“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.
Meet the AAWLI President!
I would like to start by saying, “Thank you” for allowing me to serve as your Alumni Association President for the next two years. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Matt Webb, and I am President of Genesis Timber in Madison, FL. I am a proud member of Class VII (THE BEST CLASS).
I would have never dreamed we would be holding an Alumni zoom meeting! I would like to give a shout out to Class XI for their strong participation in that recent meeting. You have set the bar high for future classes! For those of you that have been directly affected by the pandemic, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. Please let us know if there is anything the alumni association can do to help. We are here for you. One of the greatest benefits of graduating from the Wedgworth program is, if you call any alumni, they will stop what they are doing to help.
The main focus of my presidency will be to help Christy with her mentorship program. I feel we have an amazing group of contacts for future classes. I want to make sure we do more than just nominate people for Wedgworth. We need to invest in these upcoming class members. It is one thing to talk about the program; it is another matter to actually feel you are a part of Wedgworth and to learn from previous class members.
I would also like to implement more strategic continuing education at our regional gatherings. We all face challenges, and I will do my best to address the issues by region.
Over the term of my presidency, I believe we will get back to meeting in person. In the meantime, I encourage each alumni member to reach out to people in your classes that have not been involved. We are all busy, but there was an investment made on behalf of each of us, and I feel it is our duty to make sure there is a substantial return on those investments. Wedgworth alumni is the future of Agriculture world-wide, and I believe it will be the sounding board for any issues that arise in that arena.
I pray 2020-2022 are the best years yet for each of your families and your businesses.
GOD BLESS and GO GATORS!
Matthew G. Webb
Read MoreInnovation
Innovation. A word that most likely brings to mind the latest iPhone or tablet. Long before the invention of the wheel, people have been steadily refining how we do things. But at the Wedgworth Leadership Institute’s most recent seminar in Cedar Key and Trenton, we were able to see a few examples of how far agriculture has grown. We all know that dairy farmers milk cows, grove workers mow and fertilize, cowboys ride horses, and farmers grow crops in pretty rows. However, it’s the details that have been innovated over the years. For example, those row crops now have plastic and drip irrigation so that farmers are using less water. There is an amazing amount of innovation being made throughout our country to help our growers be some of the best in the world.
Agriculturalists and conservationists in the sunshine state have found many ways to make the best use of the resources we have. This statement can be seen in full effect in the beautiful town of Cedar Key, where a majority of our seminar was held. This small gulf community has made big waves. It is home to some of the most productive clam farms in our state. When net bans went into effect, the commercial fishermen of Cedar Key were forced to adapt. Aquaculture was born. Boats that were once used to pull up nets full of fish were transformed to manage the clam farm leases. But this was not the only change made in the area. The need for clean water became a key component to the survival of these farms.
Whether you chomp or tomahawk, there is no denying that the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an enormous benefit to our state. This is no different in Cedar Key. The research done on keeping the water clean inspired a huge innovation to the island’s human waste management system. As with most of the state, septic tanks were a part of every household. But even trace amounts of undesirable material can upset the fragile ecosystem. A community effort led to doing away with all septic tanks and building a waste management facility; an accomplishment that the natives are very proud of. That’s not the only innovation UF/IFAS is a part of.
Coastal erosion is a natural part of how our world works. As waves crash on the shoreline, that shore changes over time. However, this does create a problem for those who enjoy their beach front houses. Seawalls seem to be the quick fix, but they too have their issues and are most certainly not natural. This leads to another opportunity for innovation. UF/IFAS has outdone themselves again by recreating the natural marsh/beach shoreline that is naturally found in the area but with one small change; these beaches are engineered in a way that the shape of them holds together better as the waves abuse continues. This project is still fairly new, so I encourage you to take interest in the work being done there.
Merriam-Webster defines innovation as “a new idea, method, or device”. As I reflect on my time in the third seminar, as well as these past few months of COVID-19 living, I see this word to have more weight than ever. Our world is changing rapidly. The Marine Corps has a saying “adapt and overcome”. With each speaker I felt challenged; challenged to be creative, to adapt, and to innovate. I offer that same challenge to you. In whatever your daily life consists of, whether it be professional or personal, be creative, adapt, and innovate.
Finding Common Ground
“It’s good to find common ground with people. When you find common ground and you see things from other people’s perspective, you can have a voice in their lives, you can have an influence.”
-Victoria Osteen
I truly believe that now more than ever in our country we can all agree that there is a divide between people like never before. To notice this divide you only need to spend five minutes watching the news or a few scrolls on social media and it can easily be found. From this Wedgworth seminar, one of the most repeated statements I heard was to “find your common ground.”
The need to find common ground before the conversation even begins is one of the most important things that we can do to be a better advocate for our industries and livelihoods. Finding something in common with the “opponent” is the best way to be able to have an open conversation about each other’s differing viewpoints while still actually listening to them.
The perfect example that I took away for finding the common ground was between Ms. Sue Colson, Cedar Key Vice Mayor and the Mayor of Cedar Key, Heath Davis. Mayor Davis said that he and Ms. Colson disagree on just about everything that you can imagine but they both have the same common ground of their love for their community and for Cedar Key. It allows them to overcome their difference and get their job done for their community. Without finding common ground their differences in opinions could easily tear their community apart and nothing would be able to be accomplished.
Common ground in their community has allowed Cedar Key to be completely septic free to ensure the safety of the water quality. This action was actually taken over 20 years ago because many knew the importance that clean water was going to have for the survival of the clamming industry that is so vital for Cedar Key. At the time, even 20 years ago there was great differing of opinions but they knew for the survival of their clamming industry they needed to take steps to protect it and the protection of the clamming industry was the common ground.
Dr. Michael Lauzardo, the Director of UF Health’s Screen, Test, and Protect initiative in the Division of Infection Diseases and Global Medicine spoke about the impacts that COVID-19 has had on the University of Florida Campus and the decisions that he has had to make as a leader while in his position. He explained that he has been making tough decisions that sometimes have not been very popular. Many of those in disagreement let him know that they were extremely unhappy with his decisions. He went on to explain that he could have just easily deleted those emails and phone calls from irate parents and students and let it smolder. But instead he had to see it from their perspective: sending an 18-year-old off to a University for the first time during a health pandemic. This was the way that he found his common ground to get across the line. Taking a pause to put himself in their shoes and understand where and why they have a differing opinion. To respond to those concerned parents and students and explain why he made the decisions that he did.
He explained that it was important to him to find the common ground to be able to have the conversation. The differing of sides along with the fact that “fear and anxiety don’t like reasoning” was important for him to try and understand. He explained it best by stating that people can get all the information they want but it is the knowledge and wisdom to interpret that information. Finding the common ground to help someone gain the wisdom and interpret the information to understand it and to use it is the only way that the influence can happen.
I believe that in order for us to become better advocates for ourselves, families, business, and the industries we represent now it is more important than ever to find that common ground. Whether it be with the neighbor across the street with an opposing political sign or the activist who shows up to every community meeting speaking out against agriculture. Finding the common ground that we have with our opponent is the only way we will hopefully be successful in having a positive impact in their lives and educating them about the importance of our industry. Through the common ground we can hopefully have a positive influence.
Hardiness
We are in a time of turmoil and of hardships. A period in this country where the very act of going out has become a stress-inducing activity. In a time where at any moment you could be out of a job or out of a basic necessity such as food. In a time like this we all need to take the time and sharpen our axe. This phrase was used during our seminar to describe taking time out of our days to sharpen our skills and reflect on the things we have learned to have a sharper and clearer mind, focused on what needs to be done. The idea of sharpening leant itself to the idea of hardiness. Hardiness in relation to leadership can be described as way to facilitate resilience and creativity under stress. What better attitude to focus on during one of the most stressful times in recent history? During our Wedgworth Leadership Institute’s seminar III, Dr. Elio Chiarelli gave us a very insightful look into hardiness and how this attitude can truly make a difference in our business, communities, and personal life. As he discussed the idea of hardiness, I could not help but see the connection to the community of Cedar Key and how they have taken up the attitude of hardiness to innovate and change their way of life during a time of stress and challenge.
Cedar Key residents had a history of net fishing to provide for their families. Overnight the ban on using nets eradicated the number one job creator the small coastal community had. However, despite the challenges and stress of the loss of their main economic driving force, they were able to rise up and innovate. With the help of Ms. Leslie Sturmer, the residents were able to see the opportunities through defeat and innovate a new industry for the community. The new industry they created for their community was a venture in aquaculture raising clams. Although it took many years, farm raised clams are now a huge economic driving force for the small coastal community. Many of the former net fisherman switched over to the foreign-yet-similar job of raising clams. It allowed them to continue utilizing the ocean they loved, while still being able to provide for their families. This switch also allowed many other opportunities to appear in the area such as local seamstresses making the clam mesh bags they use to raise the clams in. They showed that through stress and challenges, innovation can take root and something great can grow out of it.
While learning about the adversity and stress the fishermen of Cedar Key overcame, I couldn’t help but understand consider the hardiness that was demonstrated in order to survive. In our own industry we can take these lessons and apply them. How many times does adversity or stress make its way into agriculture? I personally can’t think of a single season where something didn’t go wrong or stress didn’t mount an unrelenting attack. Agriculture will always be a stressful industry with both; weather you can’t control and outside pressures constantly working against you. In an industry such as ours we must adopt this attitude of hardiness to ensure the success of our own business and communities. We must turn stress to our advantage and seek the opportunities that arise in these circumstances. Dr. Chiarelli mentioned that truly left an impression on me: we must have the attitude that we have control even when we do not. The belief that our effort will positively influence the outcome even if it can’t. This idea truly emphasizes that a positive mental attitude can help you see your way through even the darkest of times. As we all take time to sharpen our axes we should apply hardiness as a whetstone that will make them hack just a little better through even the thickest of tree trunks.
Revisiting Your Why
When the world is chaotic, leadership becomes even more challenging. As we lead throughout these difficult times, we may find ourselves growing weary and becoming unsure of how we will continue on. When these doubts cloud our thoughts, we can center ourselves by remembering why we chose to lead in the first place. It is important to find time to reflect and remember our WHY, because when we are driven by a purpose our capacity for leadership is multiplied.
Simon Sinek is the leadership expert and bestselling author behind our theme of “Revisiting Your WHY” this month. Sinek is best known for popularizing the concept of WHY, which he described in his viral 2009 TED Talk. Sinek has spent years studying the people and organizations that make the greatest and longest lasting impact in the world. He has devoted his life to sharing his thinking in order to help leaders and organizations inspire action.
This month, we are sharing TED talks, podcasts, and articles revolving around Simon Sinek’s concept of WHY. While exploring these resources you will be encouraged to consider what drives you, what gets you out of bed each morning, and why you have decided to lead. This is our personal WHY. We hope that these resources aid in the process of revisiting your WHY and remind you why you choose to lead.
If you prefer to read:
Forbes Article: Why Purpose-Driven Businesses Are Faring Better In Covid-19
(5 minute read) This Forbes article discusses four ways purpose-driven companies are out performing their competitors amidst Covid-19. Read Now
Harvard Business Review Article: From Purpose to Impact
(15 minute read) This Harvard Business Review article presents a step-by-step framework that leaders can use to identify their purpose and develop an impact plan to achieve concrete results.
https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact
If you prefer to listen:
TED Talk: Start With Why
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Action” is the third most-viewed TED video of all time. In this 20 minute video, Simon Sinek summarizes “The Golden Circle,” a framework which describes how great leaders and organizations distinguish themselves and inspire those around them.
Podcast: Coaching for Leaders Podcast featuring Simon Sinek
In this 40 minute episode of the Coaching for Leaders podcast, Simon Sinek discusses how purpose-driven leadership positively shapes organizations.
Podcast: Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why
In this 30 minute episode of the Learning Leaders Show podcast, Simon Sinek discusses why we should lead and the necessity of courage in leadership.
Read More
How can we do it all?
We’re already a couple months in to 2020 – how many of us have given up on our New Year resolutions? Most people bail on their ambitious goals for the year by the middle of February. Life happens, right? We probably already have a lot on our plate and trying to squeeze another hour out of the day to go to the gym seems literally impossible. I know I could use a few more hours of daylight each day and maybe even an additional day to the weekend. Then MAYBE I can get it all done.
Productivity and time management are crucial components of success, particularly in a leadership role. It can be overwhelming to think about “all of the things you need to think about” – the company you are responsible for, the projects you’re managing, the team you are leading, and the field that needs to be planted. Then there’s family time – dentist appointments, baseball games, dance lessons, and birthday parties (although I’m pretty good at making time for cake, though). Don’t forget the awesome two-year leadership development program we’re part of! Is work-life balance even possible?
This past seminar, we reflected a lot on resiliency and met a lot of productive people. I found myself thinking a lot about how these people can do it all. How are they managing the process of overcoming challenges and moving forward? How are they managing rapid growth? How are they managing complexities of policy and politics? How are they managing all of this with their personal lives, hobbies, and families?
Over the past couple of years, I’ve tried to find my own work-life balance (and by balance, I really mean try to find time to do it all). There’s no “one system” that you can pay a monthly subscription for that works for everyone. There are, however, an insane number of books discussing productivity and time management techniques. Here’s the kicker though: “reading more” is one of those resolutions that usually gets abandoned early on.
Below are some of the most helpful pieces of information I’ve found in my quest for 24+ hour days and 7+ day weeks. From books and blogs, I’ve developed my own system of productivity. Like most other things, it’s been a lot of trial and error. It’s still not perfect, but it gives me a chance to dream, think, and do. Here are some of the guiding principles that help me get it all done.
- Take advantage of procrastination. Wait, what? Yeah – that’s what I said too. I am a huge procrastinator. It’s natural to procrastinate – the mind is expressing a desire for curiosity and novelty. Instead of fighting it, learn to use it. Acknowledging and validating the urge to procrastinate actually trains your brain to see it as something neutral rather than a threat. This helps with your confidence to get it all done.
- Little habits lead to big impacts. I’m also one to dream up some pretty big goals, which usually require big changes. Big changes all at one time can be overwhelming. Break the changes up into smaller, bite-sized habits. Not only are the smaller changes in routine more palatable, they can also be more sustainable.
- Implement the 4:55 rule. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to think through the next day. If you’re a list maker, this is your chance to prioritize what has to be done and jot it down in your planner on tomorrow’s page.
- Find a method of organizing your projects, to-do lists, etc. This could be a fancy planner, little black notebook, or the calendar app on your phone. I would encourage you to try a couple of different options. I’ve noticed that as my workload changes, my preference to organize my lists and notes changes too. Right now, I’m using an app called Things.
- Give meditation a try. This is a new one for me and I’ve still got a lot to learn. However, making this a small habit everyday helps me to think clearer. It’s a good workout for the brain. I use an app called Headspace to guide me through this process every day.
While there’s no secret recipe for superhero-levels of productivity, there is definitely a major ingredient found in all systems and strategies: the word “no.” It’s just a really hard word to say. Saying “yes” to our coworkers, friends, and family is a lot easier. Because it’s a lot easier to say, we say it a lot more. Then our lists are out of control and whatever system we’ve invested in to help with our productivity or time management becomes overwhelming or inadequate. Saying “no” to one thing is actually saying “yes” to a lot of other things, including the items already on your to-do list, projects you’ve already committed to, and the things you are most passionate about.
Don’t give up on your resolutions just yet. Make the most out of each day.
It All Runs Down (Capitol) Hill
Growing up, what was your greatest responsibility?
- Taking out the trash?
- Washing dishes?
- Feeding the family dog?
Presumably, it is safe to say the responsibilities were minimal. And, if you did not get around to it, someone else most likely would. Majority of folks had a solid safety net – when things got out of hand, our parents and/or adult figures were always there to help clean up the messes.
