Northwest FCS Leadership Insights

Objectives: - Discuss elements of the “cultivating innovation” portion of Northwest FCS framework - Explore practical elements of bringing ingenuity and cultivating innovation in a day-to-day life - Highlight Jordan’s life of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes Participant Bios: - Jordan Jonas grew up in the Idaho country, surrounded by the beautiful lakes of that vast state. Being surrounded by nature, he grew up spending his formative years in nature. As a young adult he came of age as he spent a year riding freight trains across the US - spending countless days and nights navigating both rural and urban environments. Soon after he left for Russia where he would spend the better part of the next ten years living in Siberia in villages, with fur trappers, and ultimately with traditional nomadic reindeer herders. Amongst these people Jordan would learn the art of survival - not as taught in classes, but as lived day in and day out by people whose existence depends on those skills. The skills acquired over his life were proven effective and reliable when Jordan won season 6 of History Channel's Alone show, spending 77 days in the Arctic while also successfully hunting a bull moose, a wolverine, dozens of rabbits, squirrels, grouse and numerous fish. Jordan learned to hunt, trap, fish, survive, and even thrive in good times and bad. He learned to deal with adversity and value his family and friends. He learned that experience is valuable, but that the development of character and love are the most important aspects of life. He values where he came from, both his Assyrian and Danish heritage, and strives to be someone worthy of the incredible sacrifices those before him made to give him a good life. He hopes to do the same for his children. He is very blessed and thankful to have an opportunity to live, and live life to its fullest. - Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan.  Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services. Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

Objectives: - Highlight a life of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes - Discuss elements of the courage and accountability portion of Northwest FCS framework - Explore practical elements of living a life of accountability and courage Participant Bios: - Michel Varisco-Gleason Michel has been described as the pillar of Team Gleason. Although most pillars don’t collect swords and wear jackets in the summer, she is eclectically the structure that completes and supports Team Gleason. In her original role as Co-Founder of Team Gleason and also as Steve’s wife, Michel had a crash course in ALS and all that implies. In the film, ‘Gleason’, she and Steve shared their story with the world, creating enormous awareness for the disease and Team Gleason. Her official roles are as an advisor and also managing merchandise for the organization, but she remains a pillar or maybe two. And, every good idea is always attributed to Michel. Also revealed in the film, ‘Gleason’ was Michel’s vision as an artist. Since the film’s release, Michel’s art has been sold across the country and beyond. Her artist statement is: “I’ve always liked my brain occupied, not with current events or poetry, but with more mundane distractions, like busy work. In 2011, my husband, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a paralyzing terminal illness with a 2-5 year life expectancy. We were both 34. I became consumed with fear, anxiety, heartbreak, resentment and relentless grief. The idea of tomorrow frightened and depressed me. One day I came across an old sketchpad with a single drawing on it (One). I brought it, along with some sharp colored pencils, to the hospital during a particularly worrisome surgery. For the first time in years, I was able to sit in one place for hours and feel contentment and peace. My drawings started to change into things I didn’t fully understand. Forms and symbols were creating a new language through which I could express things I never could verbally. Experiencing a still mind was exhilarating. I still experience that same exuberance every time someone buys a print. This art has given me something new to love. It has brought back some of the light I lost. I feel lucky that I can share it with my family, friends and now, strangers. Besides being my children, Rivers and Gray’s mom, my artwork is the thing I'm most proud of right now.” - Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan.  Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services. Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business. Copyright © 2020 Northwest Farm Credit Services. All Rights Reserved.

Objectives: - Hear JJ’s story of going from middle school teacher to world-class in his field - Tie JJ’s story and career to lessons learned about being Customer-Focused - Illustrate the impact of being customer-focused to positive influencing and delivering  successful outcomes for others Participant Bios: - JJ Harrison grew up in Okanogan, Wash., where his love for the rodeo began. He took his passion to college with him and joined the rodeo team as a bull and bronco rider at Washington State University. Harrison taught science and social studies at a Walla Walla middle school for eight years.Though his love for the rodeo surpassed his passion for teaching, Harrison believes that his time in the classroom has influenced his witty and energetic act as a rodeo clown. “I’m a ball of energy that is quick witted and eager to find humor in every situation. I think it stems from natural ability and my experience in the classroom.” His athletic high-energy antics have made him a five-time nominee for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Clown of the Year award, which is presented at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. In 2012, Harrison was selected to perform at the National Finals as the barrelman—a clown who hides inside a barrel to divert charging bulls. “The Nationals are like our Super Bowl,” he says. “It’s a huge feather in any cowboy’s hat, and a big highlight of my career.” Harrison, who says he doesn’t drink but loves to party, also hosts the MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone show during National Finals, where he often brings cowboy superstars on stage to meet and interact with the audience. It all adds up to living a boyhood dream. “Being a rodeo clown is a high—you’ve got 9,000 people screaming and laughing with you, but not everyone there is rodeo savvy,” he says. “As an entertainer, I try to connect them to our sport. Put together that puzzle piece for the fan. I enjoy that.” He made the transition to full-time clowning in 2008 and has since performed at rodeos in Florida, Hawaii, and everywhere in between. As one of the nation’s top rodeo clowns, Harrison’s act is booked nearly year-round. Not only does he entertain the audience during lulls in the program, he also protects injured cowboys during bull riding and other events. It’s his job to distract the bull while the fallen contestant limps out of the arena. - Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan.  Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services. Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business. Copyright © 2020 Northwest Farm Credit Services. All Rights Reserved.

