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 shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to negotiate billion-dollar trade deals, and why technical knowledge, cultural awareness and clear communication are vital skills.

Gregg dives into:

- The Complexity of Negotiations: it requires technical, cultural, and strategic awareness

- Principles of Effective Leadership: the importance of knowing what you want before entering a room

- The Importance of Relationships: strong mentors have guided his career and prepared him for hard conversations

Gregg’s stories and advice give great insight into a career in agriculture, policy and business.

Connect with Gregg

- 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

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

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 shaped her unique perspective on serving the industry, helping others build a career in agriculture, and the power of connection.

Jessie shares about:

• Recognizing an Industry-wide Issue: personal experiences opened her eyes to a successful business opportunity
• Building a Successful Startup: spoke candidly about launching the platform, stressing the sacrifices and risks of entrepreneurship
• Navigating the Evolving Ag Labor Market: addressed the challenges in agriculture’s current job market

Full of honest stories, bold insights, and deep passion, Jessie reminds listeners that the best leaders don’t just build businesses—they build communities.

Connect with Jessie

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow Of The West on LinkedIn
• Visit the Of The West website - Here

Connect with AFA

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on TikTok
• Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

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 gets real about:

- Leaders are Often Set Up to Fail: People are often promoted into leadership roles without the proper tools, support, or training

- Culture is Changed Through People-centered Solutions: advocating for directly addressing interpersonal or cultural issues rather than making vague company-wide announcements

- Feedback and Accountability are Kind: don’t avoid the truth to spare feelings when the truth can lead to development

Katie offers grounded, practical advice on becoming a leader, not just a manager.

Connect with Katie

- Connect on LinkedIn

- Visit her website - Here

- Check out here book - Here

Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn

- Follow us on Instagram

- Like us on Facebook

- Follow us on TikTok

- Visit our Website

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!