But, in our modern lives, who cleans up the messes?
With a presidential election approaching, we hear candidates going to great length to discuss the many things they can do for our country – the ways they can make our lives better through governmental power.
After spending time in Tallahassee during Seminar II, we heard very similar messages at the state level. Capitol Hill is filled with platforms, policies (and politics!) that help to shape Florida’s socio-economic and geo-political landscape.
But national and state figures are not the catch-all when it comes to resolution. Seminar II’s community and local commerce visits, which followed our Tallahassee tour, made something abundantly clear – the responsibility still runs down (capitol) hill.
Here are just some of the “messes” we encountered:
- a deflated economy in the town of Quincy
- a town’s tourism industry decimated by oil spill scare and hurricanes in Apalachicola
- an oyster industry essentially razed after overharvest following the BP oil spill
- the unincorporated town of Panacea taking a staggering blow by Hurricane Michael
- domestic and substance-related issues in the Wakulla County court system
Does it sound bleak? It very well could have been.
Had the “messes” been left to greater powers at be or, perhaps, just left alone to sort themselves out, this would be a morbid tale.
Instead, it is a story of empowerment and encouragement.
- In Quincy, we witnessed the economic growth and development brought to town by local nurserymen who joined forces and established Trulieve – a local cannabis operation.
- In the wake of Hurricane Michael, the Apalachicola community prepared their town for their local seafood festival. Defying the odds, it was held mere weeks after the storm and signaled the town was back open for business.
- We learned about the rebirth of an oyster industry that should be all but non-existent if not for local efforts to implement aquaculture and oyster farming practices.
- We heard heartwarming stories from business owners and citizens in Panacea about how, despite being an unincorporated town, the locals joined forces and worked to restore the community following Hurricane Michael.
- Our tours ended with a caring message from the Wakulla County Judge, who made it her personal mission to help the struggling members of her area as they found themselves in her court system.
And these are mere highlights. Each of our visits was riddled with proud community members and leaders, who shared stories and wisdom that reflected the fortitude of the “Forgotten Coast.”
It was both encouraging and inspiring.
And please allow me to clarify – this article, in no way, detracts from the roles of state and national officials. There is a true need for good, strong individuals serving in these capacities and our industry truly needs more representation at these levels. However, not all of us will find ourselves in the political arena.
But, while that may be true, each one of us has a role to play in our counties and communities.
So, spend a few moments reflecting on: your community, your business, your home.
What sort of messes do you see? Who will clean them up?
It might need to be you.
Creating Class Core Values
Creating Class Core Values – Only One Step in the Process
One of the many traditions for each class of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute is the articulation of class core values and the election of a tribunal. Class XI engaged in those activities during Seminar II in January. As all WLI alumni know, the tribunal dates back to Class I and is an important self-governing resource for the class. It’s rare the tribunal is officially used as the entire class participates in self-governing through keeping all class members, including themselves, accountable to the core values and standards of their class and of the program. In most cases, self-governing is done through one-on-one conversations providing encouragement as fellow colleagues walking down this same path of leadership and personal growth.
The class had an outstanding discussion around the idea of core values. It was outstanding not just because of the core values they settled on, but due to the engaging discussion and struggle in which they engaged. It is too easy for individuals and groups, including those with excellent leadership experience, to pass too quickly over a deep conversation about core values – What are they? Why do we need them?
The value of intentional thinking and conversation about core values is it provides a space for members of a group or team to learn more about each person’s standards. Often, we find that two or more individuals are using different words to describe what is discovered to mean much the same. Without time and intentional dialogue, that commonality might get lost and might be seen as a conflict.
The work around group core values is an instance where the process is just as important as the final product. The words that make up the core values communicates not only to this class, but to others the guiding principles of the group. The process to identify these core values hopefully gave each member of the class the opportunity to focus on this and engage in meaningful conversation.
