The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 organizationBalancing innovation with executionStruggling with focus, messaging, or alignment across teamsBuilding culture while scaling people, systems, and productsCurious about how technology and leadership actually intersect in ag

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 connectingA leader responsible for developing people, not just hitting numbersNew to sales and looking for confidence without pressureExperienced in your role but ready to improve how you communicateSomeone who believes relationships still matter in business

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 TakeawaysIntentional leadership starts with honest self-conversationJay 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 nostalgiaFive 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 trendThe 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 businessBlack 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 inseparableJay 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 DoanAction StepsHave 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 ArePart of a family farm or ranch trying to survive generational transitionExploring regenerative agriculture or diversified revenue streamsFeeling the pressure of debt, stress, and monoculture...

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 TakeawaysIntentional leadership is about designing moments, not just delivering messagesDuane 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 pressureAcross 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 headlinesFrom 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 challengesLabor 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 rolesAI, 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 JewellAction StepsAudit 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...

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 TakeawaysIntentionality Begins with SurrenderFor 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 CharacterEvery 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 RiskWhen 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 ProgressJust 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 CallRon 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 HeadOne 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 AssignmentRon 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 JewellAction StepsReflect 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...

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 Takeaways1. Intentional Leadership Starts with ListeningAmanda 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 StewardIf 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 TransitionFarm 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 TrueAmanda 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 FedOrganizational 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 AnswersStrong 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 StarThe 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 JewellAction StepsAudit how present you truly are in meetings and conversations.Identify your personal “kitchen cabinet” — trusted advisors you listen to consistently.If navigating land...

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark sits down with Jace Young, CEO of Legacy Farmer, for one of the most raw and necessary conversations happening in agriculture today.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 Takeaways1. Intentionality Means Solving the Foundational Problem FirstFor 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 NumbersMost 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 ProblemFarmers 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 AccountingBy 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 ExposedThe 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 GenerationalWhen 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 LivesThe 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...

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 Takeaways1. Intentional Leadership Begins With ListeningFor 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 ThinkThe 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 MoreDespite 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 AloneJulie 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 PrioritiesMark 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 ChangingFrom 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...

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 ImpactBeing 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 InsecurityTyler 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 ProblemAs 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 ExhaustionTyler 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 OverloadFrom 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 IncineratorOne 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...

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 HillAction 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 scratchStruggling to delegate or develop leaders around youCurious about blueberries, packing, and agritourism at scaleLeading teams with seasonal or H2A laborLooking for real-world stories of grit, growth, and intentional leadership

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 AuthenticityTo 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 InventDarin 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 = LegacyIt 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 PeopleAs 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 RequirementDarin’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 MoonAction 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...

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 BehindFor 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 MissionPivot 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 SloganChris drives a culture that’s customer-centered and values-driven. His hiring rules?Serve the customer like you’d want your family to see.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 & innovationPillar 2: Commercial infrastructurePillar 3: Network effect built from customers, partners, investors, and farmersThese 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 AbbottAction 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...

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 FirstGreg 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 ResponsibilityLeaders 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 OnReal 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 PauseMany 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 OwnershipFrom 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 MillsAction 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...

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 JewellAction 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 performersA sales manager trying to fix morale or turnoverAn agribusiness leader whose team doesn’t buy into the incentive planA consultant or coach looking for better ways to align behavior and performance

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 SchlicherAction 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 agritechBuilding a startup or small business with limited resourcesSeeking to integrate innovation, stewardship, and integrity in leadershipCurious about the future of sustainable ag and biotech innovation

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyThis 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 Takeaways1. 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...

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 ImpactSarah’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 MessagingBeing 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 AgricultureAs 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 MatterLike 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 JewellAction 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 techSomeone seeking to clarify your brand’s message or company missionA professional balancing creativity, leadership, and communicationPassionate about bridging the gap between farm, food, and consumer

In this episode, Mark sits down with Corey Scott, CEO of Midwest Dairy, for an insightful look at what it means to lead intentionally in one of agriculture’s most people-focused industries. Corey shares what it takes to manage a team spread across 10 states, steward millions in checkoff dollars, and stay grounded in purpose while navigating the complexities of consumer trends, farmer expectations, and the future of dairy.They dive deep into leadership, stewardship, and the power of clarity—plus a few laughs about protein, heavy cream, and “fancy cheese.”Key TakeawaysIntentional Leadership Starts with Showing UpCorey 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 StarIn 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 SalesUnlike 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 WorldWith 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 HardOne 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 DifferentlyFrom 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 JewellAction StepsReflect 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...

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 TakeawaysThe Power of Intention in LeadershipKevin 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 InnovationIntent 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 IndispensableKevin 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 CommunicationRunning 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 MattersFarmers 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 JewellAction Steps for ListenersReflect 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...

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.com Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025 Instagram: @the.momentum.company LinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn 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 TakeawaysLeadership 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 FoundationHer 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 VisionSarah 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 TrustHumility and “humble confidence” help leaders connect authentically, celebrate wins, and foster collective accountability, even with large teams.Begin with the End in MindFacing 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 BetzoldAction StepsReflect 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 AreA 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.