WiSPER LOUD

Join the Women in Seed Production Network for another special podcast episode celebrating our 10-year anniversary featuring additional insights from Kate McQueen, VP of North America Row Crop Production, three years after her first appearance. This episode includes a re-listening to her originally aired podcast, now enriched with new content and reflections. Kate emphasized her fundamental message of avoiding the pursuit of perfection, encouraging listeners to recognize their strengths and values while collaborating with those who complement them instead of trying to be everything to everyone. Considering the current uncertainties in the agricultural industry, she urged women to embrace change, manage their mindset, and be proactive and engaged, prioritizing self-care through small daily practices. Kate also reflected on her journey of work-life integration, stressing the importance of establishing boundaries and evaluating balance over extended periods, such as monthly, to alleviate daily guilt. She openly shared her struggles with imposter syndrome, advocating for trust in one’s network, reframing negative thoughts, and approaching situations with humility. Her updated "shout from the rooftops" message inspires everyone to "be the person you want to be now" and embodies the change they wish to see in the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Kate share even more incredible advice and guidance.

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of Women in Seed Production (WISP) by bringing together a vibrant panel of women. They will reflect on past episodes and delve into valuable advice and examples that have shaped their own journeys in career advancement and life within seed production. This celebration will not only honor our milestones but also explore how revisiting these discussions has enriched their experiences and provided actionable insights for navigating challenges in the industry. This episode emphasized the power of community and mentorship, showcasing how these relationships foster a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. A standout moment was Anna Jansen's inspiring quote: "do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better do better," which resonated deeply with the panelists. Jason Wildman contributed a valuable perspective, encouraging listeners to view failures not as setbacks but asopportunities to adopt a creative mindset. His insights reinforced the idea that embracing failure can lead to innovation and growth. While Jim Dowling’s analogy illustrated how "failure bricks" can be transformed into "stepping stones" for personal and team elevation, fostering a "fail forward" approach.  The conversation also highlighted Hannah Neuenschwander’s advice that there are no "wrong" decisions in one’s career path, encouraging listeners to embrace non-traditional routes. Drew Yingling emphasized the significance of building trust through respect and open communication, creating a safe space for honest feedback. The episode concluded with heartfelt reflections on whatthey would advise their younger selves, focusing on trusting the process and leveraging community. The Women in Seed Production Network is celebrating our 10th anniversary throughout the entire month, so be sure to subscribe to catch all the amazing content!

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Women in Seed Production (WISP) by gathering former and current hosts to share their favorite clips and insights. We begin with a powerful selection by Allie Jack featuring Abby Repp, who inspires us with the reminder that "you are enough," promoting self-acceptance and resilience against the pressure to be perfect. Megan Reynolds has chosen a clip with Allegra Belknap, which underscores the importance of overcoming confidence barriers by utilizing your network and acknowledging transferable skills when faced with new opportunities. Abby Repp’s clip featuring Therese Montellano-Mullins calls for action to "take a seat, make a seat" at the table, advocating for bold self-assertion and the creation of opportunities for others. Additionally, Alexis Myers’ clip with Cheryl Werner imparts the wisdom to trust your journey, recognizing that career choices are often "for now, not forever," and encourages embracing various paths instead of getting caught up in "what ifs." Overall, the episode powerfully reinforces the critical role of connections and support systems within WISP, fostering self-worth, bravery, and the ability to write your own unique story. Looking for more roundtable discussions featuring former and current hosts of the WiSPER Loud Podcast? Stay tuned for next week, when we release a second episode with a new group of fantastic hosts! The Women in Seed Production Network is celebrating our 10th anniversary throughout the entire month, so be sure to subscribe to catch all the amazing content!

Join the Women in Seed Production Network for a specialpodcast episode commemorating WiSP’s 10-year anniversary. This episode features insights from Shannon Hauf, the North America, Australia, and New Zealand ProductSupply Lead, who returns four years after her initial appearance in the second episode of the podcast. We revisit her original episode, now enhanced with fresh content and reflections. Shannon discusses the significant progress andadvancements for women in the agriculture sector over the past four years, emphasizing that "women belong in agriculture." She underscores the importance of allyship, and the support women provide to one another in the industry, recognizing their contributions from the farmgate to boardroom tables. Key advice for women in seed production includes seeking out a supportive network, being bold and unapologetic in their roles, and fostering resilience in the cyclical agricultural landscape. Shannon Hauf's remarkable career trajectory illustrates the power of thorough preparation and steadfast confidence in leadership. This episode celebrates the strides made by women in agriculture and advocates for ongoing efforts in diversity, innovation, and collaboration to empower everyone and propel the industry forward.

Join the Women in Seed Production Network for an insightful discussion with Salam Akhtar, a seasoned leader in the Canadian crop science sector, who shares his experiences and advice on career progression, ownership and leadership. Salam’s talks about his journey from Pakistan to Canada, emphasizing the importance of owning one's decisions, adaptability, and the willingness to start from scratch. He discusses navigating different company cultures, building trust within teams, and leading through organizational transformations from hierarchical to agile models. Key takeaways include the value of transparency, peer-to-peer accountability, and the significance of hard work and honesty in achieving career success. You won’t want to miss any of this exciting conversation with Salam!