Beth Ford, President and CEO, Land O' Lakes | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Beth Ford, CEO of Land O'Lakes, shares her inspiring journey and discusses the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture industry.

Key Insights

• 💦 Beth Ford's journey from a working-class background to becoming the CEO of Land O'Lakes showcases the power of hard work, ambition, and authenticity.
• 😋 The agriculture industry is facing significant challenges, including the need to increase food production sustainably and address issues such as rural broadband access.
• 🪛 Beth Ford emphasizes the importance of innovation, technology, and incentive structures to drive the necessary transformation in the industry.
• 🤗 Ford's leadership principles include prioritizing the well-being of her team, fostering open communication, and embracing calmness in challenging times.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did Beth Ford's upbringing shape her career and values?

Beth Ford's working-class background and the influence of her parents, especially her resilient mother, taught her the value of hard work, the importance of education, and the need to connect with the human condition.

Q: How did Beth Ford become the CEO of Land O'Lakes?

Ford's journey towards becoming the CEO of Land O'Lakes involved working in various industries and holding multiple roles within the company, demonstrating her expertise and commitment. She also expressed her ambition and aspirations to her superiors, which ultimately led to her appointment as CEO.

Q: How does Beth Ford view the future of the agriculture industry?

Beth Ford recognizes the need for the agriculture industry to evolve and meet the increasing demands for food with higher sustainability requirements. She believes that technology and innovation will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and emphasizes the importance of incentivizing and supporting farmers through the transition.

Q: How does Beth Ford approach leadership during tough times, such as the current pandemic?

Beth Ford believes that calmness is contagious and prioritizes the well-being of her team. She engages in active listening, holds listening sessions, and focuses on transparency and support. She also emphasizes the importance of protecting the enterprise and fostering a sense of community.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Beth Ford, the CEO of Land O'Lakes, has had a diverse career spanning six industries and seven companies, and she is now a passionate advocate for farmers and rural communities.

• Growing up in a working-class family in Iowa, Ford learned the value of hard work and the importance of education from her parents, especially her resilient mother.

• Ford's early career included working in the oil and gas industry and in publishing, where she realized the importance of meaningful work and connecting with the human condition.

• As the CEO of Land O'Lakes, Ford emphasizes the need for rural broadband access, addressing sustainability challenges in the industry, and supporting marginalized communities.