decisions speed up, and leaders are forced to balance urgency with discipline. One of Lane’s key responsibilities is helping customers slow down just enough to make the right decision—not just the fast one.

A major theme throughout the episode is clarity under pressure.

Whether it’s managing inventory across multiple locations, coordinating shipments, or communicating with dealers, success comes down to clear expectations, simple systems, and constant communication—even if that sometimes looks like a desk calendar and a quick conversation across the room.

Lane also shares a powerful leadership insight rooted in his ag education background: everyone learns differently. Great leaders don’t force one style—they meet people where they are. Some learn by listening, some by watching, others by doing. If you can’t adapt your approach, you can’t lead effectively.

The conversation also touches on one of the most overlooked leadership skills: communication tone. Knowing when to be direct and when to be more thoughtful in delivery can determine whether your message creates clarity—or conflict.

The episode closes with a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

In high-pressure seasons, energy comes from shared experience. Teams that go through challenges together build trust, resilience, and a sense of ownership that can’t be manufactured.

Because at the end of the day, leadership in agriculture isn’t built in boardrooms.

It’s built in the trenches.

Listen if you are:

• Leading a team in a high-pressure, seasonal business
• Balancing customer needs with operational realities
• Trying to improve communication with your team or customers
• Managing logistics, inventory, or supply chain in ag
• Developing leadership skills in a fast-moving environment

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Steve Polski, CEO of PermanentFarming, for a conversation that challenges the way we think about waste, energy, and the future of food production.

Steve defines intentional leadership as having the courage to challenge the status quo—and backing that conviction with action. In a world of rapid environmental, economic, and political change, doing what’s always been done is no longer enough.

At PermanentFarming, that mindset is driving a bold idea: turning manure into multiple high-value outputs.

By combining proven technologies—covered barns, anaerobic digestion, and soil amendment processing—the team is building a system that converts cattle waste into renewable natural gas and biological soil inputs. Not by reinventing agriculture, but by stacking existing innovations in a way that finally makes economic sense.

The result is a true “and-and” model:

1. Lower cost of gain for cattle feeders
2. Renewable energy production
3. Soil health improvements through biological inputs
4. Reduced environmental impact and community concerns

This isn’t theory—it’s a systems approach to solving multiple problems at once.

A key theme throughout the episode is that agriculture doesn’t need either/or solutions. It needs integrated systems that create value across the entire supply chain. Synthetic inputs and biological solutions can—and should—work together.

The conversation also highlights the importance of timing. With rising input costs, increased demand for protein, and growing interest in renewable energy, the industry is at a point of transformation. The opportunity isn’t just innovation—it’s alignment across farmers, investors, and end markets.

Beyond the business model, Steve shares what it takes to build a team capable of executing something this complex. High-performing teams are built intentionally—with complementary skill sets, shared values, and trust that is earned over time. Alignment doesn’t happen automatically. It requires consistent effort.

The episode closes with a broader perspective on leadership and impact.

Agriculture has the opportunity to produce more—more energy, more food, more value—without waste. But it requires leaders willing to think differently, act intentionally, and build systems that serve everyone involved.

Because the future of agriculture won’t be built on doing more of the same.

It will be built by rethinking what’s possible.

Listen if you are:

1. Interested in renewable energy and sustainability in agriculture
2. Exploring biological alternatives to traditional inputs
3. Thinking about how to reduce waste and increase efficiency
4. Leading innovation inside a traditional ag system
5. Building teams to execute complex, long-term ideas

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark sits down with Wesley Davis, Partner and Chief Agricultural Economist at Meridian Ag Advisors, for a sharp conversation about cutting through the noise in agriculture — and building a business worth building.

Wes defines intentionality simply: shut out the distractions and be fully present with the person or problem in front of you. Just be here. Be now.

Signal vs. Noise in the Ag Economy

Wes has built his career around one skill: separating signal from noise. Three things he's watching closely right now:

Farmer P&L at the acre level. Not the headline — what does a specific commodity pencil out to on a specific acre? That's the number that tells the real story.

Trade policy — the tail that wags the dog. Major trade flows are rerouting away from China toward Europe and Southeast Asia. The picture isn't great. But it's not dire. Our stuff is moving.

Farmer financial health — the whole picture. About 70–80% of farmers have strong balance sheets. There's a stressed pocket — 10–20%, higher in small grains and row crops — and a critical 5% in real trouble. That's a very different story than "all farmers are failing." Know your numbers. That's not optional.

Why Wes Started Meridian — and What Entrepreneurship Actually Costs

Wes left his previous consultancy not because something went wrong, but because he got clear on what he wanted to build: truly independent economic research in ag. Not tracking every USDA amendment, but answering the real question — what does this actually mean for farmers?

The deeper driver? He wanted the freedom of entrepreneurship again. But freedom and uncertainty are a package deal. And the way you get your certainty back isn't by playing it safe — it's through structure. Maker time. Manager time. Knowing the difference and protecting both. That's where Jericho was born, and it's what keeps the wheels on.

AI in Ag: Skeptic Turned Advocate

Three years ago, Wes thought AI was mostly noise. Today he's a strong advocate. He's seeing real traction in agri-chem and seed research, commodity trading, and sales intelligence. The most underutilized opportunity? Using AI to understand your growers better and show up more prepared to every conversation.

His challenge: go to any AI tool, tell it what you do, and ask for five ways it can help you today. You'll find something you hadn't thought of. Head to askjericho.com to see how Jericho is doing exactly that for ag sales teams.

What the Chicken Farm Taught Him

Two lessons from growing up on a free-range egg operation in West Virginia:

You are what you feed yourself. Egg quality tracked directly to what the birds were fed. Same goes for your mind. Lumpy inputs, lumpy outputs.

Customer first — but it's still a business. His grandmother's flower shop ran on fierce customer loyalty. But she never forgot that going out on a limb for a customer is an investment, not a free favor. Don't forget why the tree needs to stay standing.

Listen if you are:

1. Chasing ag headlines instead of the data underneath them
2. Not clear on your numbers at the acre level
3. Navigating the freedom and uncertainty of entrepreneurship
4. On the fence about whether AI is worth your time
5. Building an ag sales team and want to show up more prepared

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Cynthia Bruno, CEO of Early Ag, to discuss intentional leadership, startup realities, and the critical decisions that determine whether companies grow—or stall out.

Cynthia defines intentionality as doing things on purpose and with purpose. For her, intentional leadership and integrity are deeply connected. Leaders of integrity don’t just show up when things are easy—they show up when the unexpected happens and difficult decisions have to be made.

The conversation dives into the startup world and one of the most common causes of failure: lack of prioritization.

In the early stages, founders often chase too many opportunities at once in an effort to generate traction or revenue. But when companies continually veer off course to chase short-term wins, they drain resources, confuse teams, and lose sight of the original mission.

The real challenge for startups is balancing focus today with vision for the future. Founders must identify their immediate ideal customer while also understanding how that customer—and the company’s value—will evolve over time.

Cynthia also shares how Early Ag helps startups navigate these challenges by providing fractional executive leadership. Their team helps early-stage companies refine commercial strategy, test market assumptions, and build the partnerships needed to reach meaningful milestones faster.

The conversation also touches on a truth many founders experience but rarely discuss: startups are pressure cookers. The stakes are high, the pace is intense, and leaders often carry the weight of the entire organization on their shoulders.

That’s why surrounding yourself with the right expertise—and leaders who can challenge your thinking—is essential.

The episode closes with a reminder that great companies are not built by one skill set alone. Success happens at the intersection of complementary strengths—visionaries who push the future forward and operators who turn ideas into reality.

When those strengths come together, momentum follows.

Listen if you are:

• Leading a startup or early-stage company
• Struggling to prioritize opportunities in a growing business
• Trying to refine your ideal customer profile
• Looking for ways to accelerate commercialization in ag innovation
• Building a team that balances vision and execution

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Rodney Penner, CEO of People Purpose, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about intentional leadership, money, faith, and courage in business.

Rodney defines intentionality in simple, practical terms: build accountability into the process. If you want a better marriage, schedule date night. If you want employees to succeed, schedule quarterly reviews from day one. Intentionality isn’t a feeling — it’s a structure.

But the conversation quickly moves beyond structure and into conviction.

Rodney shares the story of walking away from a $178,000 construction contract — and returning a $60,000 deposit — after a client called him a thief and a liar. Instead of reacting from fear or scarcity, Rodney made a decision rooted in principle:

Remove money from the equation.

If money wasn’t part of the decision, what would I do?

That mindset shifted the power dynamic immediately. The client’s tone changed. The relationship reset. And ultimately, the deal moved forward — this time built on mutual respect.

The deeper lesson? Many leaders operate from scarcity. They bend over backward for the wrong customers, tolerate disrespect, and allow fear of loss to dictate their decisions. Rodney challenges leaders to think differently:

When you stop making decisions based on fear of losing money, you start making better decisions.

The conversation parallels sales and customer strategy, reinforcing a truth many leaders overlook: 80% of revenue often comes from 20–30% of customers. The most stressful clients frequently represent the smallest portion of total business. Clarity around this data gives leaders permission to say no — and redirect energy toward the best customers.

Rodney also shares personal insight into why money doesn’t control him. Growing up feeling that money was valued more than people shaped his determination to never make others feel that way. That early pain became a leadership strength — prioritizing impact over income.

Today, through People Purpose, Rodney helps entrepreneurs build healthy leadership systems, intentional customer journeys, hiring processes, and organizational clarity. His focus is expanding leaders’ thinking so they can design businesses that serve both their teams and their clients well.

The episode closes with reflections on legacy, faith, and starting with the end in mind — drawing inspiration from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. What will people say about you? What fruit will your life produce?

Intentional leadership is not about chasing revenue.

It’s about building impact that outlives you.

Listen if you are:

• Feeling controlled by difficult customers
• Making decisions from scarcity instead of clarity
• Leading a team that needs stronger accountability systems
• Navigating faith and business in the same arena
• Wanting to build impact, not just income

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark reconnects with one of the first CEOs he ever worked for, Rich Reynertson, President of Cultura Technologies.

Rich oversees a portfolio of 14 agricultural software companies that touch nearly every part of the ag supply chain—from grain scale systems to compliance tracking in global fruit and vegetable markets. With more than 500 employees and consistent double-digit growth, the complexity is real.

But this conversation isn’t about software.

It’s about intentional leadership.

Rich defines intentionality through mission clarity: deploy capital at strong returns while improving the agricultural supply chain. Everything filters through those two commitments.

During COVID, he embraced a powerful leadership insight: you can’t give employees certainty—but you can give them clarity. He challenges leaders to help their teams focus on three things:

• Know who you are.
• Know your role.
• Be a positive influence in your community.

As Cultura expanded through acquisitions, Rich faced a common growth challenge: strong independent companies that lacked a shared identity. Instead of forcing alignment through top-down mandates, he adopted a different model.

“Circles are better than rows.”

Rows create spectators. Circles create ownership.

By forming intentional circles—small groups committed to shared outcomes—Cultura fostered collaboration across businesses that once operated independently. These circles duplicate each year, growing culture organically rather than imposing it from above.

The conversation also dives into the friction of mergers and acquisitions. Integration always creates resistance—on both sides. Employees worry about job security. Acquirers sometimes underestimate the emotional impact on their own teams. Rich reminds leaders that friction isn’t failure—it’s part of the process.

Beyond business growth, Rich shares two books that shaped his leadership journey:

Corporate Life Cycles by Ichak Adizes — a framework comparing business growth stages to human development, helping leaders anticipate natural organizational transitions.

Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks — a reflection on career transitions, long-term happiness, and preparing for the next season of contribution beyond traditional career milestones.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder: leadership isn’t about holding onto people. It’s about helping them grow—even if that growth eventually leads them elsewhere.

If you can help people know who they are, understand their role, and become a positive force in their community—you’ve done your job.

Listen if you are:

• Leading through acquisitions or rapid growth
• Trying to unify independent teams under one culture
• Navigating merger friction
• Building leadership pipelines inside your organization
• Thinking about your own next season of leadership

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Corey Rosenbusch, CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, to unpack what’s really happening in Washington — and why it directly impacts growers, retailers, and agribusiness leaders across the country.

Corey shares how fertilizer has been elevated to a global stage over the past year. From tariffs on Canadian potash to sanctions on Belarus and global urea disruptions, fertilizer now sits at the center of food security, national security, and geopolitical negotiations.

One key reminder: fertilizer is a global commodity. Prices are driven by worldwide supply and demand — not local preference. When China limits phosphate exports or global supply tightens, U.S. growers feel it immediately.

Corey also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what trade associations actually do. From securing critical tariff exemptions during planting season to preventing bio-stimulants from being regulated like pesticides, the work happening in D.C. often determines whether products move efficiently — or get buried in red tape.

Another major focus is nutrient stewardship. The 4R framework — right source, right rate, right time, right place — becomes even more critical in tight-margin seasons. Efficiency isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Beyond policy, Corey talks about leadership. When he stepped into TFI six years ago, he asked his team to define their culture — and got 25 different answers. That sparked a deliberate effort to define core values, behaviors, and weekly culture reinforcement. For Corey, intentional leadership starts with clarity.

This episode is a reminder that what feels like “noise” in Washington often has very real implications at the farm gate.

Listen if you are:

• Navigating tough fertilizer pricing conversations
• Leading in a volatile policy environment
• Curious how global supply chains impact local decisions
• Interested in culture-building inside mission-driven organizations

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Ed Howie, a highly sought-after retention and branding expert whose work has helped generate more than $350 million in incremental revenue for some of the most recognizable brands in the world.

This is not a typical agribusiness conversation — and that’s exactly why it matters right now.

Ed brings decades of experience working with brands like Chick-fil-A, United Airlines, 7-Eleven, Kroger, and H-E-B, but the heart of this discussion isn’t about big brands. It’s about helping leaders understand how clarity, alignment, and intentional repetition create sales velocity, peace of mind, and long-term profitability.

Ed defines intentionality as doing all you can with what you have today — not what you wish you had, not what you used to have. That mindset shift alone reframes leadership from chasing the next thing to optimizing what already exists.

A major theme throughout the episode is incremental revenue. Instead of constantly pursuing new customers, Ed challenges leaders to look in their “kitchen cupboard.” What products, services, or solutions already exist that current customers aren’t buying simply because they don’t know about them, forgot about them, or were never intentionally guided toward them?

The conversation dives deep into why leaders and teams get distracted by novelty. Internal teams get bored with messaging long before customers do, leading organizations to constantly change their story instead of reinforcing it. Great brands don’t win by being clever — they win by being consistent.

Ed also introduces one of the most practical leadership frameworks in the episode: the words you use and the behaviors you choose. Culture isn’t a mission statement or a billboard. Culture is what your people say and do when it matters most. If leaders aren’t clear about the exact words to use — and just as importantly, the words not to use — confusion sets in, customers hesitate, and momentum slows.

Using powerful examples from Chick-fil-A, Ed explains how scripting language isn’t about removing authenticity. It’s about creating alignment, confidence, and a consistent experience that customers can trust. Confused customers don’t buy. Clear customers do.

Mark connects this directly to leadership inside organizations — from onboarding experiences to sales conversations to client retention. When teams lack clarity, they hesitate. When leaders provide clarity, alignment follows. And when clarity and alignment come together, velocity is the natural outcome.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about ROI — return on investment. It’s about return on impact. When leaders reduce confusion, remove distraction, and focus on what truly matters, the byproduct isn’t just growth. It’s peace of mind. And peace of mind creates joy.

This conversation is a masterclass in intentional leadership, retention, and sustainable growth — especially in seasons where margins are tight and distractions are high.

Listen if you are:

• A leader trying to generate growth without burning out your team
• Struggling with customer retention or stalled momentum
• Constantly changing your message but not seeing results
• Looking to drive incremental revenue without chasing strangers
• Someone who believes leadership should produce both results and joy

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Landon Bunderson, Chief Science Officer at Nano Yield, for a thoughtful conversation about intentional leadership, organizational clarity, and how innovation actually works inside a growing agribusiness.

Landon leads both science and marketing at Nano Yield—a combination that forces constant clarity. His definition of intentionality is simple but demanding: say fewer things, repeat them often, and never lose sight of why the company exists. At Nano Yield, everything ladders up to one goal—making the sales team’s job easier by ensuring customers clearly understand the value of the people and the products.

One of the central themes of the episode is the power of repetition in leadership. Landon explains that effective leaders don’t constantly reinvent their message. Instead, they identify the few things that matter most and put them on repeat. Just like a political stump speech, clarity is built through consistency—not novelty. Leaders don’t need more ideas; they need sharper focus.

The conversation also explores what Nano Yield actually does and why “nanotechnology” doesn’t need to be scary. Landon breaks down nano-scale delivery in simple terms, explaining how their technology improves the efficiency of fertilizers and crop inputs by helping nutrients reach plant cells more effectively. The result is better performance, less waste, and improved outcomes for growers.

