I have said before that there is so much we can learn from business leaders and entrepreneurs outside of our industry.

In this episode, I interview Jim Gall, now CEO of RB Sellars.

There is no doubt that RB Sellars has been established as an iconic brand across our landscape. Jim reminds us that success in business doesn’t happen overnight and that the strong position they have developed in the market has come from a leadership team with a clear focus. Focusing on a sustainable commitment to a consistent and high-quality product range with outstanding service has led the brand to where they are today.

Jim also reminds us of the importance of creating a culture of trust, creativity and innovation to inspire our teams to be actively in pursuit of continuous improvement.

He emphasises the importance of encouraging a culture of radical candour, where teams feel safe and empowered to speak their truth and contribute fully and openly at every opportunity.

Have you created a culture and focus like this in your business?

Besides Jim’s current contribution at RB Sellars, his entrepreneurial back story is just as impressive.

Raised on a family farm near Euroa in Victoria, Jim’s enthusiasm to share his family’s farming story led him to establish Redhanded Creative, a national marketing, communication & advertising agency for Australia’s regional and agri-businesses. 12 years on, Redhanded Creative was acquired by global marketing agency, Clemenger. In the ensuing years, Jim established himself as a natural leader in the company, taking over the CEO role at Clemenger Australia & New Zealand.

On his journey through Australia’s Corporate landscape, serving and growing many of the major agribusiness brands we now interact with, Jim has always retained his humility, authenticity and connection to his farming routes.

It was wonderful to connect with Jim again after so many years and to have the opportunity to share his insights into our industry, our people and all things leadership.

I feel the iconic RB Sellars business and brand are in good hands.

Thank you, Jim.

Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy Team

Who here has felt real financial duress and overwhelming stress and hardship in this game called farming? I feel this is relevant and real for so many - it isn’t always an easy game to play.

In this podcast it gives me great pleasure to interview FOA Alumni Members Cassandra & Andrew (Rusty) Kath.

From start-up to established, from 50 cows to 500 cows, and from financially and personally broken to a professional and lasting success, the Kathleigh Farms story is now just as much one to watch as it is one to appreciate for their achievement so far.

Years ago, Andrew & Cassandra found themselves in a destructive share-farming relationship, placing immense pressure them financially and personally. At rock-bottom, Andrew & Cass dug-deep, focused on themselves and on making meaningful change. They made a massive commitment to join the FOA Community, and with grit, learning and determination have transformed their business and lives.

Over the last 5 years, we have seen Kathleigh Farms grow from humble beginnings to being a truly high-performing and professional farm business. We now see this emerging business with the systems, business model, foundations and team to support continued profitability and sustained growth.

In this interview we explore:

• the importance of focusing on our MINDSET as farmers;
• how scarcity and fear-based thinking can limit us;
• why doing business with people with similar values is so important;
• how surrounding yourself with good people can be a catalyst for change; and
• how making our own growth can change everything for the better.

We are proud of the resilience, optimism and confidence Andrew & Cassandra both now enjoy, the way in which they have overcome adversity on their journey, and the results they now enjoy.

In this interview there is mention of Mark Kluwer’s ‘Breath & Breakthrough’ Men’s Retreat and Tracy Secombe’s Soul Pleaser Program – two programs we recommend to those interested.

Thank you Cass & Rusty for your openness and willingness to share. We feel fortunate to have you such active and generous members of the FOA Community, and such valued members of the FOA Team.

There are some incredible insights in this – for the first generation farmer and for those feeling real stress and pressure in terms of your reality right now.

Use this as inspiration that with focus, better thinking and deep determination good things can come.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team