Objectives: - Discuss elements leadership, building trust, and getting results - Explore how is leadership is lived out in a professional environment - Inspire listeners to take steps toward greater trust and greater results Participant Bios: - Jake Harriman is the founder and CEO of Nuru International, a US-based social venture that empowers individuals living in remote and rural areas to combat extreme poverty in their communities. Jake was inspired to found Nuru after being faced with the effects of extreme poverty in war-torn regions of the world during four tours of duty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. There, Jake witnessed the most severe levels of poverty and developed a deeply-held belief that many 21st century ills including terrorism and occupation can only be eradicated by ending extreme poverty. A Bronze Star-recipient and Stanford University Graduate School of Business alum, Harriman has been honored as a White House as a “Champion of Change,” selected as a Dalai Lama “Unsung Hero of Compassion,” and featured in profile pieces by Forbes, The Huffington Post, ABC News, and more. Jake is a graduate of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2015 and discusses his inspiring journey to found Nuru, equipping leaders to take charge of their own destinies and communities, and unlocking innovative approaches to age-old problems. Born in rural West Virginia, Harriman attended the US Naval Academy before serving seven and a half years as an Infantry and Special Operations Platoon Commander in the Marine Corps. He led four operational deployments, including counter-terror operations in the Horn of Africa and two tours of Iraq. Jake’s experiences in combat convinced him that the “War on Terror” would not be won on the battlefield alone—and that the coordinates of someone’s birth place should not dictate the opportunities they are presented with throughout the course of their life. Jake left military life to enroll at Stanford where, with the assistance of roughly 30 peers and professors, investments from Silicon Valley, and donations from around the world, he moved to Kenya and founded Nuru International. Nuru operates in the poorest districts of Kenya and Ethiopia and focuses on four major areas of need: hunger, economic shocks, preventable diseases, and quality education. Based on thorough research of the successes and failures of the last 50 years of international aid relief, Nuru’s programs have to date enabled over 130,000 people to lift themselves out of extreme poverty through programs aimed at increasing crop yield, introducing entrepreneurs to new markets and capital, and counseling local leaders on modern educational and medicinal advancements. Nuru’s ultimate goal is to create a thorough roadmap to eradicating poverty that can be shared with NGOs worldwide. Nuru’s latest project is in far northeast Nigeria in former Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram caliphate territory. From 2017 to 2019, Jake helped draft, introduce, and work to pass groundbreaking new legislation called the Global Fragility Act of 2019, which will equip America with new authorities and resources to prevent conflict and stabilize some of the most fragile regions of the world that pose a growing threat to US and global security. - Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee. Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks. Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board. Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren. - Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan.  Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services. Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business. Copyright © 2020 Northwest Farm Credit Services. All Rights Reserved.

Objectives: - Discuss elements of the “engaged” portion of Northwest FCS framework - Illustrate the importance of engagement for effective leadership - Explore practical elements of living an engaged life Participant Bios: - Jon Clifton is the Global Managing Partner of Gallup, an advisory firm that specializes in big data analytics of employees, customers, students and citizens. Jon’s mission is to help 7 billion citizens be heard on their most pressing work and life issues through the Gallup World Poll, a 100-year initiative spanning 150 countries. Jon is a nonresident Senior Fellow at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion. He serves on the board at Gallup, Meridian International Center, StreetWise Partners and Findyr. Because of his expertise, Jon has been interviewed on BBC News, C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, and Al-Jazeera, and has testified in front of the U.S. Congress on the state of American small business and entrepreneurship. He is a frequent contributor on Gallup.com and has written forThe Hill,The DiplomaticCourier andThe Global Action Report. Jon received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor in international law from the University of Nebraska. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Midland University. - Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee. Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks. Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board. Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren. - Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan.  Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services. Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business. Copyright © 2019 Northwest Farm Credit Services. All Rights Reserved.