From there, the discussion shifts to culture and growth. Having been with Nano Yield for over a decade, Landon shares how culture has evolved as the company has scaled. He describes culture through a family analogy—clear expectations, consistent communication, defined boundaries, and increasing autonomy over time. When people know what’s expected and feel trusted, they thrive.

Mark and Landon dive into the realities of hiring and growth, including one of the hardest leadership challenges: realizing when someone is in the wrong role. Landon frames these moments not as failures, but as necessary course corrections—helping people move on to roles where they can truly succeed.

Another key insight from the episode is the idea that people don’t actually thrive in total freedom—they thrive within clear boundaries. As companies grow, systems and processes become essential not to restrict people, but to support them. Structure creates stability, and stability enables innovation.

The episode closes with a discussion on creativity and problem-solving. Landon recommends the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, emphasizing that creativity isn’t about reinventing everything—it’s about approaching challenges with curiosity and courage. That creative muscle, when paired with disciplined execution, becomes a powerful leadership advantage.

This conversation is a reminder that intentional leadership isn’t loud or flashy. It’s focused, repeatable, human, and deeply practical.

Listen if you are:

• A leader trying to create clarity in a fast-growing organization
• Balancing innovation with execution
• Struggling with focus, messaging, or alignment across teams
• Building culture while scaling people, systems, and products
• Curious about how technology and leadership actually intersect in ag

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Dean Harder for a powerful conversation about intentionality, purpose, and why most sales conversations fail before they ever begin.

Dean’s definition of intentional leadership starts with one word: purpose. Without clearly defined purpose, it’s impossible to lead well, sell well, or even make good decisions. Throughout the episode, Dean challenges listeners to rethink how they define success, how they communicate value, and how they show up in conversations—whether in sales, leadership, or life.

One of the central themes of the conversation is the difference between pitching and conversational selling. Dean explains that pitching starts from the inside out—it’s focused on what you do, what you sell, and what you want. Conversational selling flips that model. It starts from the outside in by focusing on what the other person wants, what they care about, and what outcomes they’re trying to achieve.

The shift sounds simple, but it’s transformative. Instead of trying to convince, impress, or persuade, the goal becomes understanding. When you understand what someone wants, you earn the right to proceed—and only then does what you offer actually matter.

Dean also introduces a powerful framework for influence built on two principles: focus on the other person, and earn the right to proceed. Rather than jumping in with advice or opinions, great leaders and sellers ask permission, make observations, and invite conversation. This approach lowers defenses, builds trust, and creates space for real dialogue.

The episode goes deep into mindset and preparation, especially for newer sales professionals who feel stuck or intimidated. Dean emphasizes that confidence doesn’t come from talent—it comes from clarity. When outcomes are clearly defined and expectations are realistic, people are free to grow without comparing themselves to veterans with decades of experience.

Mark and Dean also explore accountability, drawing a distinction between monitoring activity and aligning around results. True accountability focuses on outcomes, not micromanaging behavior. When leaders agree on results and review progress consistently, people take ownership—and performance follows.

Throughout the conversation, there’s a recurring reminder: improvement doesn’t come from comparison. It comes from progress. Measuring yourself against who you were yesterday, not against someone with 30 years of experience, is how real growth happens.

This episode is a masterclass in communication, leadership, and selling with integrity. It’s not about scripts or tactics—it’s about mindset, discipline, and learning how to have better conversations that actually move people forward.

Listen if you are:

• A sales professional who feels stuck pitching instead of connecting
• A leader responsible for developing people, not just hitting numbers
• New to sales and looking for confidence without pressure
• Experienced in your role but ready to improve how you communicate
• Someone who believes relationships still matter in business

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Jay Doan of Black Leg Ranch — a fifth-generation North Dakota ranch that has evolved far beyond cattle into a stacked, regenerative, value-added agribusiness.

Jay shares what it really takes to keep a family operation alive across generations, from brutal honesty about debt and communication to the decision to go regenerative long before it was trendy. This isn’t a polished Instagram version of ranch life — it’s the real work of leadership, culture, and stewardship.

If you lead a farm, ranch, or family business, this conversation will challenge how you think about legacy, diversification, health, and intentional leadership.

Key Takeaways

Intentional leadership starts with honest self-conversation

Jay defines being intentional as being genuinely honest with yourself about where you are and where you’re going, not just what sounds good on the surface. Without that self-honesty, every big decision eventually cracks under pressure.

Multi-generational success is built on communication, not nostalgia

Five and six generations working together isn’t romantic — it’s heavy. Jay explains that what keeps Black Leg Ranch intact isn’t just tradition, but the willingness to have open, sometimes uncomfortable conversations across generations.

Regenerative agriculture was a survival decision, not a trend

The ranch nearly collapsed in the 1980s and 90s. That pressure forced Jay’s father to rethink soil health, grazing, and debt — pushing them toward cover crops, holistic management, and biodiversity long before it became mainstream.

Diversity is risk management for the land and the business

Black Leg Ranch didn’t stack enterprises because it was fashionable — they did it because monoculture is fragile. Cattle, bison, hunting, agritourism, beer, and meat sales all create resilience when markets, weather, or supply chains break.

Your health and the land’s health are inseparable

Jay connects regenerative farming directly to human health — pointing out that a society growing sick food produces sick people, and that consumers are beginning to demand something better.

Notable Quotes

“Being intentional is being genuinely pointed with an end goal in mind — and being honest with yourself about it.” — Jay Doan

“There’s a weight that comes with legacy. You don’t want to be the generation that screws it up.” — Jay Doan

“We were homesteading before it was cool.” — Mark Jewell

“Run your operation like a business first — lifestyle second.” — Jay Doan

Action Steps

• Have the hard conversation with your family or partners about where the business is really headed.
• Audit your diversity. Are you exposed to one crop, one market, or one buyer?
• Look at soil health and financial health together — they’re connected.
• Write down the stories of the generation ahead of you before they’re gone.
• Get outside your comfort zone — internships, travel, and outside perspectives build better leaders.

Listen If You Are

• Part of a family farm or ranch trying to survive generational transition
• Exploring regenerative agriculture or diversified revenue streams
• Feeling the pressure of debt, stress, and monoculture risk
• A leader who wants to build something that lasts longer than you

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation on leadership, policy, and navigating uncertainty in agribusiness.

Duane brings a rare perspective — blending decades of experience in government, global agribusiness, and cooperative leadership — to help leaders understand what’s really happening behind the headlines in Washington, how policy decisions impact the farmer balance sheet, and why intentional leadership matters more now than ever.

This episode isn’t about politics for politics’ sake. It’s about clarity, resilience, and leading people well in a season of volatility.

Key Takeaways

Intentional leadership is about designing moments, not just delivering messages

Duane defines intentionality as thinking deeply about what people should feel, know, and do after a leadership moment — whether that’s a major announcement, a transition, or a difficult conversation. Leaders who ignore the emotional component leave impact on the table.

The farmer balance sheet is under real pressure

Across agriculture, farmers are navigating rising costs, tight margins, and uncertainty. Duane explains that NCFC’s work centers on two levers: lowering input costs and expanding markets — both critical to long-term farm viability.

Policy details matter more than headlines

From tariffs to labor to the updated dietary guidelines, Duane breaks down how seemingly distant policy decisions directly affect domestic demand, production costs, and competitiveness for U.S. farmers. The nuance matters — and leaders need to understand it.

Ag labor is one of the most pressing cost challenges

Labor availability and affordability continue to strain producers, especially in specialty crops and dairy. Duane explains why existing systems like H-2A are imperfect — and why solutions must balance realism with economic sustainability.

Technology won’t replace people — but it will reshape roles

AI, automation, and software will elevate average performance faster, reduce friction, and shift how work gets done. The leaders who win will focus on adaptability, resilience, and redeploying people into higher-value roles — not eliminating them.

Notable Quotes

“Intentionality is thinking about what you want people to come away with — how they feel, what they know, and what they do next.” — Duane Simpson

“The volatility and uncertainty are more damaging to the economy than any single tariff.” — Duane Simpson

“Technology can’t replace human connection — especially in agriculture.” — Duane Simpson

“Intentional leadership matters more now because the noise is louder than it’s ever been.” — Mark Jewell

Action Steps

• Audit how you communicate big moments with your team — are you designing the experience or just delivering information?
• Stay informed beyond headlines. Understand how policy details affect your operation.
• Plan for workforce transitions. Automation should elevate people, not disconnect them.
• Create space to think. Reading, walking, and reflection are leadership disciplines — not luxuries.
• Double down on human connection. In-person conversations still matter.

Listen If You Are

• A co-op, ag retail, or agribusiness leader navigating uncertainty
• Concerned about policy impacts on costs and markets
• Thinking about AI, labor, and workforce transitions
• Committed to leading with clarity, intention, and steadiness

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell is joined by Ron Lynch — filmmaker, screenwriter, entrepreneur, and spiritual thinker — for one of the most profound and unconventional conversations the show has hosted to date.

Ron brings a rare perspective shaped by decades in Hollywood, direct-response marketing, storytelling, and deep personal surrender. From writing films connected to Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, to launching billion-dollar products like OxiClean and GoPro, to stepping away from fame-driven success in favor of purpose-driven impact, Ron’s life embodies the very principles he teaches.

Together, Mark and Ron explore a powerful idea: what if your life is a screenplay already written — and your job is to step into it intentionally? They unpack surrender, ego, risk, divine interruption, and how stagnation often signals that we’re resisting the next plot twist God is inviting us into.

This episode isn’t about productivity.

It’s about becoming.

Key Takeaways

Intentionality Begins with Surrender

For Ron, intention isn’t control — it’s surrender. True intentional living means releasing ego, making space for divine interruption, and trusting that God’s plan is better than our own. When we deviate, we’re corrected — not punished, but lovingly redirected.

Your Life Has an Arc — and You Are the Main Character

Every great story has a beginning, a transformation, and an ending. Ron challenges listeners to stop drifting through life and start recognizing where they are in their own narrative. Growth requires movement. Stagnation is a sign the story has stalled.

If You’re Stuck, You’re Avoiding Risk

When life feels boring, stagnant, or misaligned, Ron offers a direct truth: you’re not taking enough risk. Change requires stepping into uncertainty. Plot twists only happen when the hero is willing to act.

Plot Points Create Progress

Just like a screenplay, life requires intentional plot points — concrete actions that move the story forward. Vision without action keeps people trapped in fantasy. Transformation happens when ideas are turned into steps.

Leave White Space for the Call

Ron emphasizes the importance of margin. When life is over-scheduled, there’s no room for unexpected opportunity. The most meaningful shifts often come through interruptions — conversations, invitations, or moments we couldn’t have planned.

You Are Not the Studio Head

One of the most grounding reminders of the episode: you are not in charge — and you don’t want to be. Leadership, faith, and fulfillment grow when we stop pretending we’re in control and return to childlike trust.

Becoming You Is the Assignment

Ron reframes life’s purpose simply and powerfully: you are here to become fully who God created you to be. Not someone else. Not a safer version. Not a smaller version. Becoming you is the work.

Notable Quotes

• “Intentionality for me is surrender — because God’s plan is better than mine.” – Ron Lynch
• “If you want a great story, but you won’t take risks, the problem isn’t God — it’s you.” – Ron Lynch
• “Growth requires plot twists. If nothing is changing, you’re resisting the next scene.” – Ron Lynch
• “Leave space in your life — that’s where the call comes.” – Ron Lynch
• “Your job isn’t to control the story. It’s to step into it.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps

• Reflect on where you are in your life’s story — beginning, midpoint, or transformation.
• Identify one risk you know you’re being called to take — and commit to it.
• Create margin in your schedule for interruption and opportunity.
• Define your “main character” by identifying traits you admire in others.
• Stop waiting for certainty — movement creates clarity.

Listen If You Are:

• Feeling stuck, stagnant, or bored with life or leadership
• Craving deeper meaning beyond success or achievement
• Curious how faith, risk, and intentionality intersect
• A leader wanting to design life with purpose, not pressure
• Ready to stop drifting and start becoming who you were created to be

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Amanda De Jong, CEO of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) — a nearly 100-year-old organization representing over 2,000 rural land experts across all 50 states.

Amanda brings a deeply grounded, refreshing perspective on leadership, one rooted in active listening, stewardship of time, and respect for legacy. From land transitions and farm succession to culture-building inside long-standing institutions, this conversation highlights the often unseen professionals who quietly shape the future of rural America.

This episode is not about loud leadership.

It’s about intentional leadership — the kind that listens first, honors history, and builds for the next generation.

Key Takeaways

1. Intentional Leadership Starts with Listening

Amanda defines intentionality as being fully present — listening deeply to boards, staff, members, and stakeholders before rushing to solutions. Especially when stepping into a role held for decades, listening isn’t passive — it’s strategic leadership.

2. Time Is the Most Valuable Resource Leaders Steward

If you take someone’s time, you owe them your attention. Amanda challenges leaders to end meetings that lack engagement and to stop multitasking their way through conversations. Presence builds trust. Distraction erodes it.

3. ASFMRA: The Silent Force Behind Land Transition

Farm managers and rural appraisers often work behind the scenes during some of the most emotional moments families face — death, succession, retirement, and land sale. These professionals ensure land is valued correctly, managed responsibly, and preserved for future generations.

4. Land Is Personal and Business — Both Can Be True

Amanda speaks from lived experience as both a farm kid and a farm wife. Legacy isn’t about forcing the next generation into agriculture — it’s about stewarding land wisely so future choices remain possible.

5. Culture Isn’t Fixed — It’s Fed

Organizational culture is a living system. Amanda emphasizes that culture must be modeled, nurtured, and protected — not “fixed.” Leaders must remove negativity, reward learning, and allow failure without fear.

6. The Best Leaders Don’t Have All the Answers

Strong leaders surround themselves with trusted advisors — a “kitchen cabinet” — and listen to those with expertise. Leadership is not knowing everything; it’s knowing who to listen to.

7. Agriculture Needs a New North Star

The old rally cry of “feeding the world” no longer resonates in an age of abundance. Amanda and Mark explore a new calling for agriculture — one rooted in stewardship, distribution, legacy, and thriving rather than survival.

Notable Quotes

• “People want to be heard — and there’s usually truth in what they’re saying.” – Amanda De Jong
• “Time is the most precious resource we have. If I take your time, I’m going to listen.” – Amanda De Jong
• “Culture isn’t a thing to fix. It’s something you care for.” – Amanda De Jong
• “The best leaders don’t have all the answers — but they listen to the people who do.” – Amanda De Jong
• “Land carries emotion, history, and responsibility — not just value.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps

• Audit how present you truly are in meetings and conversations.
• Identify your personal “kitchen cabinet” — trusted advisors you listen to consistently.
• If navigating land transition, succession, or acquisition, seek professional guidance early.
• Reflect on how you’re stewarding time, culture, and legacy — not just results.
• Consider what thriving (not surviving) looks like in your leadership and operation.

Listen If You Are:

• A landowner, farmer, or agribusiness leader navigating transition
• Involved in succession, appraisal, or farm management decisions
• Leading a legacy organization through generational change
• Passionate about culture, stewardship, and intentional leadership
• Curious about the unseen professionals shaping rural America

Jace grew up in a multi-generational Kansas cattle operation and later became an ag loan officer — only to watch his own family lose their $10 million farm because of financial disorganization, lack of clarity, and generational assumptions. That loss became the catalyst for Legacy Farmer, a coaching + financial software movement now helping hundreds of farmers each year finally understand their numbers, protect their legacy, and stop generational collapse.

Together, Mark and Jace break down the hidden crisis in agriculture: 95% of farmers do not understand their finances well enough to make sound decisions — and the entire system is feeling the consequences.

This is a conversation every farmer, banker, agribusiness leader, and rural family needs to hear.

Key Takeaways

1. Intentionality Means Solving the Foundational Problem First

For Jace, intentional leadership is the discipline to stop chasing ideas and address the real issue — the one at the base of every operational, financial, and family breakdown.

2. Farmers Aren’t Failing Because They’re Unsmart — They’re Failing Because No One Taught Them the Numbers

Most farmers were never trained to read a balance sheet, interpret cash flow, or calculate true field-level profitability. Even operators worth $50–70 million often lack basic financial structure. This isn’t incompetence — it’s a systemic gap in education no one bothered to fill.

3. The Ag Banking System Is Part of the Problem

Farmers trust loan officers as advisors, yet many of those officers have little ag experience, limited financial depth, and hands tied by policy and liability. The result? Generations making multimillion-dollar decisions with incomplete guidance.

4. $592 Billion in Ag Debt — With No Clear Accounting

By the end of 2025, U.S. farm debt is projected at nearly $600 billion. According to Jace, a significant percentage is mismanaged or untracked — a terrifying reality for an industry representing less than 2% of the population but carrying massive national risk.

5. Men Don’t Fear Failure — They Fear Being Exposed

The greatest barrier to transformation is the fear of seeing the truth. When Legacy Farmer members enter the program, the first battle is internal: confronting decades of decisions they’ve been avoiding. Transformation starts the moment they stop hiding.

