Greg Sanford: Making Sacrifices for the Greater Good

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Greg Sanford, VP of Sales for Verdesian’s Midwest Region. With a 20-year professional history, Mark and Greg discuss not only their past working relationship but also the transformative power of intentional leadership in agribusiness.

Key Takeaways:

• Being Intentional in Relationships and Self-Care: Greg shares his personal journey toward intentionality, from relationships to self-discipline in health and wellness. Reflecting on his own transformative journey, he emphasizes that intentional living is often about making sacrifices for the greater good—whether it’s through creating a positive work culture or being present for loved ones.
• Creating a People-First Culture: As a relatively new leader managing a high-performing team, Greg reveals his approach to connecting with team members on a personal level. By focusing on individual motivations and aspirations, he strives to build a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and celebrated.
• Navigating Change in Agribusiness: With a career spent at Verdesian through significant changes and challenges, Greg discusses the importance of adaptability. He offers insights on how he leads with stability and consistency, even when the organization faces uncertainties.
• The Power of Pause: Greg highlights a valuable lesson for leaders: “The world belongs to those who pause before reacting.” Taking a step back before making a decision is essential for clear-headed leadership, which he reinforces through his commitment to physical and mental fitness.

Notable Quotes:

• "Intentionality is about creating purpose-driven action to elevate the lives and work of those around you." – Greg Sanford
• "Being intentional starts with how you show up for yourself, from health to relationships, and extends to how you serve your team." – Greg Sanford
• "The world belongs to those who pause before reacting." – Greg Sanford
• "If you can tackle one hard thing each day, like a grueling workout, you set the tone for every other challenge." – Mark Jewell

Tune in to discover Greg’s approach to intentional leadership, his journey toward personal growth, and the ways he’s helping his team excel by focusing on their strengths and fostering a culture of resilience and respect.