The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

There is no question that artificial intelligence is changing the way we work. It can give us information in seconds, help us solve problems, generate ideas and accomplish tasks faster than ever before. But if AI can give us so much, so quickly, what becomes more valuable? The answer lies in something profoundly more human: our relationships. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features Nicole Brusewitz, VP of Leadership Development, Learning, and Consulting Services, FCCS, and Greg Pryor, co-author of The New Social Code. In this episode, Greg and Nicole explore strategies for staying relevant and connected in the age of AI.    Episode Insights Include: Why does social capital matter?  Human capital is the sum of our training, education, and experiences.  Human capital is where leadership development tends to focus – who am I and what do I have to offer?  Social capital turns outward to consider our relationships with others – what can we learn and gain from each other?   Relational resources between people include access to ideas, access to decision makers, career advice, and more.  Consider Post Malone- by leveraging his social capital, he transformed from a rapper to the top of the country charts in one summer.    The benefits of network and social capital 49% of success is based on social capital, yet emphasis is regularly placed on human capital.  A strong social network gives you access to relationships that can benefit your career.  Network is not the same as networking – your network gives you access to innovation, information, and the ability to thrive.  The concentric circles of a network create your complete support system, from intimate relationships to familiar faces.    Navigating AI with human relationships  Greg's new book offers insight into the relationship between humans and AI.  Human relationships are more important than ever as AI technologies are introduced into the world.  There is incredible career anxiety regarding AI, but strong human relationships can help navigate and master the unknown.  A new social code is going to be unlocked as positive collaborative consequences are discovered.  The way we intentionally and authentically connect with each other will help us bring the potential of this new technology into the world.   How to succeed quickly in a new role It takes on average 3-4 years to replicate a high-performer's network.  Fast-movers can replicate a high-performer's network in a matter of months by utilizing three types of trust.  Benevolence trust is created amongst teams who know you care.  Performance trust is shown through competence with clients.  Integrity trust is demonstrated through predictability in deeds and words.    Creating intentional connections in the workplace There are two types of networks- bonding networks with those that we are physically closest to in the building, while bridging networks connect us to diverse networks in a greater context.  Social agility is the ability to move intentionally and authentically from bonding to bridging networks based on what needs to be done.  Connections are just as important as ability in the workplace.    The role of relationships in influential leadership In most organizations, energizing influencers play a pivotal role in affecting change. This handful of people has a significant impact on the success of the entire organization.  The social capital piece of a project can increase the likelihood of its success by half.  Similarly, the lack of social capital can unintentionally undermine a project before it even begins.  Understanding and appreciating the impact of social capital can influence your team and your projects significantly.  Appreciate others, celebrate their successes, and make introductions wherever possible.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Greg Pryor   Get in touch – [email protected]   "Social capital is the relationships you've nurtured over time and the network that gives you access to successful and beneficial relationships." — Greg Pryor   "In the age of AI, we are about to unlock what we know through who we know." — Greg Pryor   "The way we intentionally and authentically connect with each other will help us bring the potential of this new technology into the world." — Greg Pryor   "There are a lot of positive collaborative consequences to this age of work." — Greg Pryor