6. Financial Clarity Isn’t Just Business — It’s Emotional and Generational

When a man is hiding financial stress, his wife feels it. His kids feel it. His entire home feels it. Jace shares how clarity in finances leads to restored marriages, reduced anxiety, healthier communication, and real leadership at home.

7. This Work Saves Lives

The suicide rate in agriculture is three times higher than the average U.S. industry. When farmers gain clarity, structure, and hope, the ripple effect is massive — from business stability to emotional and relational healing. This isn’t bookkeeping. It’s life-saving work.

Notable Quotes

• “Intention is the discipline to solve the foundational issue — and refuse every distraction until it’s done.” – Jace Young
• “95% of farmers don’t know their numbers. Not because they can’t — but because no one ever taught them.” – Jace Young
• “The number one fear men have is the fear of being exposed.” – Jace Young
• “Your decisions today become your children’s children’s inheritance — or their burden.” – Mark Jewell
• “If God shines a light on a problem, it means He’s asking you to solve it.” – Jace Young

Action Steps

• Audit your own financial clarity — can you read and explain your balance sheet today?
• Ask yourself what decisions you’ve been avoiding out of fear of being exposed.
• Begin putting structure around your numbers: revenue, expenses, projections, debt, and profitability.
• Initiate an honest financial conversation with your spouse or business partners.
• Reflect on the generational impact of your decisions — good or bad — and commit to changing your legacy trajectory.

Ready to Get Control of Your Numbers and Protect Your Legacy?

If this conversation hit home and you know it’s time to get clarity, structure, and a proven financial system behind your operation, you can learn more about Jace’s process here:

👉 Explore the Proven Legacy Farmer System:

https://start.legacyfarmer.com/proven-system-1?comet_source=Pod&comet_custom=International-Ag-Business

This is the exact framework hundreds of farmers are using to get out of confusion, take back control of their business, and build a legacy that lasts.

Listen If You Are:

• A farmer, rancher, or ag business operator who feels overwhelmed or unclear about your finances
• A retailer, lender, or advisor working with farm clients and wanting to understand the deeper issues
• Someone who’s experienced generational breakdown and wants to change the story
• A leader looking for clarity, structure, and intentionality in decision-making
• A family member of someone carrying financial stress alone

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Julie Anna Potts, CEO of the Meat Institute — the organization representing over 95% of the red meat industry in the United States. This conversation pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood and most essential sectors in American agriculture.

Julie Anna and Mark dive deep into leadership under pressure, listening as a strategic advantage, the emotional reality facing farmers, the political climate in Washington, and the staggering downstream economic impact of the meat industry.

From charged conversations on Capitol Hill to the intimate challenges faced by rural families, Julie Anna offers a wide-angle view of what’s happening inside the industry — and what leaders must understand moving forward.

Whether you’re a farmer, agribusiness professional, policy follower, or simply someone who enjoys a good steak, this episode brings clarity, context, and truth to the national conversation around meat, health, policy, and the future of American food.

Key Takeaways

1. Intentional Leadership Begins With Listening

For Julie Anna, intentionality means being fully present — removing emotion from tense conversations, holding space for others, and grounding decisions in shared facts. In an industry full of pressure, listening is the leadership edge.

2. The Meat Industry Touches Millions — More Than You Think

The Meat Institute represents operations responsible for 95% of U.S. red meat. The industry’s economic footprint reaches millions of jobs, from packers and processors to equipment suppliers, truckers, retailers, and food service. The value chain is far deeper than most realize.

3. Americans Aren’t Turning Away From Meat — They’re Buying More

Despite headlines suggesting otherwise, over 98% of shoppers buy animal protein, according to “The Power of Meat” report. Demand remains exceptionally strong across beef, pork, poultry, and specialty meats.

4. The Industry Is Under Attack — But It’s Not Alone

Julie Anna discusses the cultural, political, and activist pressures placed on meat production, drawing parallels to historical attacks on other animal-based industries. But she also highlights the unified, cross-industry collaboration happening in Washington to protect farmers, ranchers, and processors during a time of economic uncertainty.

5. Food Security and Protein Access Are National Priorities

Mark and Julie Anna discuss the critical role of food banks, the protein gap in America, and the innovative work of organizations like Hatch for Hunger. Refrigeration alone can determine whether a family receives high-quality protein — an issue far more widespread than most realize.

6. Washington Is Listening — But the Landscape Is Changing

From tariffs to “Make America Healthy Again,” to environmental policy, both the current and past presidential administrations have influenced agriculture differently. Julie Anna offers a rare insider’s look at what’s happening inside the Beltway — and what it means for the future of farm country.

Notable Quotes

• “Being intentional starts with listening — truly listening — so people feel heard.” – Julie Anna Potts
• “We serve 98% of American households. That’s not a fringe product — that’s central to how people live.” – Julie Anna Potts
• “We’re a small group in rural America producing a massive amount of food. But when employees, retailers, and suppliers stand with us, we don’t feel alone.” – Julie Anna Potts
• “Capacity is the ability to hold space in the tension between where we are and where we’re going.” – Mark Jewell
• “Food is cultural, it’s emotional, it’s celebratory — and meat sits at the center of that.” – Julie Anna Potts

Action Steps

• Stay informed through trustworthy, aligned sources — not headlines.
• Engage with your industry associations to amplify your perspective.
• Support local food banks, especially with high-value proteins.
• Recognize the emotional load farmers and rural families are carrying right now.
• Use your social platforms intentionally to communicate the real story of agriculture.

Listen If You Are:

• A farmer, rancher, or agribusiness professional navigating uncertainty
• Someone curious about advocacy, policy, or how decisions in D.C. impact the meat industry
• A leader wanting to improve your listening and conflict-management skills
• Interested in the economic engine behind America’s protein supply
• Seeking a grounded, real-world perspective on food, nutrition, and the future of agriculture

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this powerful episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Tyler Dickerhoof — dairy farmer, leadership coach, and founder of the Impact Driven Leader movement.

Tyler brings raw honesty and hard-won insight to the conversation, unpacking how insecurities quietly shape the way we lead, connect, and communicate — often without us even realizing it. Drawing on decades of experience from dairy barns to boardrooms, Tyler reveals how to recognize your emotional blind spots, dismantle walls that limit growth, and lead from a place of wholeness and trust.

This conversation goes beyond leadership theory — it’s an unfiltered look at what happens when intensity becomes intimidation, when connection gives way to isolation, and how to reframe it all with empathy, clarity, and courage.

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentionality Starts with Purposeful Impact

Being intentional isn’t about perfection — it’s about aligning your actions with the impact you want to create. Tyler defines it simply: “Be purposeful in action.” Every decision, word, and relationship either builds trust or breaks it.

2. The Four Walls of Insecurity

Tyler introduces a groundbreaking framework that helps leaders identify how fear and insecurity show up in behavior. The four walls are:

• Intensity: When drive turns into domination.
• Inactivity: When fear paralyzes decision-making.
• Insensitivity: When protection becomes detachment.
• Isolation: When fear of judgment leads to hiding.

Recognizing which “wall” you lean on most is the first step toward breaking through it.

3. Every Problem Is a Relationship Problem

As Mark puts it: “Every business issue traces back to a relationship issue.” Tyler expands on this, explaining that our ability to lead others directly mirrors our relationship with ourselves. Leaders who don’t value or forgive themselves struggle to extend grace and connection to others.

4. Empathy Without Boundaries Isn’t Leadership — It’s Exhaustion

Tyler warns that empathy, without limits, leads to burnout. True empathy requires clarity and boundaries — modeling what healthy leadership looks like instead of just preaching it.

5. Intentional Leadership in the Age of Overload

From late-night texts to “always-on” expectations, Tyler and Mark challenge today’s leaders to rethink boundaries. Intentionality means having systems and communication rhythms that protect both productivity and peace. If your team is burning out, it’s not a workload issue — it’s a leadership clarity issue.

6. Choose to Be an Incubator, Not an Incinerator

One of Tyler’s most memorable phrases: “I’d rather be an incubator than an incinerator.” Great leaders don’t burn people out; they develop them. Building people means caring enough to challenge them, coach them, and let them grow — even if that means letting them go.

Notable Quotes:

• “Be purposeful in action. Our actions create our results, and our results reinforce our beliefs.” – Tyler Dickerhoof
• “Every problem is a relationship problem — and that relationship starts with yourself.” – Mark Jewell
• “Your intensity can light the way or burn the room down.” – Tyler Dickerhoof
• “You can’t love others well until you learn to love yourself.” – Tyler Dickerhoof
• “If you can’t extend trust, you’ll never experience connection.” – Tyler Dickerhoof
• “Be an incubator, not an incinerator. Build people instead of burning them out.” – Tyler Dickerhoof

Action Steps:

• Identify which of the Four Walls of Insecurity shows up most for you.
• Audit your communication — does your intensity inspire or intimidate?
• Define and communicate your personal and professional boundaries clearly.
• Practice extending trust before demanding proof.
• Reflect on how you can “incubate” growth in your people this week — not just demand performance.

Listen If You Are:

• A leader or business owner struggling with team burnout or communication barriers.
• An ag professional who wants to lead with both strength and empathy.
• A parent, spouse, or manager looking to understand emotional intelligence in action.
• Ready to move from fear-based leadership to impact-driven influence.

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Michael Hill, CEO of H&A Farms, a vertically integrated operation in Florida that has transformed the blueberry supply chain. Starting as a fourth-generation farmer with a single employee, Michael now leads the business responsible for packing 40% of Florida’s blueberry crop while running thriving agritourism and processing divisions.

Michael opens up about the pressures of scaling, surviving pandemic-era uncertainty, finding—and keeping—the right people, and the mindset it takes to grow, diversify, and lead through chaos. His story is a lesson in intentionality, delegation, resilience, and never forgetting the value of your name.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Starts With Your Word: Intentional leaders don’t just tell others what to do—they hold themselves accountable first. Michael reminds us that the most dangerous promises to break are the ones we make to ourselves.

2. Delegation Is a Skill — Not a Surrender: From running everything himself in year one to scaling to over 2,000 seasonal workers, Michael learned the hard way that growth depends on your ability to trust others, define responsibility, and let go of control.

3. Crisis Reveals Character: During COVID, 98% of Michael’s sales evaporated overnight. Instead of shutting down and causing market collapse, he held the line, protected his growers, and managed an unprecedented backlog until demand returned.

4. Culture Evolves — But It Must Be Protected: Michael’s business outgrew its early “everyone does everything” startup DNA. To evolve, he had to install structures, set standards, and protect culture by removing mediocre players who couldn’t or wouldn’t keep up.

5. Seasonal Ag Labor Is Not for the Faint of Heart: Managing hundreds of local workers and 1,800 H2A harvesters in a seven-week window requires systems, communication, and acceptance that during peak season, work takes over life. Not everyone is built for that kind of leadership—and that’s okay.

Notable Quotes:

• “You die with one thing in this world — your name.” – Michael Hill
• “If I believe I can bet on myself, is it really a risk?” – Michael Hill
• “Winners want to be around other winners. The mediocre don’t.” – Michael Hill
• “You can’t just delegate — you have to put the right people in the right seats.” – Michael Hill
• “Still being here? That’s the win.” – Michael Hill

Action Steps:

• Create your own Delegate-to-Elevate grid and get honest about what needs to go.
• Assess your team: Who’s a fit for the mission? Who’s just along for the ride?
• Consider crisis planning: What would you do if 98% of demand stopped overnight?
• Make one visible choice this week that protects your integrity and leadership reputation.

Listen If You Are:

• Building or scaling an agribusiness from scratch
• Struggling to delegate or develop leaders around you
• Curious about blueberries, packing, and agritourism at scale
• Leading teams with seasonal or H2A labor
• Looking for real-world stories of grit, growth, and intentional leadership

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

1. Intentionality Starts with Authenticity

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

2. Innovation Happens When You Integrate — Not Just Invent

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

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

3. Resilience + Faith = Legacy

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

4. Build Businesses that Work for People

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

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

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

Notable Quotes:

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

Action Steps:

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

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

Key Takeaways:

Be Intentional or Be Left Behind

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

Microbes, Markets, and a Mission

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

Culture Is a Strategy — Not a Slogan

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

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

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

Lead Through Cycles, Not Headlines

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

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

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

Notable Quotes:

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

Action Steps:

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

1. Culture Always Comes First

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

2. Clarity Is the Leader’s Greatest Responsibility

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

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

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

4. Strategic Thinking Requires Permission to Pause

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

5. Build Environments That Encourage Ownership

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

Notable Quotes:

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

Action Steps:

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

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

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

💡 Simplicity wins.

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

💡 Quotas should stretch—not break—your people.

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

💡 The wrong contest can destroy culture overnight.

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

💡 Leadership, not luck, drives retention.

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

Notable Quotes:

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

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

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

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

Action Steps:

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

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

Key Takeaways:

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

Notable Quotes:

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

Action Steps:

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

2. Survival Mode Is Not Success.

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

3. Redefine What Success Looks Like.

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

4. Alignment Creates Capacity.

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

5. Audit and Adjust Constantly.

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

6. Leadership Requires Leverage.

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

7. The Daily Brief Practice.

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

Notable Quotes

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

Action Steps

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

Listen If You Are:

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

Resources Mentioned:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

Key Takeaways:

Clarity is the Catalyst for Impact

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

Humanity in Leadership and Messaging

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

Bridging the Gaps in Agriculture

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

The Power of the ‘Why’

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

Intentional Communication and Repetition Matter

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

Notable Quotes:

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

Action Steps:

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

Notable Quotes

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

Action Steps

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

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

Key Takeaways

The Power of Intention in Leadership

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

Building Intent: From Idea to Innovation

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

From Interesting to Indispensable

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

The Role of Process and Communication

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

Independent Feedback Matters

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

Leadership Lessons

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

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

Notable Quotes

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

Action Steps for Listeners

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

Listen If You Are:

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

Key Takeaways

Leadership Means Ownership

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

FFA as a Foundation

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

Navigating Change with Vision

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

Vulnerability Builds Trust

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

Begin with the End in Mind

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

Notable Quotes

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

Action Steps

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

Listen If You Are

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

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark Jewell sits down with Paul Pittman, Executive Chairman of Farmland Partners, to explore what it means to lead intentionally in business and agriculture. From his journey growing up in a farm family to building the largest publicly traded farmland REIT, Paul shares powerful lessons on seizing opportunities, balancing vision with habits, and keeping perspective on agriculture’s role in solving global challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Habits Over Long-Term Plans: Success isn’t built on rigid 30-year plans, but on daily habits and the courage to seize opportunities when they arrive.
• Luck and Humility: Luck plays a major role in career success. Recognizing it fosters humility while reminding us not to discount solid “upper middle-class” achievements.
• Bridging Two Worlds: Paul combined his Wall Street deal-making expertise with deep agricultural roots to pioneer farmland investing through Farmland Partners.
• Agriculture’s North Star: Feeding the world remains the industry’s core mission, but the next frontier is improving nutritional quality alongside caloric and protein production.
• Intentional Leadership: True leadership comes from vision-driven individuals, not committees. Accountability, clarity, and a strong grasp of the other side’s priorities are key to effective deals and relationships.
• Decision-Making Framework: Balance certainty with long-term goals—avoid chasing perfection, but don’t settle for the easy path that drifts you off course.
• Work Ethic and Drive: A deep work ethic, instilled early by family, fuels resilience and the ability to take bold steps—even when that means quitting a “great” job to pursue true alignment.

Notable Quotes

• “You don’t set life goals—you set life habits that create the environment for success.” – Paul Pittman
• “If I need to teach you how to farm, I need a different tenant.” – Paul Pittman
• “The Sistine Chapel wasn’t painted by a committee. It was painted by a guy.” – Paul Pittman
• “Being wealthy isn’t about money. It’s about happiness with your life.” – Paul Pittman

Action Steps

• Evaluate your daily habits—are they aligned with the environment you want to create for success?
• Identify two or three “non-negotiables” in your business and relationships, and respect the same on the other side.
• Reflect on your career direction—are you drifting off course by taking too many “easy” decisions?
• Consider how your leadership style encourages accountability, vision, and individual responsibility.

Listen If You Are

• A business or ag leader seeking lessons from someone who bridged Wall Street and farming.
• Interested in the future of agriculture—feeding the world and improving health.
• Looking for practical frameworks for negotiation, leadership, and decision-making.
• Curious about the mindset behind building a company from farmland roots to Wall Street success.

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell and the Momentum Company team dive into one of the biggest challenges facing leaders today: creating true buy-in around new systems, processes, and performance expectations. Joined by client Dustin (sales manager at a cooperative), certified coaches Melisa and Denise, and the Momentum leadership team, this conversation unpacks how to align teams, foster accountability, and drive adoption of new technologies.

The discussion moves from performance management into the heart of culture change—how clarity, communication, and intentional leadership can transform resistance into ownership.

