Episode Details

In this insightful episode, Mark sits down with Melinda Witten, President & CEO of the Ohio Agribusiness Association. Melinda opens up about the challenges of modern leadership, the changing labor landscape, and the importance of showing up authentically in today’s agribusiness environment. From culture creation to Gen Z retention, she shares practical lessons from her own leadership journey and the conversations she's having daily with ag leaders across Ohio. If you want to build a values-based, people-first team without losing your edge, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

Lead the Culture You Want

Melinda shares how culture doesn’t come from words on a wall—it comes from modeling, consistency, and showing up with intention every day.

Don’t Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated

True leadership means learning how each person on your team needs to be supported, encouraged, and communicated with.

Labor Shortages Are Real—But Solvable

Retention issues and Gen Z expectations are shaking up the ag workforce. Leaders must shift from blanket strategies to personalized development and clear role design.

Vulnerability Builds Trust

Being honest about what you don’t know creates a safe, empowering space for your team to do the same—and strengthens your entire organization.

Developing Future Leaders Starts with You

Your team becomes a reflection of your leadership. If you’re not clear, consistent, or aligned, neither will they be.

Notable Quotes:

“You can’t just say culture matters. You have to be the culture you want to create.” – Melinda Witten

“People follow people. But they don’t follow perfection—they follow authenticity.” – Melinda Witten

“You don’t build loyalty by treating people how you want to be treated. You lead by understanding how they need to be treated.” – Melinda Witten

“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to ask questions and sit in the uncomfortable moments.” – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Reflect: Are you modeling the culture you want in your organization?
• Audit: Do you understand how your key team members need to be led and supported?
• Engage: Create intentional time to check in with your people—outside of performance reviews or task lists.

Listen If You Are:

• An ag executive navigating generational change in your workforce
• A team leader trying to create a strong, authentic culture
• A CEO or director who wants to retain top talent and reduce turnover
• Someone craving more clarity, humanity, and leadership presence in their role

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on how to lead with heart, clarity, and confidence.

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