Running Intentional Conferences with Steve Olson

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

Steve Olson brings a wealth of experience from the agricultural sector, particularly within the realm of association work. A testament to his growing expertise, Steve has previously served as the executive director for the Minnesota Turkey Growers, Chicken and Egg Association, Midwest Poultry Federation, and several other poultry organizations. Currently, he steers his consultancy business, guiding agricultural leaders and associations on strategies for future preparedness. A Minnesotan through and through, Steve also has deep roots in the FFA community, further embellishing his strong foundation in agri-business.

Episode Summary:

In this dynamic episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark engages in a stimulating conversation with Steve Olson, a seasoned professional with an extensive background in agri-business and association management. The discussion delves into the nuances of intentional leadership within agricultural associations and the evolving landscape of agri-business. With both Mark and Steve hailing from Minnesota and sharing a common heritage in FFA and the University of Minnesota, the dialogue unravels layers of experience and insights, particularly around the turkey sector and other poultry industries.

The conversation orbits around cultivating intentionality in leadership, both personally and in serving organizational members. Steve shares anecdotes of his strategic work, delivering a blend of seasoned expertise with a passion for improving agricultural operations. They touch on the essence of problem-solving within member organizations and associations, shining a light on issues ranging from legislative advocacy to proactive management in times of crisis. Their discussion further explores the transformation of conferences to foster engagement and learning among attendees, emphasizing the shift from passive listening to interactive dialogues.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentionality in work and life balance is pivotal for facing the evolving challenges and seizing opportunities in agri-business.
• Building relationships and fostering credibility is essential for effective legislative advocacy in agricultural associations.
• Conferences require innovative approaches that engage attendees and encourage interaction, rather than a sequence of passive lectures.
• Understanding stakeholder needs and retaining the trust of consumers are crucial for the success of associations and member organizations.
• Embracing the talents and unique abilities of team members leads to more effective and satisfying work dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• "Intention means hitting pause. Saying that typically Sunday afternoon or Sunday morning, I've get some quiet time. I'll say, 'Alright, what's ahead this next week?'" - Steve Olson
• "Having the right people on the team... means having leaders... that have the ability to look down the road and say, what's coming out is what do we need to do as an association or as an organization to serve the needs of our members." - Steve Olson
• "If you identify what those things are, that helps one for me or two for me, that again, personally and professionally..." - Steve Olson
• "We build [the conference agenda] out that that agenda is going to be more robust and better experience for those that are attending." - Steve Olson
• "Part of a job of an association is to help consumers understand and what it does take to produce food, whatever type of food that is, whether it's corn, soybeans, poultry, beef, whatever." - Steve Olson

Books Mentioned:

“Reach” by John Rotche

“The Belief Zone” by Ursula Mentjes (Minnesota native – Quantum Revenue)

“Beyond Grit” by Cindra Kamphoff, PhD (Minnesotan – high performance athletes)