Key Takeaways

• Clarity Drives Adoption
• New tools like CRMs or performance reviews only work when leaders paint a crystal-clear picture of the desired future state—and connect it to why it matters.
• Communication Is Non-Negotiable
• Resistance often comes from misunderstanding. Clear, repeated messaging—supported by real-life examples—helps shift attitudes from suspicion to acceptance.
• Accountability Creates Confidence
• From sales call tracking to fleet management systems, transparent accountability builds trust and empowers employees to take ownership rather than feel micromanaged.
• Timing and Champions Matter
• Rolling out new processes during high-stress seasons leads to frustration. Identify “champions” inside your team who can lead by example and support peers through change.
• The Power of Clear Goals
• Impossible, future-focused goals drive behaviors more effectively than small, incremental ones. Contrast clarifies what to pursue and what to leave behind.

Notable Quotes

• “Nobody needs more check-the-box tasks. Tools should make people better, not just busier.” – Dustin
• “Communication and clarity were the best things for us—it’s not about tracking people, it’s about accountability for the fleet.” – Denise
• “When I tracked my bushels, the CRM became more than a tool—it created friendly competition that drove performance.” – Melisa
• “A clear goal informs what I do today—and more importantly, what I don’t do today.” – Mark Jewell
• “Contrast is clarity. Sometimes knowing what we don’t want helps us lock in on what we do.” 

Action Steps

• Audit your communication: Are you explaining not just the what, but the why behind new systems?
• Identify a team champion who can model and support adoption.
• Choose the right season for rollout—don’t pile change on top of peak workload.
• Set clear, future-oriented goals that inspire behavior change.
• Recognize and celebrate wins publicly; handle resistance privately.

Listen If You Are

• A sales manager struggling to get your team to use a CRM or new tool
• A leader facing pushback on cultural or process change
• An executive seeking to improve accountability without micromanagement
• Anyone who wants to drive performance by building clarity and buy-in

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Dr. Trey Cutts, VP of Commercial Ag Science at Tidal Grow Agroscience. Together, they explore what it truly means to be intentional in agriculture—balancing long-term vision with the day-to-day realities of research, innovation, and leadership. Trey shares candid insights about leading through ambiguity, building team culture, and redefining agriculture’s “North Star” beyond simply producing more.

Key Takeaways

• Intentional Leadership in Ag: Trey emphasizes the paradox of long cycles in agriculture versus the need for agility, and why focusing on the long-term “North Star” provides resilience.
• Innovation & Efficiency: The future of ag is not just yield, but efficiency, sustainability, and nutrition. Trey explains how Tidal Grow is using biopolymers derived from seafood waste to create sustainable, circular-economy solutions.
• Leading People vs. Products: Mark and Trey discuss the unpredictability of people compared to crops, and why leaders must be intentional in cultivating culture, expectations, and clarity.
• Overcoming Challenges: Trey opens up about navigating unclear organizational goals, leading with transparency, and balancing advocacy with empathy.
• Wins that Matter: Trey’s proudest moments come from seeing his team succeed—and knowing he helped create the environment for them to thrive.

Notable Quotes

• “In agriculture, you can’t just yield your way out of today’s challenges. It’s about efficiency, sustainability, and nutrition.” – Trey Cutts
• “As leaders, our job is to set the environment. Within that environment, great things can happen.” – Mark Jewell
• “Don’t let yourself or your team hide behind ‘I’m not an agronomist.’ We’re all here to learn.” – Trey Cutts
• “Clarity is one of the leading indicators of long-term success. Every team needs it.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps for Listeners

• Reflect on your own “North Star” in leadership—are you focused on growth, efficiency, or impact?
• Challenge yourself and your team to ask clarifying questions in every meeting to build a culture of continuous learning.
• Explore Crucial Conversations as a tool for navigating conflict productively.
• Share this episode with a peer or team member who is navigating change or seeking intentionality in leadership.

Listen If You Are

• An agribusiness professional navigating innovation and change
• A leader looking to set clear, long-term direction for your team
• Interested in sustainability, soil health, or the future of agricultural inputs
• Passionate about personal and professional growth in leadership

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Brian Sanford, National Sales Manager at smaXtec, to explore what it means to lead with intentionality in the dairy and ag tech industries. From building high-performing sales teams to balancing family life with professional growth, Brian shares insights on staying focused on “dollar productive activities” while cultivating a thriving culture and personal connections.

Key Takeaways

• Dollar Productive Activity
• Brian highlights how his early sales training around focusing on dollar-productive activities shaped both his professional and personal life. Whether closing sales or spending time with family, being intentional about high-value actions drives long-term results.
• CRM & Sales Process Discipline
• Despite not being a “detail person,” Brian leans into CRM tools to manage opportunities, categorize customers, and keep sales teams accountable. He stresses that if you can keep all your prospects in your head, you’re probably not doing enough activity.
• Scaling Teams & Building Culture
• Growing from 7 to 40 team members in just a few years, Brian explains the importance of cadences—regular meetings, onboarding processes, and tough conversations to ensure cultural fit. Creating a space where passion aligns with purpose is essential for sustained success.
• Intentional Family Time
• From playing chess with his son to CrossFit dates with his wife, Brian describes how intentionality extends beyond business into marriage and parenting. Simple, consistent actions—like Mark’s “Daily Brief” practice with his wife—can have an outsized impact on relationships.
• Overcoming Challenges & Wins
• Leaving a long-term role in feed and forging into tech was one of Brian’s toughest decisions, but it led to new opportunities and career wins. He shares stories of closing dairies of vastly different sizes and how objections become lessons when leveraged correctly.
• Books That Shape Leadership
• Brian recommends Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara for transforming customer experience and Moneyball by Michael Lewis as a lesson in data-driven strategy and out-of-the-box thinking.

Notable Quotes

• “What are you doing today that’s truly driving toward the results you want?” – Brian Sanford
• “If you can keep your sales leads in your head, you’re probably not doing enough activity.” – Brian Sanford
• “Sometimes the best thing you can do for culture is have the tough conversation: is this the right fit for you?” – Brian Sanford
• “Fear of letting go often costs more in money, time, and energy than the tough decision itself.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps

• Evaluate your daily activities: are they “dollar productive”?
• Create intentional practices in your personal life (like shared activities or daily check-ins).
• Review your CRM discipline—are you documenting and leveraging your conversations effectively?
• Don’t shy away from tough conversations when scaling a team.
• Consider reading Unreasonable Hospitality and Moneyball to reframe customer experience and strategic leadership.

Listen If You Are

• A sales leader in agriculture or ag tech
• An entrepreneur growing a high-performing team
• A professional balancing leadership with family life
• Someone looking to refine both business and personal intentionality

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Dr. Andy Noon of Decatur Street Consulting to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today: succession planning. With waves of retirements looming across the ag industry, the conversation dives into strategies for preparing future leaders, building self-awareness, and cultivating trust-driven performance. Andy brings his expertise in industrial psychology to unpack how organizations can intentionally prepare for the future while creating healthier, more effective leadership cultures.

Key Takeaways

• Succession Planning as a Business Process - Succession isn’t about replacing a leader at the last minute—it’s about aligning leadership development with the organization’s long-term strategy. Companies must look 3–5 years ahead, define future leadership profiles, and invest early in preparing the right talent.
• The Role of Industrial Psychology - Industrial psychology brings evidence-based principles into organizational life. From motivation and job satisfaction to retention and leadership effectiveness, applying research-backed practices helps companies make smarter leadership decisions.
• The Power of Self-Awareness - Self-awareness is the foundation of leadership growth. But Andy emphasizes that awareness alone isn’t enough—it must lead to self-improvement. Leaders should act on feedback, write down growth plans, and commit to change.
• Stretch Assignments Develop Leaders - To prepare successors, leaders must be placed in roles that test their capabilities. Stretch assignments, paired with feedback and support, accelerate readiness for higher responsibilities.
• Trust as the Foundation of Feedback - Effective coaching and feedback require trust. When trust is present, feedback enhances performance. Without it, feedback often feels like criticism and can push people away.
• From Feeling Bad to Conviction - Mark and Andy explore the difference between feeling bad about underperforming versus being convicted to improve. True growth happens when leaders respond with conviction rather than shame.

Notable Quotes

• “Succession planning is a business process. You’re not hiring for today—you’re preparing for the organization’s future strategy.” – Andy Noon
• “Fear of giving feedback often reveals a lack of trust. When trust is strong, feedback becomes a gift.” – Andy Noon
• “Self-awareness is step one, but self-improvement is the goal.” – Andy Noon
• “You’ll know a tree by its fruit. Leadership is measured by what’s left behind when the leader steps away.” – Mark Jewell
• “If you’re changing because you feel bad, it rarely sticks. True change comes from conviction.” – Christine Jewell (via Mark)

Action Steps

• Begin succession planning conversations at your next executive team meeting—don’t wait until it’s too late.
• Identify hidden talent within your organization and start developing them with feedback and stretch assignments.
• Write down 1–2 leadership areas you want to improve, and revisit them regularly.
• Build trust with your team before giving feedback—focus on understanding their motivations and goals.
• Establish your own “personal board of directors” who can speak truth into your leadership journey.

Listen If You Are

• A leader in agribusiness facing looming retirements and talent shortages
• An executive seeking to strengthen your company’s leadership pipeline
• A manager struggling with giving feedback without losing team members
• A leader committed to personal growth and building greater self-awareness

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and client, Jon Brabec, from Frontier Cooperative in Nebraska. Jon has spent over two decades leading change, building strong teams, and shaping culture in ag retail—and he’s got the battle scars and wisdom to prove it. We talk about what it really means to be intentional as a leader, how to create buy-in instead of resistance, and why investing upfront in your people pays off in execution later.

Key Takeaways

Lead Change by Building the Roadmap Early

Jon shares his “Orlando analogy” for change management—give people the destination early, build the plan together, and let them take ownership so execution happens faster and better.

Culture Starts with Clarity

People don’t need perfect decisions from their leaders, but they do need to see where you’re headed. Clear direction reduces uncertainty, improves retention, and strengthens trust.

Reflect Before You React

When turnover spiked, Jon didn’t blame “the younger generation”—he dug into the data, surveyed his team, and even called former employees to understand what needed to change.

The Power of Mentorship & Executive Peer Groups

Jon leans on a trusted network of peers who aren’t afraid to give him the hard truth. That outside perspective helps him solve problems, refine strategies, and stay accountable.

A Deep Why for Agriculture

Jon’s driving mission is to see family farms thrive for generations. That vision fuels his leadership, even on the hardest days.

Notable Quotes

“People don’t always remember what you say—they remember how you made them feel.” – Jon Brabec

“If you don’t create the space to work on it, it’s easy to just slough it off and blame a generation. I’m not buying that crap.” – Jon Brabec

“Clear direction doesn’t require perfect decisions—it requires leaders who are willing to decide.” – Jon Brabec

“You’re not in the role because you have it all figured out. You’re in the role because you can figure it out—and communicate the game plan to your people.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps

Give your team the end goal early—then co-create the path to get there.

Build thinking time into your calendar for reflection and strategy.

Seek honest feedback, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Join or create a peer group that will hold you accountable and challenge your thinking.

Listen If You Are:

An ag leader navigating change in your organization

A manager looking to improve retention and culture

Someone seeking practical tools for leading with intention

A believer in the long-term success of family farms

Culture isn't what you say - it's what you DO every day. Most leaders build fake cultures that drive away top talent.

You've tried team building events, mission statements, and motivational posters. Yet your best people keep leaving, communication breaks down, and that "one person" drags everyone down. The truth? Most company cultures are performative theater that fools no one. Leaders who build thriving cultures understand that culture starts with inclusion, requires daily leadership modeling, and demands tough decisions about who stays and who goes.

WHAT HIGH-PERFORMING LEADERS DO DIFFERENTLY

Stop These Culture Mistakes: ● Hiring for skills alone instead of cultural fit ● Talking about culture without defining it clearly ● Tolerating negative team members who poison the environment ● Leading from the corner office instead of the frontlines ● Creating policies without employee input or feedback

Start These Culture-Building Behaviors: ● Include your team in defining what culture looks like ● Model the exact behaviors you want to see daily ● Address culture problems immediately when they arise ● Promote from within to maintain cultural continuity ● Give employees a voice and respond to their feedback within 30 days

TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Episode Opening and Culture Focus Introduction 2:23 - What Does Intentional Culture Look Like? 2:50 - Culture Must Include Everybody or It Fails 3:10 - Define Culture Before You Can Build It 3:39 - Get Team Input to Create Buy-In 4:05 - Addressing Lack of Buy-In Head-On 4:44 - Finding Your Biggest Leadership Wins 5:10 - The Power of Team Accomplishments 5:37 - Magnifying Success Through Others 6:04 - Thriving Leader Program Introduction 7:38 - Hiring for Culture Over Skills 8:06 - The Resume vs Culture Fit Problem 8:26 - Promoting from Within Strategy 8:54 - High Expectations Drive Performance 9:46 - Navigating Multiple Cultures in Acquisitions 10:23 - Culture is What You DO Daily 10:39 - The 90/10 Rule: Your Weakest Link Defines Culture 11:12 - Moving People to Spread Culture 12:26 - Creating Safe Work Environments 13:12 - God, Family, Friends, Work Priority Order 14:07 - Polarity Creates Natural Selection 14:55 - High Retention Through Clear Values 15:33 - Annual Employee Feedback Tours 16:13 - 30-Day Response Commitment 17:18 - Leading from the Ground, Not the Corner Office

FOR: ✓ Business owners struggling with employee retention ✓ Leaders inheriting teams with toxic culture problems ✓ Managers dealing with resistant team members ✓ Executives planning company acquisitions or mergers ✓ Entrepreneurs building their first leadership teams

DECISION POINT: Your culture is defined by your weakest link - fix it or lose your best people.

This Week's Challenge: Identify one person or policy that contradicts your stated culture and create a plan to address it within 30 days.

If you're ready to stop losing top talent to culture problems and want to build a team that actually wants to work together, email mark@themomentumcompany.com to learn about the Thriving Leader Program.

👥 Share with leaders struggling with team culture! 💡 Comment below: What's the biggest culture challenge you're facing right now?

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and leadership development purposes. The Thriving Leader Program and leadership coaching mentioned are designed for business leaders and managers. Results may vary based on implementation, team dynamics, and organizational commitment.

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and industry powerhouse, Tracy Linbo, Chief Commercial Officer at AgVend. We dive deep into what it really means to lead with intention—not just in your professional life, but at home, too. Tracy shares her incredible journey through the ag value chain, from pulling weeds on a hobby farm in Minnesota to leading commercial strategy for one of agtech’s fastest-growing platforms.

This is a must-listen for leaders navigating change, managing adoption of new tech, and looking to build stronger team cultures that actually stick.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Intentionality is More Than a Buzzword

Tracy explains that being intentional means walking the talk—owning your actions and correcting course when needed. Whether you're leading a team or leading at home, intention requires follow-through.

Block the Time, or Lose the Time

Tracy and I both agree: if it's not on your calendar, it’s not real. She shares how simple blocks like “catch-up” or “lunch” help her show up with more focus and less burnout.

Hope Is Not a Strategy

Whether it's culture, performance, or tech adoption, Tracy reminds us that good outcomes come from clear expectations, follow-through, and accountability—not wishful thinking.

Tech Doesn’t Replace Trust

AgVend’s approach to change management? Help people win. Show them the value. Provide accountability. And never underestimate the power of one positive experience with a new tool.

Mentorship Is the Win

For Tracy, it’s not the big product launches or career titles that stand out most—it’s when people reach out and say, “Will you mentor me?” That’s legacy work.

🔊 Notable Quotes:

“Intentionality isn’t just how you start—it’s how you follow through.” – Tracy Linbo

“Show me your calendar, and I’ll show you your priorities.” – Mark Jewell

“Hope is not a strategy. If you don’t design your culture, one will still form—it just won’t be the one you want.” – Tracy Linbo

“If we put more value into the industry than we ask from it, we never go hungry.” – Mark Jewell

“People don’t hate structure—they hate feeling stuck. Give them a framework and watch them thrive.” – Mark Jewell

✅ Action Steps:

Audit your calendar: Are your values reflected in how you spend your time?

Have the tough conversations: Don’t let one toxic behavior unravel the culture you’ve built.

Lean into tech with intention: Set a clear AI or digital strategy and onboard your team with clarity and support.

Invest in mentorship: Whether you're mentoring or being mentored, make the time.

Redefine accountability: Clarity plus consistency builds trust and momentum.

🎧 Listen If You Are:

A leader navigating rapid change or tech adoption

Someone managing culture while scaling a team

Curious how to blend structure and flexibility in your calendar

Wanting to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry

Looking for real talk on what actually drives leadership effectiveness

95% of what you do runs on autopilot - and it's killing your growth potential. Here's how to break the cycle and unlock exponential results.

Most leaders think they need more strategies, but they're stuck because their operating systems are outdated. Executive coach Christine Jewel reveals the 5 hidden growth limiters that keep high performers trapped in familiar comfort zones - and the exact framework to overcome each one.

