Cultivating Leaders

Some leaders build careers. Others build legacies. And when you work inside one of the most trusted brands in agriculture, every decision carries the weight of both.Jonathan Chase, Vice President of the Turf & Utility Business Unit at John Deere, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore what it really takes to lead with curiosity, integrity and deep respect for the people you serve. Serving in many business units, Jon shares how an unconventional, curiosity-driven career path shaped his leadership philosophy and why building trust with customers and teams matters more than climbing the next rung on the ladder.Jon dives into: Building a career: navigating a career like a pyramid over a ladder and why broad experiences matter more than fast promotions Balancing legacy & innovation: honoring John Deere’s 188-year history while embracing technology, data and AI Delegating decision-making: empowering teams from the bottom up, and resisting the urge to stay in the weedsJon reminds us, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions, listening closely, and creating environments where people can do their best work.Connect with Jon Connect on LinkedIn Connect with John Deere on LinkedIn Follow John Deere on Instagram Visit their websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Real leaders shine when fear creeps in, communication breaks down and chaos starts driving decisions.Cheryl Mitchell, leadership strategist and speaker, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to unpack what it really takes to lead through uncertainty — especially in food and agriculture. From multigenerational farm families to fast-moving organizations, Cheryl shares how leaders can slow down, listen differently and choose clarity when the noise gets loud. Drawing on decades of experience and her roots as a dairy farmer’s daughter, she offers practical insight for leading people through fear, change, and deeply personal stakes.Cheryl gets real about: Clarity over chaos: why pausing, getting quiet and owning your mindset is a leadership advantage Bridging generational divides: how to translate communication across age, experience, and perspective without assumptions Leading yourself first: why growth alone has limits — and how reflection, coaching, and curiosity deepen leadership impactThis episode will challenge you to rethink how you respond under pressure and create space for silence.Want to hear more from Cheryl? Check out her blog here!Connect with Cheryl Connect on LinkedIn Visit her speaking website Visit her farm legacy websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Great leadership is more than what you say. It shows up in nonverbal conversations. In high-pressure moments, your posture, presence and body language can build trust or erode it.Jan Hargrave, globally recognized body language and nonverbal communication expert, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to unpack how leaders communicate confidence, credibility and authenticity without saying a word. Drawing from decades of experience in boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms and virtual meetings, Jan shares how small, intentional shifts in body language can change how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.Jan gets real about: First impressions: why trust is formed in seconds and how leaders unknowingly signal confidence or doubt Confidence vs. nervous habits: how subtle gestures can undermine your message and what to do instead Leading in every room: practical body language strategies for meetings, presentations and virtual conversationsThis episode will challenge you to become more aware of the signals you’re sending and remind you that leadership presence isn’t about being louder—it’s about being intentional.Want to hear more from Jan? Check out her blog here!Connect with Jan Connect on LinkedIn Follow her on Instagram Visit her websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Leadership isn’t about the titles you collect or the recognition you earn. It’s about who you become and who you help along the way.Jason Wetzler, leadership speaker, facilitator and advocate for people-first leadership, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast for a conversation about redefining success, building identity and prioritizing purpose. From childhood moments on stage to hard-earned lessons about career, family and fulfillment, Jason shares why real leadership is rooted in service, consistency and becoming the kind of person others trust and follow.Jason opens up about: Redefining success: titles, status, and followers do not equal a fulfilled life. Identity before outcomes: focusing on who you are changes what you achieve Living with intention: small, daily habits that align your career, relationships and purposeThis episode will challenge you to examine where you’re investing your time and energy. It’s a reminder that leadership starts with a choice to show up, serve others and grow every day.Want to hear more from Jason? Check out her blog here!Connect with Jason Connect on LinkedIn Follow him on Instagram Visit his website & sign up for his news letter – hereConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Through uncertain times in agriculture, the best leaders rise to the top when they put people first and show up when the path forward isn’t clear.Elizabeth Galbreath, Professional Development Program Manager at BASF and the 2025 AFA Bridge Builder Award recipient, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share why investing in relationships is the true competitive advantage in agriculture and leadership. From growing up on a Maryland dairy farm to mentoring early-career professionals across the ag industry, Elizabeth reflects on how believing in people, embracing uncertainty, and leading with authenticity can shape careers and cultures.Elizabeth gets real about: Building bridges: why leadership is about making the path easier for those who come after you Embracing the gray: navigating uncertainty, change, and complexity without losing your sense of purpose Knowing yourself as a leader: why self-awareness, boundaries, and