Intentionality Starts From the Heart with Michael Pisciotta

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

Michael Pisciotta serves as the Director of Agronomy for the southern US at Timac Agro USA. In 6 years with Timac Agro his responsibilities have grown as he is involved in his current capacity with product management, marketing, research, development and regulatory aspects for this dynamic specialty fertilizer manufacturer. As a Certified Crop Advisor and a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist, Michael is a leading voice in his geography on specialty fertilizer products, fertilizer regulation/laws, and biological product positioning for grower success. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society and as a member of The Fertilizer Institute’s Biostimulant Council. He is also an advocate for responsible nutrient and soil amendment use in the southeastern United States, and he has formed his own consulting firm to help guide responsible farm use of by-products originating from various food processing operations. Michael has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.

In this engaging episode of the intentional agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell converses with Michael Pisciotta, exploring the deep connections between intentionality, leadership, and the importance of relationship-building in the agribusiness industry. Michael draws from personal and professional experiences to share how leaders can cultivate a more engaged and committed workforce, through clarity and delegation.

From discussing the importance of heart in leadership to retention seen as recruitment, the conversation takes a turn through the impact of intentionality in daily operations and long-term goals. Michael and Mark dive into the complexity of leadership, the need for vulnerability in the workplace, and how to achieve personal fulfillment through creativity and aligning priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional leadership starts from the heart: Michael emphasizes that true intentionality stems from the heart, suggesting that a leader's authentic connection to their work and their people is fundamental for organizational growth and personal satisfaction.
• Clarity is key for effective delegation: The episode underscores the importance of clarity in communication, illustrating that clear instructions and expectations can empower team members and improve overall results.
• The importance of vulnerability in a professional setting: Michael recognizes vulnerability as a valuable trait for leaders, crucial for building trust and encouraging open dialogue within a team.
• Creativity as an energizer: For Michael, seeking creativity is vital to maintaining energy and staying inspired, both personally and professionally.
• Balancing family and work life: The conversation acknowledges the ongoing challenge to carve out quality time for family amidst demanding work schedules and how strategic planning can improve personal lives.

Notable Quotes:

• "Retention is recruitment, and for me, retaining and getting buy-in continuously from the folks around me is the most important thing I can do to make them feel engaged."
• "Power is being able to let power go. That’s going to help [team members] build what they can be."
• "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."

Resources:

• Michael Pisciotta mentions the principles from the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, highlighting its impact on his approach towards building relationships.
• "Buy-In: How to Keep Your Good Ideas from Getting Shot Down" by John Kotter is recommended as a resource for handling negativity and ensuring the success of good ideas.

Join us for the full episode to explore the intricacies of intentional leadership in agribusiness. Michael Pisciotta shares a trove of wisdom on how to engage with and empower your team effectively. Don't miss out on the valuable insights in this enriching conversation and follow us for more inspiring leadership discussions.