WHAT HIGH PERFORMERS DO DIFFERENTLY

Stop These Growth-Killing Mistakes: 

● Running the same habits expecting different results (your processes are your ceiling) 

● Operating with outdated belief systems that trigger stress responses in your body 

● Staying in comfortable circles where you're always the smartest person 

● Working in environments that drain your energy instead of inspiring breakthrough thinking 

● Clinging to familiar strategies because they feel secure (the illusion of security trap)

Start These Exponential Growth Behaviors: 

● Stack compound habits like investments - small daily improvements create 180-degree changes in 6 months 

● Upgrade your mental operating systems by reading materials that challenge your current thinking 

● Intentionally place yourself in rooms where conversations stretch your mindset 

● Design multiple environments - one for execution, another for creative breakthrough thinking 

● Embrace the surfer mindset - catch the wave at the right time, ride it fully, then prepare for the next one

TIMESTAMPS: 

0:00 - Episode Opening: Why Most Growth Strategies Fail 

1:10 - Meet Christine Jewel: 25 Years of High Performance Coaching 

2:17 - The Student Mindset: Why "I Already Know This" Kills Growth 

3:53 - Growth Limiter #1: Your Habits Are Your Processes (Compound Effect) 

7:04 - Growth Limiter #2: Outdated Belief Systems (Your Operating System) 

12:06 - Growth Limiter #3: Wrong People in Your Circle (Room Dynamics) 

14:25 - Thriving Leader Program Spotlight 

16:42 - Growth Limiter #4: Environment Design for Peak Performance 

21:00 - Growth Limiter #5: The Illusion of Security (Comfort Zone Trap) 

23:00 - The Surfer Analogy: Catching Waves vs Being Crushed

 27:00 - Growth Cycles: Understanding Seasons of Expansion 

29:07 - Implementation Recap: Five Systems to Upgrade Today 

32:26 - Take Action Challenge: Teach Someone Else

FOR: ✓ Business leaders stuck at current performance levels despite having good systems ✓ Executives who are always the smartest person in the room and want to be challenged ✓ High performers feeling like they're working hard but not seeing exponential results ✓ Leaders ready to leave familiar comfort zones for breakthrough growth ✓ Anyone who recognizes their current operating systems need major upgrades

DECISION POINT: Your new life requires a new version of you - are you willing to trade familiar comfort for exponential growth?

This Week's Challenge: Identify one area where you're not getting the results you want, then upgrade ONE system this week - whether it's a daily habit, your environment, or the circle of people you're engaging with.

If you're ready to break through growth plateaus and want to upgrade your leadership operating systems, email mark@themomentumcompany.com to learn about our Thriving Leader Program and executive coaching opportunities.

👥 Share with leaders who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving! 💡 Comment below: Which of the 5 growth limiters resonates most with your current situation?

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes. The Thriving Leader Program and executive coaching services mentioned are designed for leaders committed to personal and professional growth. Results may vary based on individual commitment to implementation and practice.

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark Jewell is joined by agricultural commentator, speaker, and podcast host Damian Mason for a candid and high-energy conversation about the intentional evolution of individuals, businesses, and the ag industry at large. From political comedy to economic commentary, Damian shares how he reinvented himself—and why the ag industry must do the same. Together, they tackle the myths of "feeding the world," challenge commodity mindsets, and explore what it means to lead from a place of health, clarity, and discipline.

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Reinvention Requires Courage

Damian shares how he intentionally shifted from political comedy to agricultural commentary, despite the comfort and success of his past career. Reinvention means letting go of what once worked to make room for what’s next.

Ag’s Identity Crisis Needs a New North Star

The old narrative of "feeding the world" no longer resonates. Today’s agricultural leaders must rethink their purpose—focusing on sustainability, nutrient density, and stewardship, rather than just production volume.

Policy, Incentives & Entrenchment Are Holding Us Back

Government subsidies, university research incentives, and industry entrenchment keep ag locked into outdated systems. Progress requires bold leadership and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Consumer Behavior Is Changing—Ag Must Catch Up

Consumers are already proving they'll pay more for quality, flavor, and health. Ag must prioritize differentiation and embrace emerging trends like regenerative ag, flavor-focused products, and transparency in sourcing.

Leadership Transformation Begins with Personal Health

Mark shares how Thriving Leader participants undergo physical and personal transformation—often losing weight, getting healthier, and showing up as better leaders—by simply being placed in a high-performance environment.

Notable Quotes:

“Being funny is like being tall. You either are or you aren’t.” – Damian Mason

“It takes tremendous intention to say: this thing that made me millions of dollars is now just a story.” – Damian Mason

“We’re stuck on slogans from 30 years ago. Feeding the world isn’t the point anymore.” – Damian Mason

“Intention and discipline walk down the same aisle. One without the other gets you nowhere.” – Mark Jewell

“You want to lead transformation? Start by getting people off soda and into a 6am kickboxing workout.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Reflect on whether your current business model or leadership approach needs an intentional evolution.
• Challenge outdated industry narratives and begin forming your own North Star for impact.
• Rethink the role of policy and incentives in your work—are they helping or hindering progress?
• Consider your own health and habits: what shifts would make you a stronger, more grounded leader?

Listen If You Are:

• A leader in agribusiness looking to stay relevant and forward-focused
• Tired of outdated industry slogans and ready to create real impact
• Curious about the intersection of policy, performance, and purpose in ag
• A lifelong learner interested in personal and industry transformation
• Someone ready to challenge the status quo and evolve intentionally

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

Most leaders think they're leading when they're actually micromanaging - discover the motivation vs capability matrix that transforms teams.

You're stuck in the referee phase, managing every detail while your team remains dependent. This kills motivation, stunts growth, and burns you out. The confusion between managing and leading is costing your business productivity, retention, and results.

After coaching thousands of agribusiness leaders, we've identified the exact framework that separates true leaders from overwhelmed managers. Today, you'll learn the motivation-capability matrix, the four stages of leadership development, and when to step in versus step back.

WHAT HIGH-PERFORMING LEADERS DO DIFFERENTLY

Stop These Leadership Mistakes:

● Managing people to prevent failure instead of developing capability

● Staying stuck in babysitting and refereeing phases with capable employees

● Micromanaging high-motivation, high-capability team members

● Leading when people need clear direction and structure

● Protecting yourself instead of empowering others to grow

Start These Leadership Behaviors:

● Use the motivation vs capability matrix to determine your approach

● Manage resources, information, and situations - not people

● Progress employees through babysitting → refereeing → coaching → partnership

● Give clear direction to high-motivation, low-capability team members

● Step into command mode during crisis situations

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome and Topic Introduction

0:47 - Defining Management vs Leadership

3:04 - When is the Right Time to Manage?

5:25 - The Motivation vs Capability Matrix Framework

7:00 - From Managing to Leading: The Evolution

9:16 - Managing Resources vs Managing People

10:13 - Real Story: COVID Leadership Crisis Example

12:15 - The Sailboat Storm: Command vs Autonomy

15:58 - Managing People Not to Fail (The Trap)

17:37 - What Prevents Leaders from Stepping Back

20:37 - Thriving Leader Program Advertisement

21:13 - Generational Differences in Leadership Needs

27:51 - Teaching Critical Thinking vs Following Directions

30:07 - The Electric Fence Lesson: Natural Consequences

32:35 - Redefining Failure and Building Resilience

34:12 - The Four Stages of Leadership Development

37:13 - Setting Expectations for the Leadership Journey

38:48 - Episode Wrap-up and Key Takeaways

FOR:

✓ Business owners managing multiple generations of employees

✓ Operations managers stuck micromanaging capable team members

✓ Department heads struggling with when to step in vs step back

✓ Agribusiness leaders dealing with high-turnover teams

✓ Executives wanting to develop autonomous, high-performing teams

DECISION POINT: Stop managing people and start managing the systems that develop people.

This Week's Challenge: Identify one high-capability team member you're still managing and move them to the coaching phase by Friday.

If you're ready to stop micromanaging and want to build a self-leading team, email mark@themomentumcompany.comto learn about the Thriving Leader Program.

👥 Share with a leader who's stuck in the referee phase! 💡 Comment below: What's the biggest challenge you face knowing when to manage vs lead?

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and leadership development purposes. The Thriving Leader Program and coaching services mentioned are designed for business leaders and managers. Results may vary based on implementation, team dynamics, and organizational culture.

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company 

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this powerful episode, Mark Jewell sits down with Lacey Seibert, Head of Go To Market at Bushel, to explore the future of leadership in agriculture. With over 16 years of experience in grain, logistics, and ag tech, Lacey shares hard-earned wisdom about integrating faith, purpose, and innovation into the workplace. From redefining leadership beyond hierarchy to bridging the gap between technology and boots-on-the-ground needs, this conversation is a must-listen for agribusiness leaders looking to lead with clarity, courage, and real-world solutions.

Key Takeaways:

Lead with Purpose, Not Pressure

Lacey shares how surrendering her career ambitions to her faith brought unexpected peace and opened new paths for leadership—both at home and in the industry.

From Customer to Vision-Caster at Bushel

Lacey explains her transition from grain origination to a key strategic role in ag tech, and why creating solutions that actually work for farmers begins with deep industry empathy.

Support + Autonomy = Magic

Ag organizations struggle to find the sweet spot between micromanaging and empowering. Lacey outlines how leaders can create environments where people take ownership and feel supported.

Why the North Star Matters More Than Ever

The old “feed the world” mantra is being replaced. Lacey and Mark challenge listeners to define their company’s new mission—and lead teams with clarity around why the work matters now.

Innovation Requires Courage and Curiosity

From AI-powered efficiencies to mentoring programs, Lacey shares how leaders can challenge the status quo and keep learning—even in traditional ag environments.

Notable Quotes:

“Being intentional means having clarity about the purpose I’m living for—and checking that purpose daily.” – Lacey Seibert

“You don’t need a formal title to lead. You can lead up, lead across, and create trust by showing up differently.” – Lacey Seibert

“If your company doesn’t have a clear North Star, your people will struggle to stay passionate. Clarity drives culture.” – Lacey Seibert

“We’ve got to stop solving survival problems and start solving abundance problems.” – Mark Jewell

“If it’s not on a page, we’re not on the same page.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Reflect on your personal and organizational North Star. Is it clear, compelling, and shared across your team?
• Re-evaluate one process in your company: could it be simplified or automated to create more space for deep work?
• Schedule a conversation with someone outside your organization to gain fresh leadership perspective.
• Encourage your team to experiment with one new approach this quarter—then evaluate what worked.

Listen If You Are:

• A grain or ag tech leader looking to bridge the gap between innovation and farmer reality
• A cooperative CEO or manager navigating team dynamics and employee retention
• A high-performing leader ready to lead from purpose instead of pressure
• A young professional seeking clarity on how to grow in influence without a formal title

Transform your team from reactive firefighting to proactive accountability systems that drive results without micromanaging.

Most leaders struggle with holding people accountable because they're using outdated methods that create resentment and resistance. You're stuck in endless meetings, chasing people for updates, and feeling like a babysitter instead of a leader. This reactive approach burns you out while your team underperforms.

We've worked with hundreds of agribusiness leaders who've transformed their teams using proven accountability frameworks. Today, we're sharing the exact system that creates a culture where people hold themselves accountable. This frees you to focus on strategy while your team delivers consistent results.

Stop These Accountability Mistakes:

● Trying to hold people accountable without clear written expectations

● Having accountability conversations without documented agreements

● Waiting until problems occur to address performance issues

● Making accountability conversations feel like personal attacks

● Relying on reactive management instead of systematic processes

Start These High-Performance Behaviors:

● Document clear expectations and get written agreements before starting work

● Establish regular accountability cadences with consistent frameworks

● Create systems where team members hold each other accountable

● Use "we" language that invites people back to agreements vs calling them out

● Build accountability into your core values and company culture

FOR:

✓ Agribusiness leaders tired of chasing their team for basic deliverables

✓ CEOs wanting to scale without becoming the bottleneck for every decision

✓ Managers struggling with team members who make excuses instead of delivering results

✓ Directors building high-performance teams that operate with minimal oversight

✓ Business owners ready to create systematic accountability instead of reactive firefighting

Either build accountability systems now or stay trapped in the exhausting cycle of micromanaging underperforming teams forever.

This Week's Challenge: Document one clear expectation with your team, get their written agreement, and establish a weekly check-in cadence to review progress together.

If you're ready to stop micromanaging and want to build a self-accountable team, email mark@themomentumcompany.com to learn about the Thriving Leader Program.

👥 Share with leaders stuck in reactive management cycles! 💡 Comment below: What's your biggest challenge with team accountability? Is it setting clear expectations or having the tough conversations?

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes. The Thriving Leader Program and coaching services mentioned are designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs. Results may vary based on implementation, team dynamics, and organizational commitment.

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this inspiring episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Nicholas McCarthy, the newly appointed CEO of Central Valley Ag (CVA). With 25 years of experience rising through the ranks—from applicator to the top seat—Nick shares a raw, honest look at leadership, culture, and the role of faith and humility in his journey. This episode is packed with wisdom on creating high-trust organizations, empowering local leadership, navigating talent challenges, and leveraging technology in modern agribusiness.

Key Takeaways:

Leading with Core Values

Nick defines intentional leadership as living true to your values—trust, integrity, honoring your name, and doing what you say you'll do. These values guide both his personal and professional life.

Culture Is Local and People-First

CVA emphasizes enabling local leaders to make meaningful decisions. With a massive geographic footprint, the company empowers location managers with hiring, operations, and P&L ownership—building trust and adaptability into the culture.

Transparent Leadership Drives Loyalty

Nick shares how transparency and regular, honest conversations with employees have become a critical differentiator for CVA in talent retention—especially in rural communities.

From Failure to Feedback

Nick opens up about strategy missteps and how CVA’s culture gave him the confidence to take risks, fail, and grow. He stresses the importance of owning failures and using them to build better systems.

Technology as an Accelerator, Not a Replacement

Rather than replacing people, Nick sees AI and automation as tools that shift job duties and elevate human potential. Leaders who embrace tech will outperform in tomorrow’s agribusiness landscape.

Sharpen Your Axe

Nick closes with a powerful reminder that leaders must pause to recharge—whether it's reading scripture, spending time with family, or simply stepping back to gain perspective. “Sharpen your axe” to keep leading with excellence.

Notable Quotes:

"You enter this world with your name, and you leave with your legacy. That’s what matters." – Nicholas McCarthy

"Culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s how people show up to work every day." – Mark Jewell

"50% of your competition is eliminated by effort alone. Just showing up makes you stand out." – Nicholas McCarthy

"Don’t be afraid to fail. But when you do, own it, and use it to build something better." – Nicholas McCarthy

"When I go home to eat lunch, I sharpen my axe." – Nicholas McCarthy

Action Steps:

• Revisit your core values and ask: Am I living and leading by them daily?
• Schedule bi-weekly 1:1s with your team to foster real, human connection.
• Identify one job function that could be enhanced or streamlined with technology.
• Take 30 minutes this week to “sharpen your axe”—read, reflect, or recharge.
• Share this episode with a teammate who needs encouragement on their leadership path.

Listen If You Are:

• A leader navigating organizational change or succession
• A rural-based business struggling with talent attraction and retention
• Curious about AI’s role in agribusiness
• Looking for a practical example of value-driven leadership
• A fan of leadership rooted in humility, family, and faith

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this eye-opening Intentional Agribusiness Leader episode, Mark and Cowboy Coach Jon Anderson expose the shocking data behind why most corporate training fails and reveal the exact framework successful companies use to get measurable results from their people development investments.

WHAT INTENTIONAL TRAINING BUYERS DO DIFFERENTLY

Stop These Training Mistakes:

● Investing in training without clear learning objectives or measurable outcomes

● Using the cookie-cutter approach - putting everyone through the same program regardless of need

● Buying training reactively to symptoms instead of addressing root causes

● Never measuring if training actually changed behavior or delivered ROI

● Tolerating "death by PowerPoint" sessions that disengage your team

Start These Results-Driven Behaviors:

● Setting specific, measurable learning objectives before any training investment

● Identifying who actually needs training and filtering participants strategically

● Connecting training to clear business drivers and expected behavioral changes

● Implementing measurement systems to track behavior change and ROI

● Expecting minimum 4:1 return on investment from every training dollar spent

TIMESTAMPS/CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Welcome to Intentional Agribusiness Leader

0:30 - Why Training Gets Bought Reactively

2:23 - How to Buy Training Intentionally

3:36 - Training Effectiveness and Engagement Challenges

5:45 - Death by PowerPoint Must Stop

8:25 - When Corporate Training Becomes a Social Event

9:38 - The Hidden Costs of Bad Training

11:12 - The $85 Billion Training Market Reality

13:19 - 67% Buy Training Without Clear Objectives

15:18 - Why Most Training Gets Bought Reactively

17:12 - The Missing ROI Measurement Problem

19:18 - How to Enhance, Keep, and Train Out Behaviors

21:32 - 58% Never Measure if Training Changed Behavior

22:26 - Expect Minimum 4:1 ROI from Training

24:19 - 84% Use Cookie Cutter Training Approach

25:16 - AI-Powered Assessment Solutions

28:00 - Hyper-Personalized Learning Plans Coming Soon

FOR:

✓ Business leaders tired of wasting money on ineffective training programs

✓ Managers who want to see actual ROI from their people development investments

✓ Anyone frustrated with "death by PowerPoint" corporate training sessions

✓ Leaders ready to move from reactive symptom-fixing to strategic people development

✓ Companies seeking measurable behavior change and business results from training

DECISION POINT:

Stop buying training reactively without clear objectives. Start measuring what matters and expect minimum 4:1 ROI from every training investment.