As has been mentioned to the class on numerous occasions, the purpose of WLI is not to make the participants leaders – they already are leaders. The purpose of WLI is to build the leadership capacity for agriculture and natural resources by investing purposefully and intentionally in the personal and professional growth of these individuals. I would argue that one of the foundational aspects of this purposeful and intentional investment is discussion, and hopefully modeling, around core values and accountability.
Growing up listening to Paul Harvey on the radio I always looked forward to his segment. He was a great story teller and as interesting as the story was in the beginning, I knew as soon as I heard those famous word, “now, the rest of the story,” I was about to hear the most important parts of the story and the lesson it was to teach me. The idea of accountability is “the rest of the story,” when it comes to our conversation around core values. It is the linchpin that connects the core values to meaning, to learning, and to personal growth. Without accountability, core values are not worth the ink used to print them or the breath used to say them.
Opening oneself to another person, to say, “I will let you hold me accountable and I will hold you accountable” is not easy. However, time and time again many top-quality leaders share how they had this inner circle of friends, mentors, and/or colleagues to which they made themselves accountable. Do I think someone could be a leader without some form of self-imposed accountability? Yes. However, I would contend strongly that anyone who wants to be that “next-level” leader – that leader who transcends what they are capable of individually – having a network of persons with whom you are painfully honest and they with you, is critical.
I’ve heard people insist they don’t need any form of external, self-imposed accountability. They argue they are a “professional and will remain accountable to themselves.” Although I appreciate the independent and self-sufficient nature of this feeling, my experience tells me that thinking is flawed. This is not to discount the quality of the character of any individual. It has just been shown time and time again in multiple contexts – finances, religion, management, entrepreneurship, etc. – that having a small group of trusted individuals who you know will call you out, helps everyone reach long-term goals for business and personal growth.
This is my challenge to each member of Class XI, to each WLI alumni, and most importantly to myself– lean into accountability. Take the responsibility your classmates have honored you with to hold them accountability with great humility and grace. Carry out that responsibility understanding the magnitude of the trust each class member has place in you. Open yourself up to receive accountability with a gracious attitude and thankfulness that this person believes enough in you to invest their time and energy in your growth.
Yes, vulnerability is hard. The idea of tackling the hard thing to move forward is almost as old as time. Marcus Aureluis said it this way, “the impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Ryan Holiday summarizes it this way, “the obstacle is the way.” So, I encourage us all to use the challenge, the obstacle of accountability and vulnerability as the way to personal and professional growth. The opportunity is here, each of us just needs to take it.
Knowing Your Why
2020 – a new year, a new decade! The perfect season to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re headed. In the day-to-day rush of checking things off a to-do list and moving full steam ahead, it’s easy to lose sight of why it all matters. Our busyness keeps us focused on “what’s next”, but we must be intentional on remembering “why me, why now?” Simon Sinek does a great job sharing about Finding Your Why.
Why leave your business, your family, your responsibilities for 55 days to travel throughout Florida, the country and the world? Because we believe deeply in the future of Florida agriculture and natural resources. And we believe each of us has a responsibility to secure its future.
As part of Class XI’s responsibility to do their part, they spent time in Tallahassee and the Panhandle exploring the leadership theme of resiliency. Resiliency is a key component of individual leaders and broader industries. In Seminar II, we saw first-hand the hardiness needed to survive in both the policy arena of Tallahassee and in the rural fishing communities of The Forgotten Coast.
In her article, Why Resiliency is Necessary as a Leader , Amy Modglin outlines four key ideas related to resiliency. My favorite line in this article is “It is impossible to demonstrate resilience unless you have gone through difficult times.” If we remain focused on our “why” and understand difficult times build resilience (if we let them), then collectively we are a powerful force for agriculture and natural resources in our state.
Another exciting development for 2020 is WLI is hiring a leadership programs coordinator to assist with program development and support the Alumni Association of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute (AAWLI). We have three strong candidates interviewing in the next two weeks: Jennifer Facenda, Anne Schwartz and Rebecca Lovett. We are offering videoconferencing to the seminar part of their interviews to all current class members and alumni.
Enjoy Seminar II’s Wedgworth Wire!
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