Most of us have experienced two kinds of work: the kind that energizes us, and the kind that feels exhausting, even when we're perfectly capable of doing it. And when we're faced with working with others' strengths and priorities, things can get complicated fast. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features Paula Horwitz, VP of Event Management, FCCS, and Ryan Gray, Master Facilitator of Working Genius and expert on turning differences into strengths instead of a source of frustration. Ryan will be a Keynote Speaker at the 2026 FCCS Director Leadership Conference. Together, Ryan and Paula discuss harnessing work energy, personalities versus productivity, and what it takes to lead a thriving, successful team.   Episode Insights Include: Common talented team struggles Super talent can be confused with efficient teamwork. An overemphasis on team weaknesses prevent teams from working together as efficiently as possible Often, teams focus on labels that highlight flaws instead of features, such as 'overworked'  instead of productive'.    Why do leaders overlook the draining aspects of work? Capability and desire are two different things- just because someone is good at something doesn't mean they want to do it all day long. Working competencies are the work that we do well, whether or not we love it. Working frustrations have the tendency to drain us more rapidly. Leaders tend to assume that everyone is happiest when they are simply doing the things they love, rather than doing the things that provide opportunities for growth.    What makes people productive?  Consider whether the right people are doing the right work at the right stages of the work process. Productivity starts when leaders stop expecting everyone to be good at everything Each team member should be assigned to best-fit work for increased energy and fulfillment.   Navigating team member differences Every team member brings their own preferences and personalities. Leaders who are creative in their feedback verses those who are critical will see very different results in the satisfaction and productivity of their team. Differences can be utilized in effective ways once they are positively identified.   Signs for leaders to look for Pay attention to energy just as much as performance. Nonverbal cues can offer insights into whether the work is the right fit. Watch for clues of burnout in team members.   What changes when key contributions are identified?  Increased self-awareness is present and lends itself to improved teamwork. Better questions are easier to ask when strengths are identified. A visual representation of team dynamics can help identify strengths and areas for change. Team dynamics can be tweaked and improved with Ryan's advice. AH-HA moments come as productivity tools and assessments are utilized.   This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Ryan Gray   Get in touch – [email protected]   "Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you should spend your entire working life doing it." — Ryan Gray   "Capability doesn't always equate to true joy, energy, and fulfillment." — Ryan Gray   "Productivity starts when leaders stop expecting everyone to be good at everything." — Ryan Gray   "The Working Genius focuses on productivity over personality through a lens of joy and fulfillment." — Ryan Gray   "Leaders: get relentlessly curious about yourself and about the people you lead." — Ryan Gray

 Change is inevitable, but how we lead people through change can make all the difference. Creating connection doesn't mean having all the answers or making every difficult situation easier, it means creating an environment where people feel seen and heard, while still providing the clarity, consistency, and direction teams expect from their leaders. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features Paula Horwitz, VP of Event Management, FCCS and Jessica Yaffa, internationally-recognized healthy relationships expert, speaker, trainer, and relationship coach. Together they discuss the power of connection, how leaders can help employees, customers, and communities navigate uncertainty while still moving the organization forward.    Episode Insights Include: Common change misconceptions  Misconception #1- Only positive change can make a real difference.  All change matters and requires us to create a space for what is lost and what is gained. Misconception #2- Acknowledging what is hard will make a situation feel even heavier.  Talking about hard things can actually make hard things feel easier.  Misconception #3- Demonstrating vulnerability leads to a loss of credibility.  Research shows that leaders who are able to acknowledge their limitations lead employees to feel more seen and valued.    Lessons learned from Ted Lasso Acknowledge what you don't know.  Ask for support from others.  Support others in feeling valued and listened to.  Acknowledge when you are struggling without blaming others.  Create space for others to struggle.  Treat vulnerability as a connector.    Pivot with vulnerability in mind Lean into opportunities to acknowledge common hard times.  Create space for others to share their feelings.  Remind your team that you are all in this together.  Leaders need to help others feel seen, heard, and understood.    Communication tools for stressful times Carve out one-minute connection check-ins with your team members.  Recall team members' recent experiences that you can follow up on.  Ask "How can I support you?" Walk the walk and talk the talk through your example.  Consider what must be communicated to provide transparency.    Authentic ownership of leadership decisions Leaders need to balance vulnerability and transparency with upholding organizational principles and company expectations.  State the connection facts first, followed by the new information. "I appreciate that we are already spread thin, and this is what is now expected of us."  Allow time for team concerns before moving on to solutions.  Clearly state whether you are seeking consensus and ideas or simply allowing for feelings to be shared.  Set clear expectations to more productively interact with your team.    Behaviors of trusted leaders Influential leaders are more powerful when they carefully handle the things that don't go well.  Show up in ways that make it clear that you are taking care of yourself and ready to support others.  Acknowledge your shortcomings and move forward accordingly.  Connective language creates trusted, reliable, compassionate leaders that people feel motivated to follow.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Jessica Yaffa – Jessica Yaffa   Get in touch – [email protected]   "All change requires us to create a space for what is lost and what is gained." — Jessica Yaffa   "Leading with vulnerability is one of the greatest ways to gain and maintain trust with those around us." — Jessica Yaffa   "Connection language creates trusted, reliable, compassionate leaders that people feel motivated to follow." — Jessica Yaffa