This Week's Challenge: Before your next training purchase, sit down with your leadership team and define: What behaviors need to be enhanced? What needs to stay? What needs to be trained out? Then measure the results 6 months later.

If you're ready to stop wasting money on ineffective training and want to see how hyper-personalized learning plans can transform your organization, email mark@themomentumcompany.com to learn about our new strategic learning design process.

👥 Share with a leader who's tired of ineffective corporate training!

💡 Comment below: What's the worst training experience you've ever sat through?

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for leadership development and training optimization purposes. The Thriving Leader Program and strategic learning design services mentioned are designed for organizations committed to measurable people development. Results may vary based on implementation and organizational commitment to change.

Key Takeaways:

Lead the Culture You Want

Melinda shares how culture doesn’t come from words on a wall—it comes from modeling, consistency, and showing up with intention every day.

Don’t Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated

True leadership means learning how each person on your team needs to be supported, encouraged, and communicated with.

Labor Shortages Are Real—But Solvable

Retention issues and Gen Z expectations are shaking up the ag workforce. Leaders must shift from blanket strategies to personalized development and clear role design.

Vulnerability Builds Trust

Being honest about what you don’t know creates a safe, empowering space for your team to do the same—and strengthens your entire organization.

Developing Future Leaders Starts with You

Your team becomes a reflection of your leadership. If you’re not clear, consistent, or aligned, neither will they be.

Notable Quotes:

“You can’t just say culture matters. You have to be the culture you want to create.” – Melinda Witten

“People follow people. But they don’t follow perfection—they follow authenticity.” – Melinda Witten

“You don’t build loyalty by treating people how you want to be treated. You lead by understanding how they need to be treated.” – Melinda Witten

“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to ask questions and sit in the uncomfortable moments.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Reflect: Are you modeling the culture you want in your organization?
• Audit: Do you understand how your key team members need to be led and supported?
• Engage: Create intentional time to check in with your people—outside of performance reviews or task lists.

Listen If You Are:

• An ag executive navigating generational change in your workforce
• A team leader trying to create a strong, authentic culture
• A CEO or director who wants to retain top talent and reduce turnover
• Someone craving more clarity, humanity, and leadership presence in their role

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on how to lead with heart, clarity, and confidence.

—

Connect with Us:

💬 Email Mark: mark@themomentumcompany.com

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

📱 Instagram: @the.momentum.company

💼 LinkedIn: /momentum-company

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

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

Tired of carrying the leadership load alone? Here's the exact 5-step framework to develop leaders who will rise up alongside you and stop making you feel like you're dragging everyone forward.

Are you exhausted from being the only one driving change in your organization? Feeling like you're constantly pulling people along instead of having true partners in leadership? You're not alone. In this game-changing Intentional Agribusiness Leader episode, Mark, Christine, and John reveal the proven framework for identifying and developing the right people into leaders who will champion your mission WITH you - not just work FOR you.

WHAT TRUE LEADER DEVELOPERS DO DIFFERENTLY

Stop These Leadership Mistakes:

● Investing equal time in everyone instead of identifying high-potential candidates ● Promoting based on tenure or who complains the loudest ● Using only financial incentives to drive behavior change ● Operating without a proven, repeatable development process ● Leading from the ivory tower instead of sweating with your team

Start These Leader-Building Behaviors:

● Filtering for loyalty, values alignment, and growth mindset before heavy investment ● Creating a deliberate, decisive leadership identity that people can trust ● Implementing proven development processes (babysitting → referee → coaching → partnership) ● Edifying your team publicly and making them feel seen in their roles ● Getting in the trenches enough to build unbreakeable bonds through shared challenges

TIMESTAMPS:

● 0:00 - The Leadership Loneliness Problem ● 1:16 - Who Should You Actually Invest In? ● 3:47 - The Loyalty Test: Are They Ride or Die? ● 7:40 - Why Most Leader Development Fails ● 12:27 - The 5-Step Leader Development Framework ● 13:36 - Step 1: Decide What Kind of Leader You Are (Deliberate, Decisive, Divine) ● 20:08 - Step 2: Know Your Process (From Spoon-Feeding to Partnership) ● 24:36 - Step 3: Edify Your Team (Make Them Feel Seen) ● 27:18 - Step 4: Sweat With Them (Get in the Trenches Together) ● 32:45 - Step 5: Incentivize the Right Behaviors (Show Me Your Incentives)

FOR:

✓ Leaders feeling isolated and carrying too much weight alone ✓ Managers who want to develop their high-potential people effectively

✓ Anyone tired of promoting the wrong people for the wrong reasons ✓ Business owners ready to build a multiplication model, not just addition ✓ Leaders who want partners in the mission, not just employees doing tasks

DECISION POINT:

Stop trying to develop everyone equally. Start identifying your champions and pour into them intentionally.

This Week's Challenge: Audit your current team using the loyalty, values alignment, and growth mindset filters. Identify your top 2-3 champions and create a specific development plan for each.

If you're ready to stop carrying the load alone and want support building a thriving leader culture, email mark@themomentumcompany.com about our Local Champion Program.

👥 Share with a leader who's feeling isolated in their role!

💡 Comment below: What's your biggest challenge in developing leaders around you?

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for leadership development purposes. The Thriving Leader Program and coaching mentioned are designed for leaders committed to building thriving organizational cultures. Results may vary based on individual effort and organizational context.

If you’re navigating team transitions, legacy leadership, or culture challenges—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

Clarity Precedes Culture

Brett emphasizes that before you can build a thriving team culture, you must be clear on who you are, where you’re going, and what you’re unwilling to compromise on.

Leadership Requires Hard Conversations

Whether it’s exiting the wrong people or redefining expectations, Brett shares how leadership often comes down to doing the uncomfortable things others avoid.

Hiring for Character, Not Just Competence

Bell Enterprises rebuilt their team by prioritizing values, integrity, and heart over technical skills—proving that people are the backbone of transformation.

The Power of Identity

Brett reflects on how losing—and then reclaiming—his identity as a leader and man of faith helped him lead with greater peace, purpose, and confidence.

Legacy Is Built Daily

Rather than being bound by tradition, Brett encourages listeners to see legacy as something we steward and shape every single day—by how we lead, live, and love.

Notable Quotes:

“You can’t grow a thriving culture if you don’t know who you are or where you’re going.” – Brett Bell

“I had to fire myself from trying to be everything to everyone.” – Brett Bell

“We chose to hire people who had the heart—and we could teach the rest.” – Brett Bell

“Legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s what you build every day.” – Brett Bell

“When I surrendered my need to control it all, peace followed.” – Brett Bell

Action Steps:

• Reflect: What part of your leadership identity needs to be reclaimed or redefined?
• Audit your team: Are you prioritizing heart, character, and clarity in your hiring and retention?
• Take inventory: What traditions need to be honored—and which ones need to be released?
• Initiate the conversation you’ve been avoiding—it might be the breakthrough your culture needs.

Listen If You Are:

• A second or third-generation ag business leader in a season of transition
• Struggling to rebuild or reshape your company culture
• Wrestling with identity, control, and clarity as a leader
• Committed to creating a legacy of integrity, impact, and intentional leadership

Connect with The Momentum Company: 

Learn More: https://www.themomentumcompany.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.momentumcompany/

LinkedIn: / momentum-company

When we surveyed agricultural leaders about what drives them crazy, the overwhelming response wasn't about competition or market pressures - it was about being stuck in organizations that resist positive change while they can clearly see the solutions. Sound familiar?

In this game-changing Intentional Agribusiness Leader episode, Mark, Christine, and Jon dive deep into the heart of what makes a true champion and reveal why most high-potential leaders are unknowingly sabotaging their own influence - plus the exact framework to step into your champion identity and create the change you want to see.

WHAT TRUE CHAMPIONS DO DIFFERENTLY

Stop These Self-Limiting Patterns: ● Waiting for permission or the "right title" before making change ● Getting caught up in meaningless conversations and office drama

● Believing you need to write the check to have influence ● Presenting problems without researching solutions ● Operating like you're not enough until you get promoted

Start These Champion Behaviors: ● Becoming the thermostat (setting the temperature) not the thermometer ● Bringing fully-researched solutions that make your boss's life easier ● Modeling the change you want to see before asking others to follow ● Building bridges between everyday employees and upper leadership ● Operating from core values that create unshakeable certainty

Connect with The Momentum Company: Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.momentum... LinkedIn: / momentum-company

TIMESTAMPS: ● 0:00 - What Makes Someone a True Champion ● 3:25 - The Champion vs. Status Quo Mentality

● 8:00 - Why Champions Often Feel Frustrated and Alone ● 12:00 - Denise's Story: Changing Culture from the Middle ● 15:00 - Chad's Strategy: How to Champion Ideas Up the Chain ● 17:00 - The Research Method That Gets Ideas Approved ● 21:00 - The Attractor Factor: Why Certainty Creates Influence ● 24:00 - Core Values: Your Champion Operating System ● 27:00 - Introducing the Local Champion Program

FOR: ✓ Mid-level leaders who see solutions but feel powerless to implement them ✓ High-potential employees tired of watching their ideas die in meetings ✓ Anyone who's ever thought "I could run this place better" but lacks the title ✓ Solution-oriented people who are allergic to mediocrity and status quo ✓ Leaders ready to stop waiting for permission and start creating change

DECISION POINT: Stop discounting your influence just because you don't have the corner office yet. Start being the change you want to see TODAY. Identify one small way you can model the culture shift you want to create and implement it this week.

If you're ready to become the champion your organization needs and want support in building a thriving leader culture, email mark@themomentumcompany.com about our Local Champion Program.

👥 Share with someone who has champion potential but doesn't know it yet!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for leadership development and personal growth. The Local Champion Program is designed for individuals committed to creating positive organizational change. Results may vary based on individual effort and organizational receptivity.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Clarity and Communication

Russ emphasizes the value of clear communication at every level—whether you're in a feedlot or a boardroom. Success, he says, often hinges on the ability to make complex ideas simple and relatable.

Relationships Are Everything

From small-town producers to global executives, Russ credits his success to a lifelong practice of building authentic relationships based on respect and genuine curiosity.

Mentorship as a Legacy Strategy

Through his work with MACKAYBEN, Russ is actively shaping the future of agriculture by investing in the next generation of leaders—urging industry veterans to do the same.

Truth-Telling in Leadership

Russ’s approach to leadership is grounded in honesty and practical wisdom. He doesn’t shy away from hard truths and believes in addressing problems head-on.

Notable Quotes:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – Russ Green

“Clarity is a gift. And in agriculture, we need more people willing to speak truth with clarity.” – Russ Green

“Mentorship isn't just a nice idea—it's a necessity for the future of food and farming.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Reflect on who has mentored you—and who you could mentor next.
• Practice simplifying your message when leading or presenting.
• Explore how to build more intentional relationships across your organization.
• Visit mackayben.com to learn about Russ's leadership network.

Listen If You Are:

• An ag leader looking for real-world wisdom
• A seasoned executive mentoring the next generation
• A young professional wanting to understand industry dynamics
• Interested in building legacy through leadership and influence

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

This episode is a raw, real exploration of what it looks like to break free from the chaos-driven operating system and step into a life where peace becomes the standard—not the exception.

Key Takeaways:

Peace is Not the Absence of Activity—It’s a State of Being

Many high performers are unknowingly addicted to chaos. True peace isn't found in stillness alone, but in learning to operate from a grounded place, even when life is full.

Most People Don't Know How to Rest

Leaders often equate peace with laziness or loss of control. But peace isn’t passive—it’s powerful. And it begins with re-training your nervous system to slow down and be present.

False Peace vs. True Freedom

We often pacify our anxiety with temporary fixes—alcohol, work, scrolling. But real peace can only be accessed through presence, surrender, and intentional choices—not sedation.

The PRAY Framework

Christine shares a simple but powerful tool for cultivating peace:

• Pause (pattern interrupt)
• Reflect (what actually matters?)
• Ask (yourself, God, others)
• Yield (submit to the peaceful way forward)

Notable Quotes:

“Peace is quiet joy. And joy is peace expressed out loud.” – Christine Jewell

“You can’t operate from chaos and expect to produce clarity.” – Mark Jewell

“Peace doesn’t mean no movement. It means presence in the process.” – Christine Jewell

“You’re not a machine. And even machines need rest.” – Jon Anderson

“We’ve made pressure our home base. It’s time to make peace our new normal.” – Christine Jewell

Action Steps:

• Start recognizing your current operating system—are you driven by peace or by pressure?
• Practice the PRAY Framework daily: Pause, Reflect, Ask, Yield
• Define what peace actually looks like for you—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
• Revisit Colossians 3:15—Let peace be the deciding factor in your choices this week

Listen If You Are:

• A high-achieving leader who feels exhausted, scattered, or constantly “on”
• Longing for rest but unsure how to access it without guilt
• Ready to trade anxiety and striving for clarity, peace, and presence
• Curious about spiritual tools and frameworks that go deeper than quick fixes

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Key Takeaways:

Bold Ownership is Required

True leadership requires taking full responsibility for the assignment God has placed on your life—even when it's inconvenient, misunderstood, or requires letting go of comfort.

Steward What You’ve Been Given

The call to leadership is a call to stewardship. The impact of your influence is directly tied to how well you steward the people, resources, and opportunities entrusted to you.

Your Identity Is Not What You Do

Mark and Mark discuss how to detach from performance-based identities and root leadership in a secure identity that’s not shaken by wins or losses.

Multiplication Over Addition

The highest calling of a leader isn’t just success—it’s multiplication. Building systems, people, and structures that thrive without you is the ultimate test of lasting leadership.

Notable Quotes:

• “When you hand it over to God, you’re no longer striving to prove. You’re showing up to serve.” – Mark Jewell
• “It’s not about you being the guy. It’s about you helping others grow and expand so the thing doesn’t die with you.” – Mark Waschek
• “If we’re not careful, leadership becomes a place to validate our identity instead of serving from it.” – Mark Jewell
• 
  

Action Steps:

• Reflect on where you're leading from performance vs. identity
• Write down what you're stewarding today—and ask, are you doing it faithfully?
• Ask God, “What do you want to build through me that outlasts me?”

Listen If You Are:

• A business or ministry leader in transition
• Struggling with letting go or passing the baton
• Seeking to lead from identity, not insecurity
• Building a legacy that multiplies beyond your direct efforts

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

This episode is packed with real talk, practical frameworks, and spiritual truth to help you shift from scattered to focused, from reactive to purpose-driven. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by inputs or seeking more clarity in your leadership, this one will hit home.

Key Takeaways:

• The Danger of Reactive Leadership:
• When you’re constantly responding to everything around you, you lose the power to lead proactively. Intentional leaders must reclaim their attention.
• The Power of Presence:
• True influence begins with being fully present—with your people, your mission, and your purpose. Presence is a leadership superpower.
• Distraction as a Spiritual Battle:
• Christine offers insight into the spiritual roots of distraction and how regaining clarity often requires deeper alignment with God’s truth.
• Jon’s Leadership Litmus Test:
• Are you creating environments where people can thrive—or just survive? Jon challenges leaders to model the focus they want to see in their teams.
• How to Audit Your Attention:
• Mark walks through a simple framework to help leaders identify what’s pulling them off course and how to realign with intention.
• 
  

Notable Quotes:

“Your team will never be more focused than you are.” – Mark Jewell

“Distraction isn’t just a productivity issue—it’s a clarity and identity issue.” – Christine Jewell

“You can't coach someone to purpose if you're not present with them.” – Jon Anderson

“Leaders must constantly ask: What is actually worth my attention today?” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Take 5 minutes at the start of your day to reconnect with your core intention.
• Audit your digital and environmental distractions—what’s stealing your focus?
• Schedule white space in your calendar this week for reflection and alignment.
• Model focus and presence in your team interactions—be the example.

Listen If You Are:

• A leader who feels constantly “on” and reactive
• Navigating overwhelm, burnout, or disconnection from purpose
• Seeking to cultivate more intentional habits and culture within your team
• Ready to lead with more clarity, calm, and confidence

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Coaching Pays Off

Dustin emphasizes that real coaching goes beyond performance reviews—it’s about investing time, asking the right questions, and helping people discover their own solutions. When leaders lead with curiosity, they create more buy-in and stronger outcomes.

