The Delicate Balance of Stewardship and Innovation with Scott Sanders

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

Scott Sanders has over 23 years of experience as a finance/accounting and business development professional. Mr. Sanders is currently the general manager at Peterson Farms Seed, where he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, helping drive forward the long-term vision by dreaming up the future for the company. Peterson Farms Seed is a privately-owned agricultural input supplier, operating in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Previously, Mr. Sanders has held leadership positions in the agriculture, aerospace & defense, and recruiting industries. Previous companies include Ernst & Young LLP, Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (ATK), and SkyWater Search Partners, Inc. Mr. Sanders received his Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Virginia and his Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN).

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell welcomes Scott Sanders to explore the nuances of intentional leadership within the agribusiness sector. Recognizing the delicate balance of stewardship and innovation, Mark and Scott dive deep into what it means to be an effective leader in the rapidly evolving landscape of agriculture.

The conversation opens up with a discussion on the unpredictability of weather patterns and its implications for agriculture, then swiftly transitions into the concept of being intentional. Scott emphasizes the significance of beginning with the end in mind and outlines the importance of deliberate thinking for both personal and business growth. The dialogue further delves into the intricacies of stepping into a leadership role at a company with a strong foundational legacy, such as Peterson Farms Seed.

Key topics covered in this episode include the challenges and strategies involved in talent attraction and retention. Scott shares insights from his experience in shaping a company culture that resonates with the younger workforce and stresses the value of transparency and flexibility. The discussion underscores the vital role of embodying values and setting standards that contribute to a robust and intentional workplace environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Being intentional means starting with a clear end goal, whether it's a daily target or a long-term strategic plan.
• Transitioning into a leadership role in a founder-led company requires listening, patience, and respect for the existing culture.
• Talent attraction and retention hinge on having a culture that's not just discussed but also demonstrated through action.
• Flexibility in the workplace, such as the option to work from home, can greatly enhance employee satisfaction when implemented thoughtfully.
• Living the values you preach is crucial for leadership credibility as team members are constantly observing and emulating their leaders.

Notable Quotes:

• "In order to be intentional, you have to know where you're going and to know where you're going, you really have to think through what the end looks like for you." - Scott Sanders
• "Your time is no longer your own...you do have to set aside some time every day." - Scott Sanders on finding time for strategic thinking as a leader.
• "You have to be intentional about your mornings." - Scott Sanders on prioritizing personal time for thoughts and plans.
• "Listening to your elders...don't think we, as a culture in general, listen enough from those that have been there before us." - Scott Sanders on valuing experience.
• "Being selfish is the only way you can get to a point of being selfless." - Scott Sanders on the necessity of self-care for effective leadership.

Join us for the full episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast to gain deeper insights from Scott Sanders and learn more about combining strategy, intention, and action for leadership success. Stay tuned for future episodes that promise to enlighten and inspire agribusiness professionals.