The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

No matter the team size, a strategic plan, and inspiring vision can go a long way in accelerating a team toward success. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton welcomes Allyson Tjoelker, SVP, Mission and YBS Lending for Capital Farm Credit and winner of the Accelerator of the Year Award. Allyson shares more about her professional j...

Human-centered leadership is the antidote to low employee morale, high turnover rates, weak team dynamics, and negative organizational culture. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton sits down with Karin Hurt, Founder and CEO of Let's Grow Leaders and instructor in the Leading Leaders, FCCS Leadership Journey program for a conversa...

Empathy-Based Listening (EBL) is the transformative skill that can elevate your leadership and transform your listening skills. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Eric Maddox, speaker at the upcoming FCCS RISK 360 conference in Boston, author, motivational speaker and consultant who is known for the empathy-based l...

Successful transformations during disruptive change demand a very defined set of behaviors from leaders. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton welcomes Dr. Janet Lapp, Former Professor, Psychologist, registered nurse, author, and speaker at the upcoming RISK 360 Conference for a conversation about the inevitability of change in th...

The power of nonverbal communication is not to be underestimated. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton welcomes Pamela Barnum, speaker at the upcoming and the FCCS Learning Conference in Chicago and Former Undercover Police Officer & Federal Prosecuting Attorney, Trust Strategist & Nonverbal Communication Expert for a discussion...

Where is agriculture headed? What developments will shape the future of the ag industry and which technologies will dominate agriculture? On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton welcomes Mitch Frazier, CEO of AgriNovus and a veteran of both the tech and ag worlds, for a conversation about what lies ahead for agriculture and the tren...

Change can be uncomfortable and uncertain, but some strategies and techniques can help build resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges or disruptions. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Nicole Brusewitz, FCCS' VP of Leadership Development, Learning, and Consulting Services for a discussion ab...

Boards are critical to the success of an organization.  They hold the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and shaping the future of the company beyond the tenure of any one employee.  On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton welcomes FCCS VP of Governance and Board Development Leslie Hilton for a discussion about the key ro...

Leaders who want to inspire confidence and drive success know that presence is an essential part of their leadership.  On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Sally Williamson, CEO of Sally Williamson & Associates, speaker, and executive presence expert for a conversation about the missing link to your success as a lead...

A healthy intersection of business success and employee wellbeing has reached an all-time critical high.  More than ever before, businesses and managers need to support a workplace where employees feel that their health and well-being are prioritized so they can thrive. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Debi Yadeg...

Carefully cultivated positive habits have the power to transform our personal and professional lives. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by FCCS Senior Consultant and Director Jeannie Clinkenbeard. Jeannie is also the lead facilitator of the FCCS Leading Self and Leading Leaders Programs. Together Stephanie and Jeanni...

Welcome to the 50th episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast. Our guest today is THE original guest from episode one, Keynote Speaker Ryan Avery. Ryan has been partnering with FCCS for the Go From A Leader to THE Leader Online Strategic Communications Program and is THE Keynote Speaker at many of the FCCS conferences.  Today we're talking about celebrating!  Celebrating success can happen in the fa...

It can be hard to see change coming, but there are patterns in the way change disrupts an industry that, when identified, can help to empower an organization to prepare for what's coming and be prepared to act.  In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS sits down with Vance Crow, Organizational Strategist, and CEO of Articula...

Emotional intelligence (EQ) has been identified by 85% of employers as even more valuable than IQ, but it is often seen as something that you either have or don't have.  New science shows that it is possible to increase emotional intelligence with training and practice, which can benefit relationships both in and outside of the workplace.    In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host St...

In today's fast-paced sales environment, sales leaders must possess the agility to adapt to a variety of situations. A rigid approach to leadership may have worked in the past, but it won't work for companies that are going to succeed in the future. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS welcomes Regional Vice President of...

Times of uncertainty can make it very difficult to maintain momentum, but it is in these moments it is crucial that we don't let these disruptions paralyze us. A proactive approach to overcoming challenges is key.  In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS is joined by Business Performance Coach Michael Vickers. Michael will...

Between emotional factors, unspoken expectations, and ineffective communication, a family business can be exceptionally difficult to navigate. A lack of succession planning can destroy a family business and cost Farm Credit a client. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS welcomes Wesley Tucker, Farm and Ranch Transition S...

Today's workplace is at a crossroads, and effective leaders need to know how to navigate through change, challenge and chaos.  Inspiring hope is the best way to impact meaningful change, and today's guest is an expert on the topic of hope. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS sits down with executive coach and leadership...

Customers today have more choices than ever before, creating a flooded market that is filled with commodities.  So what can organizations do to stand out in the crowd?  The answer is simple, just ask Mickey Mouse. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS welcomes author, consultant, and former Walt Disney World Company execu...

Climate risk is hardly a new concept, and the ag industry is always looking for ways to mitigate and adapt to the ongoing changes and increased risk exposures facing farmers today.  In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS is joined by Chris Peacock, CEO and founder of AgCor for a conversation about the various aspects of cl...

Attracting and developing human capital is more critical than ever in today's high demand, low supply talent market.  With the help of data assessments, hiring managers can feel confident that they are making the best decisions about who they are bringing onto their teams. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS sits down w...

Culture makes all the difference between teams that thrive and those that struggle. We look to leaders to set the example of culture, but culture is really the responsibility of every member of the team. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS welcomes speaker and consultant Derek Avera for a look at the critical intersecti...

Your effectiveness as a leader is only as strong as your ability to influence others.  Unfortunately, too many companies aren't giving their leaders the ability to positively influence their teams and workplace culture. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS sits down with leadership consultant and speaker Anton Gunn for a...

Traditional business success has been defined by profits, but the businesses that are going to succeed in the future are the ones that are thinking more about their people.  Team members are humans with human needs and are motivated by so much more than just a paycheck. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS welcomes leade...

The rapid pace of change and uncertainty in the past few years has brought with it unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety in both professional and personal settings. Leaders know that employees have been operating in crisis mode for years and the impact of that stress can't be ignored any longer. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Commun...