Culture Starts with Clarity

Growth requires standards. From rethinking metrics to owning communication expectations, Dustin explains how intentionality and clarity shape the behaviors and results within a team culture.

You Can’t Skip the Personal Side

Great leaders know their people—not just their performance. Dustin reflects on the importance of personal relationships in leadership and why caring deeply builds trust that translates to business success.

Leadership Is a Journey

Dustin shares how his leadership style has shifted over the years—from a driver mindset to one focused on development and vision. The best leaders are learners, and growth requires being coached as much as it requires coaching others.

Notable Quotes:

• "Coaching is about helping someone think through a problem instead of solving it for them." – Dustin
• "You have to care about your people to lead them well." – Dustin 
• "If you're the smartest person in the room, you're probably in the wrong room." – Dustin
• "Culture isn't what you say, it's what you allow." – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Audit your leadership habits—are you coaching or just managing?
• Identify 1–2 people you can develop this week through intentional conversation.
• Clarify 3 key behaviors or standards your team should be living out daily.
• Reflect on your own leadership growth—where are you evolving, and where are you stuck?

Listen If You Are:

• A leader who wants to build a coaching culture
• Managing a team and struggling with buy-in or engagement
• Looking for practical ways to grow people while still driving performance
• Ready to develop your own leadership identity and influence

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Key Takeaways

Deliberate: Lead on purpose, not by default

Intentional leaders don’t drift. Mark, Christine, and Jon share how to design your day and your decisions to reflect what truly matters, rather than being hijacked by distraction or urgency.

Disciplined: Consistency builds credibility

Discipline isn’t rigidity—it’s alignment. They discuss how true leadership demands follow-through, time stewardship, and the willingness to say no so you can say yes to your mission.

Divine: Your leadership is not an accident

This episode closes with a bold reminder that you were created on purpose, for a purpose. Your role, your wiring, and your influence have divine intention—and recognizing that shifts everything.

Notable Quotes

• “Deliberate leadership starts with deciding what matters most—and living from that place.” – Christine Jewell
• “Discipline is not about doing more—it’s about doing what you said you would.” – Jon Anderson
• “Your identity as a leader was appointed long before your title.” – Mark Jewell
• “When you understand you were divinely placed, you lead differently.” – Christine Jewell

Action Steps

• Audit your calendar—are you acting deliberately or reacting constantly?
• Choose one area where you can practice discipline this week (morning routine, focus time, boundaries).
• Anchor your leadership in the truth: you were created and appointed for such a time as this.
• Share this episode with another leader who’s ready to lead with intention and faith.

Listen If You Are

• A leader navigating growth, burnout, or transition
• Craving deeper alignment between your values and your work
• Looking for a faith-rooted, practical approach to leadership
• Ready to stop grinding and start leading with purpose and peace

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Key Takeaways

Intentional Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness

Justin highlights how the best leaders know themselves first—understanding what makes them tick and how that shapes the way they lead others.

The Shift from Hero to Guide

True leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about equipping others to step into their own leadership. Justin shares how this mindset shift can transform teams.

Ask Better Questions, Get Better Outcomes

Whether with clients or team members, Justin emphasizes the power of curiosity. Questions like “What does success look like for you?” can open doors to better strategy and deeper connection.

Creating a Culture Where People Lead Themselves

Empowering others doesn’t mean backing off—it means setting clear expectations, modeling consistency, and giving people room to rise.

Stay Hungry, Stay Humble

Justin’s leadership is rooted in both grit and grace. He believes you can pursue excellence without ego and lead with authority while staying approachable.

Notable Quotes

• “You can't lead others well if you’re not leading yourself first.” – Justin Stewart
• “The best leaders help others step up, not just fall in line.” – Justin Stewart
• “Curiosity is the most underused leadership tool.” – Justin Stewart
• “Culture isn’t what you say—it’s what you consistently do.” – Justin Stewart
• “Sometimes the best leadership move is to ask a better question, not give a better answer.” – Justin Stewart

Action Steps

• Reflect: Where are you leading from assumption instead of curiosity?
• Ask yourself: “What’s one question I can ask today that would help someone grow?”
• Practice consistency in small things—this is where culture is truly built.
• Empower your team by modeling self-leadership and encouraging ownership.
• Take inventory of where you might be trying to “save” your team instead of equipping them.

Listen If You Are:

• A leader seeking to build an empowered, self-led team
• A sales professional wanting to deepen your client relationships
• A coach, mentor, or manager in ag or specialty markets
• Looking to grow in self-awareness and servant leadership
• Curious about how intentionality drives long-term success in agribusiness

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

If you’ve ever struggled with having hard conversations, felt unclear about expectations, or wished your team would take more initiative—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

Clear Expectations Come First

You can't hold someone accountable to a standard that hasn’t been clearly defined. Expectations must be black and white, not left to assumption or interpretation.

Agreements > Assumptions

Once expectations are clear, they must be mutually agreed upon—ideally written down. Accountability works best when it's tied to agreements, not top-down commands.

Cadence Creates Consistency

One-off conversations don’t build accountability—consistent check-ins do. Establishing a regular rhythm for accountability builds trust, clarity, and results.

Culture of Accountability Beats Reactive Discipline

Accountability shouldn’t be a reactive response to failure—it should be embedded in your team culture. When values like radical ownership or stewardship are lived out consistently, accountability becomes a shared responsibility.

Lead with “We,” Not “You”

Holding people accountable is not about calling them out—it's about calling them up. Great leaders use inclusive language and remind the team of shared values, agreements, and identity.

Notable Quotes

🗣 “If it’s not on a page, we’re not on the same page.” – Christine Jewell

🗣 “You build it on the front end, so you’re not firefighting on the back end.” – Mark Jewell

🗣 “People don’t avoid accountability because it’s ineffective—they avoid it because it’s uncomfortable.” – Jon Anderson

🗣 “Radical ownership is a cultural filter. It needs to be talked about, modeled, and celebrated.” – Christine Jewell

Action Steps

• Document Expectations & Agreements: Define what success looks like—and put it in writing.
• Establish a Cadence: Use recurring 1:1s or team meetings with consistent agendas to keep accountability alive.
• Coach, Don’t Referee: Create systems that empower people to self-assess and show up prepared.
• Integrate Core Values: Embed ownership and responsibility into your team’s language, rhythms, and identity.
• Invite People Up: Shift from “calling out” to “calling up” your people by reminding them of shared standards and their highest potential.

Listen If You Are:

• A leader who avoids tough conversations because they feel uncomfortable
• Tired of micromanaging and wish your team was more self-led
• Ready to build a sustainable culture of responsibility and excellence
• Looking for simple, repeatable systems to drive consistency and results

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Together, they reflect on decades of experience in agribusiness, revealing how communication, humility, structure, and a relentless commitment to people-first values have shaped one of the most respected organizations in the industry. If you're leading through growth, change, or succession—this episode is packed with wisdom you don't want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Leadership Starts with Vision and Rhythm

Both Neil and Mark stress the importance of building consistent communication rhythms and having clarity around values and goals. Intentionality isn't just a buzzword—it's how you lead teams through complexity without losing your center.

Empowerment Over Micromanagement

True leadership means creating space for others to grow. Neil and Mark model a hands-off, eyes-on approach—coaching, not controlling—and emphasize that empowering younger leaders requires letting go of ego and embracing vulnerability.

Culture Doesn’t Live on the Wall—It Lives in Action

The Andersons' Statement of Principles is more than a document; it’s a living culture reflected in how people lead, communicate, and show up daily. Leadership that walks the talk creates retention, attraction, and trust.

Entrepreneurial Spirit with Guardrails

Leaders at The Andersons are encouraged to think like owners—each profit center runs like its own business. But that freedom is grounded in strong values, intentional mentoring, and clear alignment with the company’s bigger mission.

Work-Life Balance is Real—If You Design for It

From missed ballgames to strategic delegation, both leaders open up about the tension between achievement and presence. Their reminder? If you don’t schedule space to recharge, the business will take it all.

Notable Quotes:

• “For my team to become more, I had to become less.” – Neil Schuller
• “Culture isn’t in a file cabinet. It’s what people see, feel, and experience every day.” – Mark Hobrock
• “Entrepreneurial energy has to be supported by vision, communication, and trust.” – Neil Schuller
• “Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s what makes our teams stronger.” – Mark Hobrock
• “If the customer is winning, the employee wins, the community wins, and the shareholder wins. But it has to happen in that order.” – Mark Hobrock

Action Steps:

• Set a weekly rhythm of 1:1s and team communication—face-to-face if possible
• Revisit your organization’s core values and ask: Are we living these daily or just quoting them?
• Identify a younger leader you can mentor or empower more this month
• Start your day with clarity: Write down your top 3 priorities the night before
• Create space for team feedback and new ideas—especially from unexpected voices
• Schedule intentional time to reconnect with your family, hobbies, and personal priorities

Listen If You Are:

• A senior leader focused on legacy, culture, and succession
• Navigating burnout, delegation, or team disengagement
• Looking to develop the next generation of leaders in your business
• Craving practical, grounded wisdom from two seasoned agribusiness pros
• Ready to bridge work and life without losing your edge in either

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Whether you're seeing apathy, burnout, gossip, or just plain disengagement, this conversation equips you to lead with clarity, care, and consistency—starting from within.

Key Takeaways:

Red Flags of Disengagement

Apathy, gossip, avoidance, lack of ownership—your team isn’t just tired, they’re checked out. And pretending otherwise won’t fix it.

Communication is Culture

Disconnected teams don’t just lack direction—they lack a communication standard. Set expectations. Normalize clarity.

Leadership is Reflection

Your team is mirroring you. If they’re disengaged, tired, or reactive… check the mirror. Where are you not showing up fully?

Connection Before Correction

You’re leading humans, not machines. Create space to check in personally, not just professionally.

Cadence is King

Consistency beats charisma. Weekly touchpoints, 1:1s, and structured rhythms are the glue that holds your team together—not just retreats or offsites.

Know Their Vision

It’s not enough for your company to have a mission. Do you know what drives each person on your team?

What You Tolerate, You Perpetuate

Cameras off, phones out, no solutions? If you allow it, you teach it. Set the standard. Raise the bar. Enforce it with love.

Notable Quotes:

• “Your team is always going to be a reflection of you.” – Christine Jewell
• “Sometimes leaders are so engaged in the project that they’re disengaged from the people.” – Jon Anderson
• “Energy doesn’t lie. You can’t fake it forever.” – Christine Jewell
• “The vision has to be big enough to hold the dreams of your team.” – Mark Jewell
• “Offsites are great, but consistency is what creates connection.” – Christine Jewell

Action Steps:

• Audit yourself: Where are you disengaged? Start there.
• Set expectations: Clarify your meeting and communication standards—then model them.
• Block time for people: Literally. Time-block coaching, check-ins, and vision conversations.
• Ask real questions: “How are you?” “What’s hard right now?” “What does support look like this week?”
• Normalize accountability: Cameras on, phones off, bring ideas. These aren’t suggestions—they’re standards.

Listen If You Are:

• A team leader feeling like you're doing all the heavy lifting
• Tired of micromanaging and ready to empower your people
• Ready to transform team culture from reactive to proactive
• Seeking practical ways to build trust, rhythm, and vision into your leadership

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Key Takeaways:

• “Have a bad minute, not a bad day.” – A small shift in mindset can make a huge difference in how leaders show up during challenges.
• Culture starts at the top. Great leaders model the behaviors they expect from their team—leadership isn’t just a speech, it’s how you walk.
• Don’t underestimate your impact. Every employee, no matter the role, carries influence. Sometimes the most unexpected voices bring the greatest insight.
• Hire for culture, not just for need. Bringing in the wrong fit can cost more than just time. Build slow, build smart, and build with people who share the vision.
• Leadership is lifelong growth. Jody reminds us that at 45—or 85—we’re never done learning. The best leaders stay curious and humble.

Notable Quotes:

• “The most successful people aren’t the ones who choose the easy things—they’re the ones willing to shoulder the hard stuff with grace.” – Jody Soma
• “Culture isn’t a memo—it’s modeled. People remember how you live more than what you say.” – Mark Jewell
• “If you have to let someone go, ask yourself first: how did I fail them as a leader?” – Jody Soma
• “You don’t need more structure—you need the right structure to flow between the banks like a river.” – Mark Jewell
• “Just because someone’s been quiet doesn’t mean they haven’t been paying attention. Every person matters.” – Jody Soma

💥 Want to go deeper?

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

If you're ready to lead with clarity, consistency, and deeper purpose—this episode is your blueprint.

Key Takeaways:

• Deliberate Leadership:
• Intentional leaders don’t drift—they design. Being deliberate means planning your day with purpose, saying “no” to distractions, and choosing what matters most.
• Disciplined Execution:
• It’s not about being rigid or perfect. Discipline is about doing what you said you’d do, keeping your promises to yourself, and aligning your energy with the work that matters most.
• Divine Calling:
• You weren’t placed in your role by accident. There’s a higher assignment on your leadership. Understanding your divine design unlocks impact that no one else can replicate.
• Real-Life Application:
• Learn how to build momentum through morning routines, say yes to the right opportunities, and operate inside your own “riverbanks” of discipline.
• Spiritual Insights for Leaders:
• Mark draws on passages from Ephesians, Jeremiah, Romans, and Psalms to reveal how your leadership identity was divinely formed before you were even born.

Notable Quotes:

“To be intentional is to be deliberate—on purpose, by design.” – Mark Jewell

“Consistency is your credibility. Discipline is how you earn your own trust.” – Mark Jewell

“You’re not here by accident. You were crafted with a divine mission for this moment.” – Mark Jewell

“There’s only one you. And the world needs your fingerprint on the leadership you bring.” – Mark Jewell

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth debriefing. And if it’s not being debriefed, it might not be worth doing.” – Mark Jewell

Reflect on your own 3D leadership:

1. What are you doing deliberately right now?
2. Where do you need more discipline?
3. How is your leadership divinely appointed in this season?

🎧 Want to Go Deeper?

Join us at the Thriving Leader Event – August 19–20, 2025 – for two days of immersive leadership development grounded in clarity, confidence, and purpose.

🔗 Learn more + register now:

https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

You weren’t meant to lead alone. Let’s grow, together.

Whether you're navigating a new role, trying to boost team performance, or facing the tension between accountability and retention, this episode will give you tactical insights to lead with clarity and courage.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentionality Defined: Why “proceeding with purpose” means battling complacency and constantly aligning with what matters most.
• Time as a Resource: How Ethan plans his day with intention—balancing task execution with space for coaching and family dialogue.
• The 4Ds Framework: Do, Delegate, Delay, or Ditch—how top leaders manage the whirlwind.
• Culture Isn’t Accidental: How to break down change into manageable chunks and create an environment where different personalities and paces can thrive.
• Accountability vs. Retention: Why holding people to a standard isn’t toxic—it’s how you keep great talent.
• Performance Plans Done Right: Why PIPs should be proactive tools for growth, not just exit strategies.
• Respect is Earned Through Time: How listening, showing up prepared, and following through builds trust.
• Vulnerability in Leadership: Owning your missteps while staying steady at the helm builds credibility and team cohesion.

Notable Quotes:

“You don’t need to manufacture buy-in—you need to eliminate hesitation.” – Ethan Taube

“I want to be an active participant in my life, not a bystander.” – Ethan Taube

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth debriefing.” – Mark Jewell

“When we stop coaching to performance because we’re afraid to lose someone, we start losing our culture.” – Mark Jewell

💥 Don’t Miss the Thriving Leader Event!

Want to go deeper in your leadership journey? Join us at the Thriving Leader Event – August 19–20, 2025. This event is for agribusiness professionals who are serious about leading with intention, clarity, and impact. Spots are limited, and this one will sell out.

📍Learn more + grab your seat now: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

Anne also shares her personal journey through Amazon, the Andersons, and back to her roots in ag—highlighting what happens when you truly refuse to settle and align your next move with your purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Safety isn't just compliance—it's connection. Rules matter, but relationships and trust are what truly keep people safe.
• Generational shift is real. Anne offers wisdom for bridging the experience gap as seasoned workers retire and young talent steps in.
• Technology adoption takes time, but pays off. Learn how CAS rolled out safety inspections via mobile apps without sacrificing buy-in.
• Culture is caught, not just taught. Anne explains how CAS’s long-standing, family-centered culture has been preserved—even with 250+ employees.
• Leadership means listening. From job site audits to one-on-one conversations, Anne's approach starts with one question: “How can I help?”

Notable Quotes:

• “The joy doesn’t come from the compliance checklist. It comes from the people.”
• “You can’t just preach safety—you have to live it, model it, and build trust first.”
• “I never felt dismissed. I listened, I cared, and I showed up. That’s what builds credibility.”
• “The culture here wasn’t something I had to learn—it was something I felt. It’s just in the DNA.”
• “When the crew sends me a photo of orange cones on-site, I nerd out. That means they’re proud—and they know I care.”

