Cultivating Leaders

And, that’s a wrap on season 1! In this special episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Nicole is joined by the podcast producer, Savannah Nichols, for a trip down memory lane. The pair look back at the lessons, surprises and stories shared by 20 incredible industry leaders this season. Consider this your SparkNotes version of the podcast so you know what episodes need a listen. The Cultivatin...

Your voice, multiplied across agriculture, can change the outcome of major decisions. Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, joins the Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share his experience with grassroots leadership, chasing innovation and creating sustainable agriculture leaders. President Duvall has built a career on telling the story of American agriculture by leaning on...

What does it really mean to live a good life and to lead with integrity? Corey Ciocchetti, nationally recognized speaker and professor, joins the Cultivating Leaders Podcast for a powerful conversation around leading with ethics. Corey explores why good character is a non-negotiable, how to define success on your own terms and what it takes to build a life of authenticity. Corey covers how to: - L...

Courtney White, Head of HR for BASF Agricultural Solutions North America and Global Inclusion Officer, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to dive into the power of inclusion and the value of Human Resources. Courtney shares how today’s most effective HR strategies go beyond hiring—they curate culture. He unpacks what it means to put people first, why timing matters just as much as talent, and h...

A fifth-generation meat purveyor has grown her business built on tradition by leading with innovation and grit. Suzanne Strassburger, fifth-generation meat purveyor and president of Strassburger Meats, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast. She opens up about the reality of being a woman leader in the meat industry and evolving her family’s business. Suzanne’s leadership mindset led her back to bu...

What would be your strategy if you only had one shot to negotiate a billion-dollar trade deal? Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, joins this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast . From his roots on a Kansas farm to the global stage of international trade, Gregg shares his career journey marked by dedication, conviction and service to U.S. agriculture. He...

What if one rancher’s vision could shape the future of the agriculture job market and create a movement of connecting leaders? In this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast , Nicole is joined by Jessie Jarvis, a third-generation rancher, entrepreneur, and the visionary behind Of The West. Raised on her family’s cattle ranch in Southern Idaho, Jessie shares how her entrepreneurship journey sha...

What if the reason you're struggling as a leader isn’t your fault? Dr. Katie Ervin—author, founder, and creator of the Catalyst Workplace Model—joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast for an honest conversation about what it really takes to lead without preparation, “being kind,” and bad managers. Through her career, Katie has learned the importance of vulnerability, feedback, and honesty. Katie get...

What if real leadership isn’t about having the answers but rather about having the courage to ask better questions? In this episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Nicole sits down with Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute, to explore what it takes to lead through transformation, uncertainty, and industry evolution. She shares her experience navigating a major organization...

Technology in agriculture isn't about the most expensive tractors — it's about solving real problems. In this episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer at Land O’Lakes, explores the powerful intersection of agriculture, technology, and leadership. Teddy offers insight on what it takes to lead meaningful change in a tradition-rich industry. He opens up about...

In a culture that says, “tough it out”, perhaps the most strength comes from vulnerability and courage. In this episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, John Sachse – cattleman, Army National Guard officer, and AFA alum – explores what it really takes to build a resilient mindset. John shares how military training and returning to the family ranch shaped his approach to leadership, service, and...

Level-up your career by investing in the relationships that really matter. David Nothmann — a seasoned strategic growth leader with 25+ years of experience in agriculture, technology, and food innovation—joins the Cultivating Leaders Podcast for a discussion around building relationships. He shares practical insights on how leaders can build trust intentionally, approach networking as a learned sk...

Have you ever felt like an outsider in the industry you were raised in? In this episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, we welcome Courtenay DeHoff—television host, fifth-generation rancher, and founder of the Fancy Lady Cowgirl movement—for a bold conversation about pursuing a fulfilling career, challenging exclusion in agriculture, and empowering bold ideas. Courtenay shares great advice aro...

What does it take to build a lasting, meaningful career in agriculture? In this episode, Matt Plitt, President and CEO of Valent USA, shares his insights on leading with intention, creating a strong workplace culture and navigating a rapidly changing industry. From personal growth to sustainable leadership strategies, this conversation is a masterclass in what it means to lead with purpose. Matt d...

Great leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about trust, humility, and impact. In this episode, Scott Stump, CEO of the National FFA Organization, shares his experience on what it means to lead with integrity, empower teams, and stay open to growth. He shares a wealth of knowledge around the future leaders of the agriculture industry and how seasoned professionals can accelerate their potential. Scot...

Want to lead with confidence and build real connections in the agriculture industry? In this episode, Ellen Zimmerman, Director of Industry Relations for the U.S. Grains Council, shares how embracing authenticity and fostering genuine relationships can make you a magnetic leader! In this conversation, Ellen dives into: Authenticity in Leadership: Her journey to owning how she shows up Building Gen...

Ebony Webber never saw herself being involved in the agriculture industry. Now, she serves as the CEO of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), helping others find their place. Tune in for Ebony’s unconventional route to leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way. In this episode, Ebony reflects on: Career growth: Ebony took leadership of MANRRS at...

What does it take to lead yourself well? On this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast , TEDx speaker and financial expert Adam Carroll opens up about his personal journey from financial struggles to building a life of intentionality and resilience. Adam believes that great leadership starts with self-discipline and clarity in your own life. In this conversation, Adam dives into: Self-leaders...

In this episode, Diana gets candid about her journey from being a self-proclaimed “negative” leader to embracing humility as her greatest superpower. Packed with practical takeaways, Diana shares: · The art of curiosity : How asking the right questions can unlock innovation. · Mastering feedback : Using honest (and sometimes uncomfortable) insights to grow as a leader. · Chasing the impossible : W...

In this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, host Nicole Erceg sits down with Jake Worcester, Vice President of Development at National 4-H Council, to explore the art of navigating change in today’s evolving workplace. Jake shares practical strategies for leading through transitions, fostering a strong team culture in remote environments, and building trust and resilience in times of uncer...

Does the world really need another podcast? Mark Stewart, President and CEO of AFA joins Nicole Erceg to talk about the what and why of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast. We cover what you can expect from AFA on this new platform. Connect with Mark - Connect on LinkedIn Connect with AFA - Follow us on LinkedIn - Follow us on Instagram - Like us on Facebook - Follow us on TikTok - Visit our Website A...