Brandi Miller: Understanding What Your People Need

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Brandi Miller, President & CEO of the Kansas Co-op Council and Co-founder of Tritica Biosciences. Brandi shares her insights on intentional leadership, her passion for supporting co-ops and innovation in agriculture, and the journey of stepping into her family business. This episode is packed with actionable advice on prioritizing relationships, navigating legislative challenges, and building capacity for success in agri-business.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional Leadership Defined:
• For Brandi, being intentional means leaning in, putting away distractions, asking thoughtful questions, and focusing on purposeful action rather than just staying busy.
• The Kansas Co-op Council’s Mission:
• Brandi outlines the Council’s three key roles:
• Advocacy: Protecting cooperative interests and navigating legislative challenges like urban migration and water issues.
• Education: Focusing on capacity building for directors while offering high-level employee training.
• Public Relations: Highlighting the critical role of co-ops in Kansas agriculture.
• Leadership in Action:
• Brandi highlights the importance of understanding what employees truly need from their roles, whether it’s flexibility, benefits, or professional growth opportunities.
• The shift from property tax concerns to labor shortages post-COVID has driven innovative solutions for talent retention in agriculture.
• Innovation at Tritica Biosciences:
• Brandi and her husband are working to revolutionize grain milling through a patented process that opens new doors for wheat usage, especially in cell-free protein synthesis. Their journey into business ownership together underscores the value of complementing each other’s strengths.
• Overcoming Challenges:
• Brandi candidly shares her ongoing battle with public speaking, a hurdle she has faced through consistent practice and seeking opportunities to improve.
• Learning piano as an adult serves as an inspiring personal example of embracing discomfort to grow.

Notable Quotes:

• “Intentionality is about doing things with purpose, not just doing them because you’ve always done them.” – Brandi Miller
• “Organizations that thrive understand what their employees truly need, whether it’s flexibility, time off, or competitive benefits.” – Brandi Miller
• “Sometimes the greatest lessons come in the rearview mirror, from leaders you didn’t fully appreciate in the moment.” – Brandi Miller
• “We shouldn’t measure our worth by how busy we are. Being efficient and effective is where the real value lies.” – Brandi Miller

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