Josh Waggener: Practical Leadership with Personal Stories

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this insightful episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, host Mark Jewell welcomes Josh Waggener, President, and CEO of Hutson, Inc. Together, they delve deep into the heart of intentional leadership and how deliberate actions shape the future of businesses. Wagner emphasizes being thoughtful and purposeful in his decisions and company strategies, advocating for a leadership style that is consciously aligned with long-term goals. This episode blends practical leadership advice with personal stories that highlight the significance of culture, empathy, and strategic thinking in agribusiness.

Josh Waggener shares his rich experiences in leading Hutson, Inc through substantial growth and transformation. He talks about the importance of building a strong and cohesive culture within an organization, especially amidst acquisitions and diverse team dynamics. Wagner also discusses the challenges of change management and building a sustainable workforce. His insights into fostering trust, diversity, and strategic planning offer a masterclass in intentional leadership, making this episode invaluable for anyone looking to drive meaningful progress in their organization.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional Leadership: Wagner explains the importance of being purposeful, thoughtful, and deliberate in leadership to drive long-term success and stable growth within a company.
• Building Trust: Feedback loops and open communication channels are crucial in fostering a culture of trust within the organization.
• Empathy in Leadership: Developing empathy is essential to successfully managing and leading diverse teams, impacting both organizational culture and personal growth.
• Infinite Mindset: Inspired by Simon Sinek's "The Infinite Game," Wagner advocates for a mindset focused on sustainability and the perpetual growth of the organization rather than finite, short-term victories.
• Balancing Work and Life: Wagner emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, not just for personal well-being, but to enhance overall leadership effectiveness.

Notable Quotes:

1. "To me, intentional leadership is about being purposeful, thoughtful, and deliberate in my everyday actions, and this holds true both when people are watching and when they aren't."
2. "If we say we empower people and give them a voice, we have to truly act on that by listening and making actual changes based on their feedback."
3. "The goal isn't to win the game; the goal is to perpetuate the game, to keep it going and flourishing long after we're gone."
4. "It's essential for leaders to step away from the corner office and engage with their team on the ground level to truly understand and inspire."
5. "I always tell my children and my team to be the leader you always wish you had."

Dive into this episode for more on strategic growth, intentional leadership, and the profound impact of empathy in business. Stay tuned for more enlightening content on the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast!