Some leaders build careers. Others build legacies. And when you work inside one of the most trusted brands in agriculture, every decision carries the weight of both.

Jonathan Chase, Vice President of the Turf & Utility Business Unit at John Deere, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore what it really takes to lead with curiosity, integrity and deep respect for the people you serve. Serving in many business units, Jon shares how an unconventional, curiosity-driven career path shaped his leadership philosophy and why building trust with customers and teams matters more than climbing the next rung on the ladder.

Jon dives into:

• Building a career: navigating a career like a pyramid over a ladder and why broad experiences matter more than fast promotions
• Balancing legacy & innovation: honoring John Deere’s 188-year history while embracing technology, data and AI
• Delegating decision-making: empowering teams from the bottom up, and resisting the urge to stay in the weeds

Jon reminds us, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions, listening closely, and creating environments where people can do their best work.

Connect with Jon

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Connect with John Deere on LinkedIn
• Follow John Deere on Instagram
• Visit their website

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!

Real leaders shine when fear creeps in, communication breaks down and chaos starts driving decisions.

Cheryl Mitchell, leadership strategist and speaker, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to unpack what it really takes to lead through uncertainty — especially in food and agriculture. From multigenerational farm families to fast-moving organizations, Cheryl shares how leaders can slow down, listen differently and choose clarity when the noise gets loud. Drawing on decades of experience and her roots as a dairy farmer’s daughter, she offers practical insight for leading people through fear, change, and deeply personal stakes.

Cheryl gets real about:

• Clarity over chaos: why pausing, getting quiet and owning your mindset is a leadership advantage
• Bridging generational divides: how to translate communication across age, experience, and perspective without assumptions
• Leading yourself first: why growth alone has limits — and how reflection, coaching, and curiosity deepen leadership impact

This episode will challenge you to rethink how you respond under pressure and create space for silence.

Want to hear more from Cheryl? Check out her blog here!

Connect with Cheryl

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Visit her speaking website
• Visit her farm legacy website

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!

Great leadership is more than what you say. It shows up in nonverbal conversations. In high-pressure moments, your posture, presence and body language can build trust or erode it.

Jan Hargrave, globally recognized body language and nonverbal communication expert, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to unpack how leaders communicate confidence, credibility and authenticity without saying a word. Drawing from decades of experience in boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms and virtual meetings, Jan shares how small, intentional shifts in body language can change how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.

Jan gets real about:

• First impressions: why trust is formed in seconds and how leaders unknowingly signal confidence or doubt
• Confidence vs. nervous habits: how subtle gestures can undermine your message and what to do instead
• Leading in every room: practical body language strategies for meetings, presentations and virtual conversations

This episode will challenge you to become more aware of the signals you’re sending and remind you that leadership presence isn’t about being louder—it’s about being intentional.

Want to hear more from Jan? Check out her blog here!

Connect with Jan

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow her on Instagram
• Visit her website

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!