Why Most Ag Companies Get Executive Leadership Wrong — And How to Fix It

The agribusiness industry is a complex and dynamic field, where success often hinges on the right leadership decisions. Even with top-notch products, skilled agronomy teams, and well-established distribution networks, companies can struggle to grow if their leadership is mismanaged. Promoting the wrong individuals, losing key executives without a clear succession plan, or hiring external talent that doesn't fit the company culture are common pitfalls that can stall growth. These issues are not isolated incidents but rather recurring challenges that many agribusinesses face. To address these problems, Seed World Group and Kincannon & Reed are hosting a free executive leadership webinar on April 9, titled "Attract. Develop. Succeed: How to Build Leadership That Drives Performance."

The webinar aims to provide agribusiness leaders with a clear framework for navigating leadership decisions. The session will focus on three critical areas: identifying leadership gaps before they impact results, developing internal leaders with the necessary tools, and recruiting external talent that aligns with the company's culture and needs.

One of the key challenges agribusinesses face is overestimating their leadership bench. Many companies assume they have a strong pool of candidates ready to step into leadership roles, but this is often not the case. The webinar will explore how to realistically assess leadership capacity and identify gaps that could hinder growth. By understanding these weaknesses early, companies can take proactive steps to address them, preventing costly mistakes.

Another critical aspect of leadership development is nurturing talent from within. Promoting a high-performing individual to a leadership position without providing the necessary tools and support can lead to failure. The webinar will offer practical frameworks for building internal leadership depth and preparing the next generation of executives. This includes strategies for mentoring, coaching, and creating a culture that supports leadership development.

When internal capacity is insufficient, companies must turn to external recruitment. However, hiring the right external leader can be challenging, as the seed industry often requires specialized knowledge and experience. The panel will discuss how to evaluate candidates and balance industry-specific expertise with broader executive competencies. By understanding the unique needs of the agribusiness sector, companies can make more informed hiring decisions, ensuring that new leaders are well-suited to their roles.

The webinar will feature Aaron Locker and Stephanie Liska from executive ag search firm Kincannon & Reed, alongside Shawn Brook, President of Seed World Group, with Madeleine Baerg, GM and EVP Operations at Seed World Group, moderating the discussion. Following the main session, Aaron Locker and Jon Leafstedt will delve deeper into the topics covered.

This webinar is an invaluable opportunity for agribusiness leaders to gain insights into building a strong and effective leadership team. By addressing leadership gaps, developing internal talent, and recruiting the right external candidates, companies can ensure they have the leadership they need to thrive in an ever-changing industry. Register for the webinar on April 9 to learn how to attract, develop, and succeed with leadership that drives performance.