Building a Team with Authenticity & Visionary Thinking with Troy Ralston

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

Troy Ralston has dedicated his life to Agriculture, with extensive experience on farms and in warehouse/seed-cleaning plants. His journey, characterized by continuous learning through hard work and setbacks, has shaped his current position. Despite lacking formal education, Troy possesses a strong work ethic, a fervent desire to learn, and unwavering faith. His aspiration is to elevate Bailey Seed & Grain as a preferred supplier, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and product quality. Troy aims for his company to be the go-to choice for growers, fostering relationships built on fairness and transparency.

In this engaging episode of the Intentional Leader Podcast, host Mark delves into the pivotal world of agribusiness leadership with his guest, Troy. From discussing the nuances of intentional leadership to delving into the cultural ethos that steers an influential agribusiness company, this episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into the mechanisms of a thriving industry.

Initially, Troy lays out the framework of what it means to be an intentional leader, emphasizing the need for deliberate goal setting and forward-thinking strategies. The conversation then shifts towards the importance of nurturing a team-centric environment, retention strategies and the concept of the BSG family, where employees are valued and treated as an integral part of the organization's success. With both feet firmly grounded in authenticity and visionary thinking, Troy shares his own personal hurdles and victories, from the profound impact of his father's passing to the triumphant acquisition of a long-sought-after company.

Key Takeaways:

• Being Intentional: Leadership requires deliberate actions and decision-making to meet the company's goals, such as Troy's proactive approach to seed storage for year-round availability.
• Creating Culture: Building a strong company culture involves listening to team members and integrating their needs into the company's growth and development.
• Importance of Vulnerability: Vulnerability and honesty in leadership are essential for creating a trusting work environment and for personal growth.
• Personal Development: While reading may not be Troy's preferred method due to dyslexia, he utilizes podcasts and audio resources for continuous learning and improvement.
• Future Focus: Maintaining personal health, finding motivation in new projects, and setting ambitious goals are keys to keeping energy high and productivity consistent.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're only as good as our weakest cog. And I want the weakest cog to always be me."
• "If you call Bailey seed, it's always available, right. If you call me in June, I'll have it. You call me in July, I have it."
• "I want you to tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear."
• "If you can't be honest with yourself, then you can't be honest with anybody."
• "When you pick the people you hang out with on a day-to-day basis, you're picking your future."

Embark on a journey of leadership lessons and intentional living by tuning into the full episode with Troy on the Intentional Leader Podcast. Subscribe and stay updated with enriching content designed to elevate your leadership game in the agribusiness arena and beyond.