Episodes

  • Innovation: Easier Said than Done w. Jim Weber

    Innovation: Easier Said than Done w. Jim Weber
    Feb 5 2026
    In the first episode of the mini-series entitled “Innovation: Is It More Than a Feeling?” host Justin McMenamy and Jim Weber explore the concept of innovation. The episode delves into defining the necessary components of innovation, contrasting it with being merely clever or even foolish. Jim shares his career experiences as an innovator within a Dow 30 organization and discusses his personal take on innovation, including the idea that there are various levels of innovation. The discussion also touches on the reality that innovation can be seen beyond technology and product development. Justin provides examples from the tech industry, and offers insights from his experience at Precision Planting, particularly on the company's innovative distribution model. The conversation concludes with reflections on how innovation is perceived and executed in different contexts, including manufacturing, marketing, and sales.
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    48 mins
  • Why Teams Rebel & Talent Resigns w. Caleb Schleder

    Why Teams Rebel & Talent Resigns w. Caleb Schleder
    Jan 22 2026
    This episode features host Justin McMenamy and guest Caleb Schleder discussing the Situational Leadership model. They delve into the four leadership styles (L1 through L4) and their applications based on employee competence and confidence. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adapting to these styles to enhance team performance.

    They also explore challenges like managing 'comfortable L1s,' handling team dynamics with varying competence levels, and maintaining effective leadership during organizational changes. The episode concludes with a unique twist, examining how Situational Leadership principles can apply to parenting, ultimately comcluding that the aim of both the leader and the parent is to foster autonomy and strong relationships which foster personal growth and maturation.
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    45 mins
  • Situational Leadership w. Caleb Schleder

    Situational Leadership w. Caleb Schleder
    Jan 8 2026
    In this episode, host Justin McMenemy is joined by Caleb Schleder to discuss the framework of Situational Leadership. They delve into the importance of tailoring leadership styles to specific situations and the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all approach. Justin emphasizes the significance of avoiding the 'because I said so' attitude and introduces Situational Leadership as his go-to advice for new leaders. Caleb shares personal experiences with different leadership styles and highlights the value of empowering employees while avoiding micromanagement.

    The discussion covers various leadership stages, from Directing (S1) to Delegating (S4), explaining the importance of adjusting strategies based on an employee’s competence and confidence. They also touch on the challenges faced by leaders of leaders and the necessity of maintaining good relationships with employees through these transitions.

    The episode concludes with preparation for a follow-up episode to continue the discussion, in which Justin and Caleb will spend time discussing edge cases and real-world examples of utilizing the Situational Leadership framework.
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    52 mins
  • 'The Spinach King' w. John Seabrook

    'The Spinach King' w. John Seabrook
    Dec 25 2025
    In this episode, host Justin McMenamy interviews John Seabrook, an author and journalist, about his recent book 'The Spinach King.' The discussion centers on the dual legacies of John’s grandfather, Charles F. Seabrook, a pioneering yet controversial figure in agriculture. Known for his innovative work in industrializing vegetable farming and his collaboration with Clarence Birdseye, Charles is described as both a visionary and a ruthless leader.

    The interview delves into the complex family dynamics, including the strained and ultimately destructive relationship between Charles and his sons, particularly John’s father. John shares insights into the personal and professional challenges his family faced, and how writing the book offered him therapeutic closure. The episode also touches on the broader impact of Seabrook Farms on its employees, including Japanese Americans employed after World War II. John reflects on the mixed legacy and the lasting emotional impacts of his family's business saga.
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    53 mins
  • 'The Challenger Sale' w. Bryce Baker

    'The Challenger Sale' w. Bryce Baker
    Dec 11 2025
    In this episode host Justin McMenamy and guest Bryce Baker discuss the evolution of sales strategies, homing in on the Challenger Sale method. With nearly 15 years of experience in sales at Precision Planting, Bryce shares the transition from Solutions-based selling to the more effective Challenger approach. They outline how this method disrupts traditional practices by emphasizing commercial teaching, tailoring, and taking control of conversations. The discussion includes real-world examples, customer loyalty insights, and the role of cross-departmental integration in effective sales strategies. The episode concludes by highlighting the lasting impact of providing value beyond the product and fostering strong customer experience.
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    51 mins
  • Balancing Life's Highs and Lows w. Jeff Snowden

    Balancing Life's Highs and Lows w. Jeff Snowden
    Nov 27 2025
    In this episode Justin and guest Jeff Snowden discuss a variety of topics ranging from leadership lessons, marketing strategies, and personal struggles, both personal and professional. They delve into Jeff’s background, his career transitions from photography to marketing, and his foundational marketing philosophies. Jeff emphasizes the importance of making differentiated and believable promises to build trust in marketing.

    They also discuss the inherent challenges of managing corporate roles and maintaining personal integrity and family priorities. Jeff shares his experience of having a nervous breakdown in 2021, discussing the pressures of the pandemic and career turmoil, and offers advice on mental health management. Throughout, Jeff provides earnest insights into maintaining balance, the importance of supportive relationships, and finding fulfillment in both professional and personal life.
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    59 mins
  • Product Development as a Recipe w. Jason Stoller

    Product Development as a Recipe w. Jason Stoller
    Nov 13 2025
    In this episode, Justin McMenamy converses with Jason Stoller about their joint experiences at Precision Planting. The discussion focuses on the distinguishing factors between large corporations and smaller startups in terms of product development processes vs. recipes. They delve into the importance of proximity to customers, iterative development, and the freedom to take risks and even fail with the product development environment. By highlighting the benefits of rapid iteration, intrinsic motivation of engineers, and the elimination of bureaucratic handoffs, they underscore the vital role of agility and ownership in successful product development.
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    54 mins
  • Skunk Works VII: The Bleeping Navy

    Skunk Works VII: The Bleeping Navy
    Oct 30 2025
    In this episode, Justin McMenamy concludes his examination of Kelly Johnson's 14 Rules of Management with a focus on Johnson's unwritten 15th rule. He explains the intricacies of creating and maintaining a 'Skunk Works' organization within a larger corporate entity, noting the challenges that come with resource and business model acquisitions. He highlights the importance of aligning with like-minded customers and suppliers and shares anecdotes from his time at Precision Planting, emphasizing an approach that prioritized autonomy and direct customer engagement. Justin's insights reveal the delicate balance required to sustain innovation while navigating corporate bureaucracy.
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    38 mins