Nurturing Talent and Cultivating a Family-Inclusive Work Environment with Jed Miller

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

Jed Miller is an intentional leader, innovator, and strategic thinker with a diverse background in business management and leadership. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Sterling College, Jed has developed a strong foundation for his career in various leadership roles. As the Chief Strategy Officer of Ag Partners Cooperative, he leads key areas such as Agronomy, Energy, Marketing, and Sustainability. As President of Globally Responsible Production, he is instrumental in bridging the understanding gap between producer and consumer.

In addition to his professional roles, Jed is the author of the widely followed "Thursday Thoughts" series, a weekly publication where he shares his reflections and insights on various topics. These articles have garnered a substantial following, showcasing Jed's ability to engage and inspire a broad audience.

Professional Career Jed's career spans over 20 years, including a decade as Owner and General Manager of Paddy's Restaurant and Jethro's Steakhouse. His tenure at CHS as a Certified Energy Specialist and District Manager of Lubricants, culminating in the Cooperative Resources sector, has enriched his diverse experience. His leadership in Ag Partners Cooperative and Globally Responsible Production demonstrates his capability to navigate complex environments.

Personal Life Beyond his career, Jed is a devoted husband to Michelle and father to Mikaela and Brody. He actively participates in his community and church, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility. His hobbies, such as fishing and golf, speak to his appreciation for a balanced lifestyle.

In this compelling episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host A engages in an inspiring conversation with Jed Miller, exploring the profound impact of living and leading with intention. As listeners settle into the episode, they are invited into a discourse about balancing ambitious workloads with personal life, the importance of saying 'no,' and the practical approaches to building a positive company culture that extends outside the office.

Jed eloquently shares his philosophy on being intentional, highlighting the necessary investment of time and energy in areas that truly matter. He reflects on advice from his father and emphasizes focusing on those crucial life facets. Further in the episode, Jed talks about the nuances of team development within agribusiness and how his strategies have helped in nurturing talent and cultivating a family-inclusive work environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentionality in life involves balancing work and family without sacrificing either, and focusing on what truly matters.
• Saying 'no' and staying out of the weeds is crucial for leaders to be effective and to empower their team to grow.
• Building a personal brand through thought leadership, like Jed's "Thursday Thoughts," can significantly impact internal culture and attract external interest.
• Investing in company culture, such as facilitating team participation in philanthropic activities, can reinforce a sense of purpose and togetherness.
• Sustainability in agribusiness is challenging, but bringing ideas to fruition and gaining farmer buy-in can be a significant victory.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's focusing on those pieces for me."
• "Structure is important to me."
• "I think we do several things... I read a deal called Thursday thoughts."
• "You're in the prime part of life, right?"
• "Do I add the most value?"

Don’t miss out on the full spectrum of insights shared by Jed Miller in this episode. Make sure to listen to the entire conversation for a dose of motivation and practical advice on becoming an Intentional Agribusiness Leader. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with invaluable wisdom and experiences from industry leaders.