Most listeners give a communicator a mere 30 seconds to set a message direction for their storyline. How can you quickly set the hook? Today's podcast focuses on strategies to frame a message quickly to keep the listener involved and engaged. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton, and Hurst Williamson, author and Head of Sales and Executive Coach at Sally Williamson & Associates. Their conversation addresses the art and science of storytelling, its place in business communications, and how to begin mastering the skill of storytelling.    Episode Insights Include: Storytelling as a critical leadership skill Storytelling is the best way to make sure someone can repeat back to you your own message. There are two key parts to storytelling that make a story stick.  Content and style both matter in your message.  People will form 11 impressions of you in 7 seconds.  A listener can't separate your content and your style.    Common communication mistakes Just because you said it, doesn't mean they heard it.  A truly important message should not only be said once.  Authenticity in communication is essential.  You cannot talk your way around authenticity with your listeners.  You're not communicating until the listener understands.    Starting with context Why does your solve make sense?  If a listener doesn't understand why a conversation is happening, they can't hear why you are offering solutions.  Setting the stage is essential to a successful conversation.  Flexible frameworks are ideal, rigid scripts simply don't work.  Questions shouldn't trip you up no matter which slide you're on.    Building connection through communication Authenticty allows a leader to bridge challenging gaps.  Hard conversations can be made easier with connection.  There has to be a balance between empathy and business stragety.  Communication will help you get an an unhappy listener to a place of understanding.  Empathy and a clear message are key points of communication.    Mastering the Q & A session  Q & A is the most important part of your message because it's the last thing the listener hears.  You can establish yourself as a thought leader in the Q & A.  Take ownership of each question and decide which parts of it you're going to answer.  Your responses in a Q & A is critical to your credibility.    Simple first steps Consider your intention behind being an effective storyteller.  Your intent will make an impact every time. Ask for feedback and whether your listeners actually understand you.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Cameron Burford – Cameron Burford   Get in touch – [email protected]   "Storytelling is the best way to make sure someone can repeat back to you your own message." — Hurst Williamson   "Communication is a lifelong journey." — Hurst Williamson   "Communication allows a listener to understand the thinking behind it." — Hurst Williamson   "These are the moments when you can build the most trust with your listeners." — Hurst Williamson   "Your intent will make an impact every time." — Hurst Williamson

Today's conversation hits at the heart of what many lenders are feeling, but aren't saying out loud. The pressure on farmers right now is real and increasing, and it is showing up on lender balance sheets. The question is no longer if risk will surface, but when and how prepared are we to see it coming? Do you know how to lead through uncertainty without waiting for the warning signs to become problems? This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Cameron Burford, Managing Director of SaaS at Growers Edge. Their conversation focuses on the role that data, land intelligence, and proactive risk management can play in helping leaders move from reactive to resilient.    Episode Insights Include: Insights into the ag market The ag market is in a downturn nationwide. The farm credit commitment to support farmers in good times and bad holds true in today's cycle. Forecasts for 2026 are not promising. What, if anything, will get planted this year?   The lender risk of dropping farmland values The borrower's balance sheet is the farmland collateral coverage. Deteriorating land values decrease favorable ratios significantly. Factors that contribute to risk before stress is visible. Missing payments is not the first sign of risk. Catching early indicators gives lenders time to do something about it.   Understanding adverse assets  Definitions for key adverse asset terms. Recognizing the early indicators of a higher risk profile can position lenders to effectively partner with farmers. Workouts and adverse assets have a negative relationship with borrowers.   Lessons for Midwest lenders  High-profile bankruptcies in California can provide lessons for Midwest lenders. Input and commodity pricing, as well as geopolitical risks, are affecting balance sheets and land value. Leading lenders are watching land values and other leading indicators.   The cost of reactive mode Direct costs will show up on spreadsheets. By being proactive, high costs can be avoided. Subsequent time can be spent helping farmers grow their operations. Every dollar tied into cleanup is an hour spent not serving the farmer.   The role of land intelligence and collateral data in a portfolio's health Data can paint a living picture of a borrower's portfolio. Insights available today are vastly different from those of the past. Risk profiles are more robust today because of better data. Lenders need to focus on "seeing, saying, and serving" their borrowers.   Proactive risk management culture A proactive risk management culture can be a company's greatest growth engine. A team that is all growing in the same direction should be the goal. Winning looks like acknowledging that you can position yourself for success now.   This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Cameron Burford – Cameron Burford   Get in touch – [email protected]   "These factors can contribute to risk before stress is even visible." — Cameron Burford   "If you can catch these early indicators, you can do something about it." — Cameron Burford   "Every dollar tied into cleanup is an hour spent not serving the farmer." — Cameron Burford   "Lenders need to focus on 'seeing, saying, and serving' their borrowers." — Cameron Burford