Eli Cheatham: Sustainable Farming & Practices

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

A passionate champion of creativity, equity, and sustainability, Eli Cheatham has dedicated much of her adult life to amplifying under-represented voices and cultivating organizational cultures focused on purpose and belonging. Named by Seattle Business Magazine as one of their "Daring Women," Eli has played a pivotal role in the story of International Farming (I.F.) since its founding in 2009. As chief strategic initiatives officer, Eli has the privilege of driving I.F.’s strategic projects and alliances, while overseeing operations, communications, and culture. In addition to her work with I.F., Eli is an ardent student of Vedic meditation and the founder of Matrons & Mistresses: a digital publication that shines light on the incredible women who shape the arts. She is also the mother of two adorable, free-spirited boys.Prior to turning her attention to business and the arts, Eli worked as a graduate gemologist in sales and client development for Harry Winston. Eli has a B.A. in psychology from Rollins College and a graduate gemologist degree from The Gemological Institute of America.

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell engages in an insightful conversation with Eli Cheatham, Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer at International Farming. Their discussion centers around the significance of intentionality in both personal and professional realms, highlighting how creating space and being proactive can transform leadership and business outcomes. Eli shares her experience and approach to integrating sustainable practices in farming and fostering community-centric initiatives.

Eli Cheatham elaborates on International Farming's mission, which began in 2009, emphasizing investment in agriculture, vertically integrated agribusinesses, and innovative technology. She discusses the importance of connecting people to their food sources, simplifying the food supply chain, and enhancing farmers' profits. Their efforts also extend to supporting veterans in agriculture and developing diverse workforce initiatives, underscoring the company's comprehensive approach to food security and environmental stewardship.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional Leadership: Creating time and space to be proactive rather than reactionary is crucial for effective leadership.
• Community Engagement: International Farming's partnerships focus on food security, environmental stewardship, and fostering a strong, diverse workforce within agriculture.
• Support for Farmers: Simplifying the supply chain and implementing transparent practices can significantly increase farmers' profit margins.
• Employee Connection: Regular meetings and initiatives like book clubs and expert lectures help maintain strong internal connections and shared vision.
• Personal Growth: Overcoming self-doubt and embracing one's unique wirings can be transformative for personal and professional development.

Notable Quotes:

1. "For me, it's about creating space and time...to be a co-creator of the future versus being on my heels and more reactionary to what's being thrown at me." - Eli Cheatham
2. "The more grounded I am as a leader, the better I am not just for my organization but as a human in general." - Eli Cheatham
3. "We can be profitable and sustainable at the same time. It's about doing well while doing good." - Eli Cheatham
4. "To earn $1 on a piece of produce, often the farmer gets just $0.07. We are excited about finding ways to get more money into farmers' pockets." - Eli Cheatham
5. "Creating a space where people can come as themselves, including myself, and stay human is just crucial for all aspects of life and business." - Eli Cheatham

Stay tuned for more enriching conversations and insights from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast. Tune into our episodes to explore ways to thrive more and survive less in both business and life.

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