emotional regulation are powerfulThis episode will remind you that progress in agriculture depends just as much on human connection as it does on innovation.Want to hear more from Elizabeth? Check out her blog here!Connect with Elizabeth Connect on LinkedIn Follow BASF on LinkedIn Visit their websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Preparation, transparency and trust are leadership imperatives in an industry where scrutiny is constant, and reputations can shift overnight.Hannah Thompson-Weeman, President and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to unpack what it really takes to lead through crisis in food and agriculture. With deep roots in dairy and a career spent navigating high-stakes issues, activist pressure and reputational risk, Hannah brings a calm, strategic lens to moments leaders hope never come. Drawing on decades of industry experience, she explains why crisis preparedness starts long before something goes wrong and why culture, credibility and clarity matter more than any single response.Hannah explores: The value of a crisis plan: crises don’t discriminate by role or size, and preparation allows leaders to respond with speed, confidence and intention rather than emotion. Building a reputation: how investing in employees, communities and transparency creates a “trust bank” leaders can draw from when challenges arise. Leading under pressure: the leadership qualities that matter most in a crisis include empowering teams and managing emotions that unintentionally amplify the problem.This episode invites leaders to rethink crisis not as a communications moment, but as a reflection of culture, character and long-term leadership choices.Want to hear more from Hannah? Check out her blog here!Connect with Hannah Connect on LinkedIn Animal Ag Alliance on LinkedIn Visit their websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Clarity, candor and humility shape stronger teams and smarter decisions in an industry where every choice ripples across families, communities and supply chains.Jarrod Gillig, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Beef at Cargill, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share what he’s learned across nearly three decades inside one of the most complex protein businesses. From stewarding the people behind 90 million daily meals to navigating operational challenges that affect both producers and consumers, Jarrod brings a rare dual lens from the packer and producer side. His journey is one of curiosity, accountability and leading with intention.Jarrod explores: Leading with candor and humility: clarity is kind, and honest conversations strengthen teams and decision Finding value across the supply chain: what it really takes to balance producer needs, customer expectations and consumer demand in a constantly shifting beef market. Building teams that thrive: cultivating a culture where diverse perspectives, debate and vulnerability make space for smarter solutions.This episode invites you to pause, reflect and consider what it means to create impact — not just outputs — through your leadership.Want to hear more from Jarrod? Check out his blog here!Connect with Jarrod Connect on LinkedIn Cargill on LinkedIn Visit their websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Leading forward demands curiosity, adaptability and team-first mentality.Blaze Currie, Practice Lead for Food & Ag at Vivayic, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore what it really takes to guide people, teams and organizations in leading agriculture. He brings a rare blend of global perspective and ag-rooted wisdom. Blaze has built a career staying curious, listening deeply, and adapting boldly.He gets candid about: Leading with Curiosity: asking questions and understanding the why leads to clarity Communicating Impact: the best communicators listen first, build trust and speak intent before diving into strategy Creating Adaptive Teams: navigating a changing industry, building organic trust and honoring lossThis episode will motivate you to rethink what it means to guide others, to step into challenge and to see leadership as a lifelong journey rather than a destination.Want to hear more from Blaze? Check out his blog here!Connect with Blaze Connect on LinkedIn Connect with Vivayic on LinkedIn Visit their websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

There is power in navigating high-stakes and emotionally charged conversations with clarity, confidence and humanityAshley Collins, CEO of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to break down why honest dialogue matters. She provides tools so leaders can prepare, respond and grow through high-stakes conversations. With experience leading growers, navigating board dynamics and shaping conversations across agriculture, Ashley brings a grounded and practical perspective to those conversations we often avoid.Ashley explores: Preparing with purpose: how to think through your intent, plan your words and choose the right environment before a tough conversation begins. Staying composed: when the stakes get high, she has the tools for pausing, asking better questions and prioritizing psychological. Leading dialogue in agriculture: why family legacies, tradition and generational change make crucial conversations essential.This episode challenges you to rethink how you show up in tension, grow your communication skillset and lead people forward even when the conversation gets uncomfortable.Want to hear more from Ashley? Check out her blog here!Connect with Ashley Connect on LinkedIn Follow NC Peanut on Instagram Follow NC Peanut on Facebook Visit NC Peanut’s websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Belonging is the foundation of great leadership. But what does it really look like to lead and work in a place where you can show up as 100% yourself?In this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Kirk Maag, environmental & natural resources attorney at Stoel Rives LLP, explores authenticity, inclusion and the power of leading with belonging. From growing up on a farm in eastern Oregon to helping guide national conversations on