“Because it’s worth it.”

A very unusual year is in our rearview… 

With all the craziness going on right after Thanksgiving, after a contentious election, with COVID flaring up and the busyness just before the holidays, why would Class XI come together from all over the state for Straughn Seminar IV?  

“Because it’s worth it.”  

During our time in Apopka, Groveland and Umatilla, we saw some great operations and met some truly inspiring visionaries. We traveled to LiveTrends, which is a mix of a greenhouse and a fashion design company that is committed to delivering joy through art and nature; Agri-Starts, a supplier of plant tissue culture starter plants; Cherrylake, an integrated landscape company with purpose; and Wild Goose Farms, a blueberry and citrus growing operation with a packaging plant, nursery and beef cattle operation. 

Visionaries make it happen and the owners of these operations are clearly visionaries. These individuals were not satisfied with mediocracy but were constantly striving to be better, do more, have a better product, make a new product, find a better way, and improve. Visionaries have a positive attitude and surround themselves with top-tier talent (it’s not the how, it’s the who). As Sara Sebring stated in our “Reflection” at the end of the seminar, “visionaries compete against themselves.” 

Vision weaves passion, motivation, direction and purpose into our daily lives. A vision is not just what could be done but what should be done. A vision should be clearly, concisely, and consistently communicated. To help clarify and develop our vision, we were asked “what do I need to do to set a vision and inspire others to work towards that vision?”  

How can we become visionaries? In our personal and professional lives, in our industries, our faith, our communities, and even our state or our country. 

Additional highlights of our seminar included an overview of UF/IFAS’ research with kratom, ginger and hemp, along with hearing about the long-term economic vision for Orlando and the Central Florida area. We also learned from Class VII’s Lisa Lochridge the value of communicating effectively during a crisis and strategies for working with the media. 

Wishing you a blessed New Year full of health, wealth, prosperity and happiness.