Leadership

Farmers and rural professionals aged 30-50 years old are feeling like they are missing from the leadership conversation. Dr Jordi Hoult’s recent Kellogg’s report digs into the necessity for a cultural shift within the primary sector for this vital age group. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Dr Jordi Hoult’s interest in leadership grew from her military family upbringing and her own experiences navigating the food and fibre sector. Her Kellogg research shows that many mid-career people in their 30s to 50s are ready to lead but face barriers that stop them from taking opportunities, leaving a “missing middle” in sector leadership.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Jordi about what’s creating this gap, why mentorship is often more valuable than formal courses, and how the sector can better recognise, support, and develop the people who will shape the future of food and fibre in New Zealand.

Farm businesses, like any other business, thrive better when there’s good leadership, from large multi-farm businesses to family owned-and-operated farmers. But how do you become a good leader, and what actually makes one? In this episode we talk to Pāmu’s Bernadette Kelly about their leadership programme model, and Marlborough farmer Fraser Avery, who is investing in good leadership and team culture on his farm.

Are we leading from the front when it comes to our teams? Strong leadership is the common denominator when it comes to high-performing teams in our industry – and there’s a difference between management and leadership. Rebecca Greaves reports.

New Zealand lacks good leaders, and while leadership courses are plentiful, Jacqueline Rowarth finds they are not created equal.