Whether you're leading a large team, navigating generational transition, or trying to spark greater ownership in your culture—Anne’s story is proof that intentional leadership creates environments where people want to stay, grow, and lead well. And yes, safety is a critical part of that equation.

This episode is your reminder that the best systems are the ones that serve the people inside them—and that starts with being human first.

They explore what’s actually working in marketing today, why consistency beats trends, and how intentional leadership drives both internal culture and external impact.

Whether you're a marketer, agribusiness leader, or just trying to figure out how to get more traction in your space—this episode is packed with insight.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity over aesthetics: The best-performing ag video Clayton ever posted was shot on an iPhone—because it was real, not rehearsed.
• 
  
• Your story is your strategy: Social media isn’t about going viral—it's about building long-term trust and relatability with your audience.
• 
  
• Founders and reps need to show up online: The future of marketing belongs to people, not faceless brands. Invest in personality-driven content.
• 
  
• Culture doesn’t build itself: Growing from 2 to 10 employees in a year forced Clayton to get serious about values like “We are human”—balancing excellence with empathy.
• 
  
• Build slow to last long: Scaling fast is cool, but survival is in the systems. You don’t need flash—you need cash flow, clarity, and character.

Notable Quotes:

"Agriculture can’t afford to stay in its own bubble anymore. If we don’t tell our story, someone else will." – Clayton Lind

"Most people don’t want to buy from companies—they want to buy from people." – Clayton Lind

"I’ll hire someone high in character and low in skill any day. We can teach the skills. We can’t teach being a good human." – Clayton Lind

"Your social presence is career security. If people know who you are, they’ll follow you—no matter what company you’re at." – Clayton Lind

"Core value number one: We are human. You’re not a machine. Go take a nap if you need to." – Clayton Lind

Clayton’s journey from a California kid with no ag background to a media powerhouse reshaping how agriculture shows up online is a reminder that authentic leadership and bold storytelling can change the game. If you’re leading a team, growing a business, or just trying to be more intentional with your presence—this episode will challenge and inspire you to show up differently.

Because in today’s noisy world, clarity, consistency, and connection are what set real leaders apart.

Mark breaks down the critical distinction between burnout and fatigue, shares why motivation isn’t your real issue, and offers practical tools to restore direction, energy, and alignment. Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or leading yourself—this conversation will help you shift from grind mode to growth mode.

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need more motivation—you need more clarity. Motivation is fleeting. Clarity is sustainable.
• Burnout and fatigue are not the same thing. Burnout is a soul-level misalignment. Fatigue is a result of meaningful work.
• The way you coach a burned-out team member must be different than how you support someone who's simply tired.
• Clarity includes four elements: who you are, what you stand for, where you’re going, and what your priorities are today.
• Use systems like the 90-Day Tracker to set benchmarks, create focus, and define success both personally and professionally.

Notable Quotes:

• “You don’t have a motivation issue. You have a clarity issue.”
• “Fatigue means you need a good night’s rest. Burnout means you might need a new direction.”
• “Clarity gives us the power to say yes to the right things and no to the distractions.”
• “We lose people not because they’re unwilling—but because they’re unclear.”
• “If you know what to go to work on, motivation doesn’t matter. You just show up.”

Tools & Resources Mentioned:

• 90-Day Tracker: Want a copy of the tool we use to drive clarity with clients and teams? Email Mark at mark@themomentumcompany.com

Where in your business—or life—do you feel unmotivated right now? Is it possible that what you’re really missing is clarity?

If this episode hit home, it’s time to go deeper. Join us at the Thriving Leader Event, happening August 19–20, 2025, where high-performing leaders like you get the tools, coaching, and community to realign, recharge, and lead with clarity and purpose.

This isn’t another conference. It’s a catalyst.

🔥 Spots are limited—secure your seat now at https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 and step fully into the leader you're meant to be.

From building culture with a brand-new team to navigating transition seasons, Marlene shares real-world wisdom about leadership challenges, emotional intelligence at work, and how leaders can balance being human without becoming everyone’s therapist. This conversation goes deep into practical leadership—and also offers fresh encouragement for anyone feeling the weight of leadership today.

Whether you're leading a team of 2 or 200, this episode is packed with personal insight, practical takeaways, and honest reflection that every agribusiness leader needs to hear.

Key Takeaways:

🌾 Intentional Leadership Starts with Space

You can’t lead well with your head down. Great leaders schedule time to look up, assess, and recalibrate.

🧠 Leading Requires Emotional Awareness

Being present for your team’s challenges doesn't mean solving all their problems. It means creating a safe space—and knowing when to lead and when to listen.

🌟 New Teams Take Time

Culture-building isn’t instant. It requires vulnerability, trust, and a willingness to go through the forming, storming, norming, and performing phases—every time a new person joins.

⚡ Optional vs. Required Storms

Intentional leaders proactively create growth opportunities before chaos forces change. Growth always demands some turbulence—choose to lead through it rather than avoid it.

❤️ Leading with Heart (Without Losing Your Edge)

Relationships matter. Leaders who prioritize connection, support, and clear expectations help people thrive personally and professionally.

🌱 Personal Growth Fuels Professional Growth

Transitions are hard—and they’re supposed to be. The biggest wins often come on the other side of the biggest challenges.

Notable Quotes:

"Leadership is not just crossing tasks off a list. It’s making sure we lift our heads up and look at the bigger picture." – Marlene Eick

"You can either curate storms for growth—or wait for crisis to bring the storm to your doorstep." – Mark Jewell

"People don't need you to fix everything. They need to know you see them—and that you’re in it with them." – Marlene Eick

"Everybody can have a say, but at the end of the day, there’s only one vote." – Mark Jewell

"Strong teams don’t form without intentional time, vulnerability, and some inevitable bumps along the way." – Marlene Eick

🎯 Action Steps:

• ✅ Schedule Reflection Time – Block out regular time to step back from task mode and think strategically about your team and goals.
• ✅ Create Safe Spaces – Build a culture where people can be honest without fear of judgment.
• ✅ Be Human, Not a Fixer – Learn to hold space for people’s challenges without overstepping your role as a leader.
• ✅ Lead Through the Storms – Don’t avoid conflict or growth moments; use them intentionally to strengthen your team.
• ✅ Invest in Leadership Development – Programs like Ohio Farm Bureau's AgriPOWER can transform emerging leaders into influential forces in agriculture.

🚀 Special Shoutout:

Marlene highlighted AgriPOWER, a 12-month leadership development academy designed for Ohio agriculture’s rising leaders. Applications open soon—reach out to Marlene or visit OFBF.org to learn more!

🎧 Listen If You Are:

• Leading a team in agribusiness or a membership organization
• Facing transitions or new team dynamics
• Seeking better ways to balance relationships and results as a leader
• Ready to move from reactive management to proactive leadership
• Interested in growing as a leader—personally and professionally

 "Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, being real, and creating spaces where people—and results—can thrive."

In this powerful solo episode, Mark Jewell breaks down the critical difference between leading and lagging indicators. You'll learn how to shift from reactive firefighting to intentional leadership, why energy management is more important than time management, and simple practices you can implement immediately to stay in control and drive results.

Whether you lead a sales team, a farm operation, or your own household, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you lead yourself—and others—more intentionally.

Key Takeaways:

🚦 Lagging Indicators = Late Symptoms

Retention issues, missed sales goals, burnout, cultural backsliding—these are lagging problems. They’re the result of what wasn’t addressed earlier.

🏁 Leading Indicators = Proactive Habits

Building the pipeline before you need it, addressing conflict early, managing your energy daily—these are leading behaviors that create success before crisis hits.

📅 Energy Management > Time Management

Most leaders think they have a time problem. In reality, they have an energy problem. Optimizing your mornings, managing dopamine, and knowing when you're sharpest will massively improve your productivity.

☀️ Success Starts with Sunrise

Small, intentional actions like viewing early morning light can impact your sleep, energy, and long-term focus far more than you realize.

📈 Pipeline Management: Text First, Ask Later

Building a pipeline isn't just about asking for business. It's about consistent, value-driven connection—without needing something in return.

🔍 Self-Awareness is Key

Frustrations, complaints, and recurring problems are your clues. Work backward from what’s irritating you today to find the leading habits you need to change.

Notable Quotes:

"Most people are reacting to the harvest. Thriving leaders are planting seeds every day." – Mark Jewell

"Energy management is the leading indicator. Poor time management is just the lagging symptom." – Mark Jewell

"You can’t manage what’s already out of your control. Focus on what you can lead today." – Mark Jewell

"The best leaders pick one major problem a week—and solve it." – Mark Jewell

"Success isn't about fixing things faster. It's about building systems that make problems smaller before they start." – Mark Jewell

🎯 Action Steps:

• ✅ List Your Current Frustrations – Identify your biggest lagging problems.
• ✅ Work the Problem Backwards – What proactive habits (leading indicators) would have prevented them?
• ✅ Pick One Problem Per Week – Focus on solving one root cause at a time.
• ✅ Start Your Day Proactively – No phone for the first hour. Protect your energy.
• ✅ Daily Text Habit – Reach out to 5 people daily without asking for anything. Watch your pipeline grow.

🎧 Listen If You Are:

• Leading a sales team or agribusiness operation
• Feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or exhausted
• Ready to build systems that actually prevent problems
• Committed to leading yourself and your people with more intention

"Thriving isn’t about fixing problems faster—it’s about living and leading so intentionally that problems shrink before they ever show up."

Wendell opens up about the early challenges of launching a seed business in a new region, how he almost gave up, and what shifted everything. He shares the philosophies that drive his work, the way he builds culture on a small team, and the deep sense of purpose that fuels his mission to help others succeed. Whether you’re a founder, sales leader, or aspiring to lead with greater intention—this is one you’ll want to revisit.

Key Takeaways:

🌱 Start Where No One Knows You – Wendell launched Top Ag from the ground up in 2016 with zero brand recognition. His path forward? Build trust, show up consistently, and serve first.

🧠 Trusted Advisor > Order Taker – Becoming a trusted voice at the farmer’s table requires listening deeply, offering real insight, and sometimes helping them place a competitor’s seed. It’s about value, not ego.

👥 Culture Isn’t a Slogan – Wendell shares how “belonging” drives his leadership and how creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and heard leads to organic excellence.

📈 Don’t Quit Too Soon – The turning point came after nearly giving up. A new mindset—and a simple question: What more can I do?—ignited breakthrough success.

💡 Excellence Is in the Details – Even if you’re not naturally detail-oriented, excellence requires caring about the little things. And often, surrounding yourself with people who thrive on detail makes all the difference.

🕯 Faith in the Field – From raising kids with intentional discipline to walking alongside farmers in the hardest seasons, Wendell’s leadership is grounded in faith, humility, and a desire to leave people better than he found them.

Notable Quotes:

“As a founder, one of the most intentional things I’ve had to learn is what to stop doing.” – Wendell Koehn

“Culture is not what you say. It’s what your team experiences—especially when you get squeezed.” – Mark Jewell

“Excellence is the outcome of caring about the little things—like turning off the lights or showing up ready to listen.” – Wendell Koehn

“Your success matters. That’s not a slogan—it’s a conviction we run our business by.” – Wendell Koehn

“Being intentional means being a defender of your people.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

✅ Ask the Right Questions – Whether building culture or advising clients, stop talking and start listening. Then ask: What more can I do?

✅ Audit Your Environment – Is your team experiencing belonging? What are the little pivots you can make to foster excellence?

✅ Identify Your Core Values – Don’t just put them on a wall—define them, model them, and revisit them often.

✅ Stay the Course – If you’re three feet from gold, don’t give up now. Trust the process, invest in the people, and keep going.

🎧 Listen if You’re A…

• Small business owner in ag looking to scale with purpose
• Sales professional aiming to shift from seller to advisor
• Leader building culture with a small (but mighty) team
• Faith-driven entrepreneur focused on impact and legacy

🚨 Ready to elevate your leadership? Don’t miss out on the Thriving Leader Event in Nashville, TN, on February 4-5, 2025. It’s your opportunity to grow, connect, and lead with greater impact. Limited spots available, so secure yours today at Thriving Leader 2025.

Whether you’re building out internal systems, managing a high-performing team, or wondering why your investment in people isn’t sticking, this episode offers clarity, structure, and a real-world perspective. Expect bold truth, actionable insights, and some unforgettable analogies (including horses, cold calls, and hiring gone wrong).

Key Takeaways:

🧠 Training Transfers Information. Coaching Personalizes It.

Training sets the foundation with knowledge and frameworks. Coaching meets people where they are, helping them apply what they’ve learned through personalized support.

🧰 Your People Might Not Lack Discipline—They Might Lack Tools.

If people are underperforming, start by asking: is this a training problem (they need tools and process)? Or a coaching problem (they need mindset support and accountability)?

📊 Structure + Relationship = Results

Effective training provides consistency and scale. Coaching creates emotional safety, builds ownership, and drives meaningful, lasting transformation.

🔺 Offsite Events = Breakthroughs

Changing environments shifts energy and thinking. Offsite facilitated trainings create space for vulnerability, connection, and accelerated learning.

🚦 Know the Signs: Wise, Foolish, or Toxic?

Leaders must discern who is coachable, who needs more structure, and who is simply not aligned. Wise people crave feedback. Fools need repetition. Toxic people? Remove them quickly.

👥 The New Economy Is Built on Relationships

Information is everywhere. But people? They're the multiplier. In a world of AI and automation, real connection and development are the new currency.

Notable Quotes:

“Training builds the system. Coaching builds the people who run the system.” – Christine Jewell

“You can read every leadership book out there—but when the pressure's on, that’s when coaching matters most.” – Jon Anderson

“Don’t confuse availability of tools with ability to apply them. Coaching fills that gap.” – Christine Jewell

“Leaders think they don’t have time to coach. But the truth is—they can’t afford not to.” – Jon Anderson

“You might be talking to a fool when what they actually need is more structure, not strategy.” – Christine Jewell

Red Flags You Might Need Training:

• High employee turnover with no clear onboarding process
• 
  
• Repeating yourself constantly around basic expectations
• 
  
• Staff confusion around what’s expected or how to execute
• 
  
• SOPs are missing, inconsistent, or unclear
• 
  

Red Flags You Might Need Coaching:

• Your team has the tools—but not the drive
• 
  
• People struggle to take ownership or make decisions
• 
  
• Emotions, fear, or drama are blocking performance
• 
  
• You keep having the same tough conversation… again
• 
  

📣 Upcoming Opportunity:

Join us for the Thriving Leader Event in August!

This two-day offsite experience is designed to align, activate, and elevate leaders and teams. Space is limited—reserve your seats early.

👉 More info + registration: www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025

 "Relationships are the new economy. In a world full of information and automation, your greatest competitive advantage will always be your people."

Margaret shares her unique perspective from years in both corporate ag and the startup world, offering actionable insights for operators, visionaries, and anyone navigating change in a dynamic industry. You’ll learn how AgLaunch’s one-of-a-kind model is connecting startups with real farmers for real-time innovation—and how leaders at every level can grow more intentional, aligned, and impactful.

Key Takeaways:

🚜 Innovation Starts on the Farm – AgLaunch empowers farmers to mentor agtech startups, pilot early-stage products, and earn equity in ventures they help shape.

🔄 Shared Risk, Shared Reward – Farmers aren’t just testers—they’re investors and co-creators. Margaret shares how one group recently earned a 5X return on a startup they supported from day one.

🧠 Operator vs. Visionary – Margaret unpacks the critical dance between visionary founders and execution-minded operators—and how alignment, communication, and clear roles make all the difference.

🧭 Why Clarity + Consistency Matter – For founders and leaders alike, Margaret emphasizes the need to clearly communicate the “why,” define non-negotiables, and build buy-in across the team.

⚡ Leadership Is Learned – Referencing The Leadership Challenge, Margaret reminds us that strong leadership is not innate—it’s built through intentional behaviors that can be practiced and strengthened over time.

Notable Quotes:

“If you want to help people thrive, you can’t lead off the cuff. Intentional leadership requires thought, focus, and pure motivation.” – Margaret Oldham

“Farmers aren’t just part of the supply chain. They are innovators—and when they have ownership, everything changes.” – Margaret Oldham

“Clarity and consistency from visionary leaders allow the team to execute well. It’s not just what we’re doing—it’s why.” – Margaret Oldham

“Managing up is just good stewardship of your team’s energy and your leader’s time.” – Mark Jewell

“Awareness is currency. When everyone understands the vision and values, extraordinary things happen.” – Margaret Oldham

🎯 Action Steps:

🔹 Audit Your Vision & Communication – Are you clearly communicating your non-negotiables, your “why,” and what excellence looks like?

🔹 Equip the Operators – Create space for your team to ask questions, give feedback, and manage up.

🔹 Involve the End User Early – Whether you’re building tech, tools, or training—engage your audience (like AgLaunch does with farmers) from the start.

🔹 Pick Up the Book – The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes & Posner for timeless guidance on behavioral leadership.

🎧 Whether you’re a founder, a farm operator, or leading from the middle—this episode is packed with wisdom to help you lead with more alignment, effectiveness, and intention.