belonging through the Cultivating Change Foundation, Kirk shares what happens when workplaces truly make room for people to bring their full selves.Kirk gets real about: Leading authentically: Why bringing your whole self to work makes you a better leader and teammate. Creating cultures of belonging: Practical ways organizations can support authenticity and inclusion at every level. Building the future of agriculture: How openness and acceptance help attract and retain the next generation of ag leaders.This episode challenges you to rethink what it means to belong and why authenticity might be your greatest leadership advantage.Want to hear more from Kirk? Check out his blog here!Connect with Kirk Connect on LinkedIn Connect with Stole Rives on LinkedIn Stole Rives WebsiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Leadership is easy when everyone agrees. But the real test comes when the voices get loud, opinions fracture and every decision is met with scrutiny.Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share how he navigates criticism, conflict, and controversy while staying true to his mission and values. From managing 22,000 members with competing priorities to weathering social media storms and high-stakes industry debates, Mark offers a candid look at what steady, humble leadership requires today.Mark gets real about: Leading through criticism: why thick skin, empathy and intent matter more than popularity Communicating in conflict: how to listen, humanize the conversation and disagree without division Staying grounded through chaos: habits that keep leaders mission-focused in turbulent seasonsThis episode will challenge you to rethink how you respond when pressure rises and how humility and clarity can move people farther than force.Want to hear more from Mark? Check out her blog here!Connect with Mark Connect on LinkedIn Follow the American Angus Association on Instagram Follow the American Angus Association on LinkedIn Visit their websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Although the connection between farms and consumers feels more distant than ever, the power of social media and transparency could be the best advocacy tool.Dr. Michelle Schack, veterinarian, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore how curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors in agriculture. From her start at UC Davis to her leadership role as co-founder of DairyKind, Michelle shares how she’s using education, empathy, and social media to build bridges between farmers and consumers.Michelle covers:- The possibilities in a career: the future of the industry relies on people of all backgrounds who are passionate about food production- Bridging the Gap: understanding both sides of the food system is essential to the future of ag- Empowering Animal Care: training and supporting farm employees drives animal well-beingThis episode will challenge you to think differently about advocacy and what it really means to create a sustainable agriculture industry.Want to hear more from Michelle? Check out her blog here!Connect with Michelle- Connect on LinkedIn- Follow her on Instagram- Follow her on TikTok- Visit her websiteConnect with AFA- Follow us on LinkedIn- Follow us on Instagram- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on TikTok- Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Great leaders don’t just drive results. They build environments where people thrive, embrace change and foster growth.Jackie Applegate, incoming Chief Executive Officer of PBI Gordon, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore what true organizational health looks like in action. With more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and leadership, Jackie has built a career rooted in resilience and people development.Jackie gets real about:- Empowering organizational health: leading with culture, clarity, trust and team morale top of mind- Leading through change: building cohesive teams that embrace and encourage organizational change- Embracing a career journey: navigating a career from scientist to CEO and leading different business divisionsThis conversation will challenge how you think about culture, communication and change.Want to hear more from Jackie? Check out her blog here!Connect with Jackie- Connect on LinkedIn- PBI Gordon on LinkedIn- Visit their websiteConnect with AFA- Follow us on LinkedIn- Follow us on Instagram- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on TikTok- Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Whether you’re a student stepping into your first leadership role or a professional navigating a divided industry, this episode will challenge you to listen with intention, lead with humility and persist with passion.In this episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, we are joined by Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. From her roots as the daughter of peanut farmers in southwest Georgia to leadership roles in governmental agencies, Krysta has built a remarkable career at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability and policy. Krysta shares the skills that have carried her through some of the most challenging conversations in food and agriculture—skills that today’s future leaders will need just as much as she did.Krysta reflects on: Tough Conversations Make Progress: in a world full of conflict, taking the time to talk through issues can lead the industry forward Lead by Listening and Learning: challenge your perspective and find stronger solutions by asking thoughtful questions Be Confident and Humble: acknowledging weaknesses and surrounding yourself with strong teams will make you strongerThis conversation is a masterclass in how to navigate tough conversations, embrace new ideas, and lead with both conviction and compassion.Want to hear more from Krysta? Check out her blog here!Connect with Krysta Connect on LinkedIn U.S. Dairy Export Council on LinkedIn Visit their websiteConnect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Follow us on TikTok Visit our WebsiteAbout The Cultivating Leaders PodcastReal stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!