Courtney White, Head of HR for BASF Agricultural Solutions North America and Global Inclusion Officer, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to dive into the power of inclusion and the value of Human Resources. Courtney shares how today’s most effective HR strategies go beyond hiring—they curate culture. He unpacks what it means to put people first, why timing matters just as much as talent, and how psychological safety drives retention and innovation. Plus, Courtney brings a powerful perspective on inclusion, showing that true belonging is built on mutual respect, everyday courage, and intentional leadership.

Courtney dives into:

- Inclusion is Rooted in Respect: it is a daily practice grounded in mutual respect and is upheld by everyday choices and courage

- The Value of People-centric HR: modern HR must go beyond filling roles to curating culture

- Leading with Courage and Curiosity: leaders must embrace inclusion, ask more than they tell and model respectful behavior

Whether you’re building a team or leading one, this episode offers fresh insights on growing people and purpose in tandem.

Connect with Courtney

- Connect on LinkedIn

- Follow BASF on LinkedIn

- Visit the BASF 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!

A fifth-generation meat purveyor has grown her business built on tradition by leading with innovation and grit.

Suzanne Strassburger, fifth-generation meat purveyor and president of Strassburger Meats, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast. She opens up about the reality of being a woman leader in the meat industry and evolving her family’s business. Suzanne’s leadership mindset led her back to business school at age 50, built a culture of women employees, and enabled her to thrive through decades of industry change.

Suzanne opens up about:

• Continuing a Family Legacy: five-generations deep, Suzanne juggles honoring her family’s heritage while embracing new technologies
• Leading through Industry Diversity: for many years, she was one of the few women leading in the meat industry, but now 40% of her employees are women
• Investing in Continuing Education: she is a testament that great leaders never stop learning by going back to business school, taking AI classes and offering a long list of leadership books

This episode is packed with raw stories and hard-won wisdom, packed into great stories from Suzanne’s lifetime in the business.

Connect with Suzanne

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Visit the Strassburger Steaks website - Here
• Strassburger Steaks on Instagram
• Strassburger Steaks on Facebook
• Visit the Suzy Sirloin website - Here
• Suzy Sirloin on Instagram
• Suzy Sirloin on Facebook

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!

What would be your strategy if you only had one shot to negotiate a billion-dollar trade deal?

Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, joins this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast. From his roots on a Kansas farm to the global stage of international trade, Gregg shares his career journey marked by dedication, conviction and service to U.S. agriculture. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to negotiate billion-dollar trade deals, and why technical knowledge, cultural awareness and clear communication are vital skills.

Gregg dives into:

- The Complexity of Negotiations: it requires technical, cultural, and strategic awareness

- Principles of Effective Leadership: the importance of knowing what you want before entering a room

- The Importance of Relationships: strong mentors have guided his career and prepared him for hard conversations

Gregg’s stories and advice give great insight into a career in agriculture, policy and business.

Connect with Gregg

- Connect on LinkedIn

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!