Graig Whitehead: The Power of Being Present

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell welcomes Graig Whitehead, Director of Biologicals and New Tech at ADM Fertilizer. Graig shares invaluable insights on intentional leadership, building meaningful connections, and simplifying complex challenges in the agri-business space. From his boots-on-the-ground approach to developing team rapport during COVID to practical strategies for bridging the gap between the office and the field, this conversation is a must-listen for leaders aiming to deepen relationships and drive results.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional Leadership Defined:
• For Graig, intentional leadership is about simplifying complexity and prioritizing face-to-face, one-on-one conversations to truly understand people.
• COVID’s Lessons on Connection:
• Transitioning to a new leadership role at ADM Fertilizer during COVID highlighted the importance of making extra efforts to connect with team members, such as follow-up calls to dig deeper into their experiences and build trust.
• The Value of Being Present:
• "Be present in conversations—whether with team members, managers, or family. Genuine attention fosters trust and builds stronger connections."
• Graig’s three-week road trip to visit 17 ADM terminals exemplifies his belief in the power of face-to-face interaction to drive collaboration.
• Leadership in Action:
• Graig recounts a unique management strategy to resolve conflict between high performers by forcing collaboration—a testament to his adaptive and people-focused leadership style.
• Simplifying Challenges:
• Graig emphasizes the importance of breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable tasks, focusing on priorities, and addressing issues before they escalate.
• Communication as a Superpower:
• Regular, unscheduled check-ins foster stronger relationships and prevent employees from associating communication with criticism.
• Building relationships before you need them ensures a solid foundation for tackling future challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• “We often overcomplicate things in leadership. Intentionality is about knowing your people, spending time with them, and speaking directly.” – Graig Whitehead
• “If everyone in the room is thinking the same thing, there’s really only one person thinking.” – Graig Whitehead
• “The first solution to any problem is the cheapest. The longer it waits, the more expensive it gets.” – Graig Whitehead

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Stay Intentional. Lead with Impact.