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    <title>The People Spark Podcast</title>
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    <description>The People Spark® Podcast is where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses.

Hosts Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, HR and leadership consultants with over 35 years of combined experience, share insights from the field and conversations with leaders who have been where you are. From navigating change and improving retention to building culture and leading with confidence, every episode delivers simple, actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away.

Whether you’re leading a family business, co-op, managing a dealership, or running an ag-adjacent business, this podcast will help you stop spinning in circles and move forward with clarity, confidence, and results.</description>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:18 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
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    <itunes:summary>The People Spark® Podcast is where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses.

Hosts Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, HR and leadership consultants with over 35 years of combined experience, share insights from the field and conversations with leaders who have been where you are. From navigating change and improving retention to building culture and leading with confidence, every episode delivers simple, actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away.

Whether you’re leading a family business, co-op, managing a dealership, or running an ag-adjacent business, this podcast will help you stop spinning in circles and move forward with clarity, confidence, and results.</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:subtitle>The People Spark® Podcast is where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
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      <itunes:email>Contact@texturehouse.us</itunes:email>
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    <itunes:complete>No</itunes:complete>
    <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    <item>
      <title>Defining Leadership in Your Organization</title>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>31</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Defining Leadership in Your Organization</itunes:title>
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        <![CDATA[<p>What does leadership actually mean in your organization?</p><p>In this episode, we dig into a shift many organizations are feeling right now. As spans of control grow and roles get bigger, leaders are often pulled back into doing the work instead of leading through their teams. And when that happens, engagement drops, priorities blur, and leadership starts to feel reactive instead of intentional.</p><p>We talk about what leadership really looks like today: achieving results through your team, not doing all the work yourself! Which, in turn, gives you and your team space to grow!</p><p>If your leaders feel stretched thin or "stuck in the weeds", we hope conversation will help you step back and redefine what leadership looks like for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-031">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>) v2</p>]]>
      </description>
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        <![CDATA[<p>What does leadership actually mean in your organization?</p><p>In this episode, we dig into a shift many organizations are feeling right now. As spans of control grow and roles get bigger, leaders are often pulled back into doing the work instead of leading through their teams. And when that happens, engagement drops, priorities blur, and leadership starts to feel reactive instead of intentional.</p><p>We talk about what leadership really looks like today: achieving results through your team, not doing all the work yourself! Which, in turn, gives you and your team space to grow!</p><p>If your leaders feel stretched thin or "stuck in the weeds", we hope conversation will help you step back and redefine what leadership looks like for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-031">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>) v2</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
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      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
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      <itunes:duration>2398</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>What does leadership actually mean in your organization?</p><p>In this episode, we dig into a shift many organizations are feeling right now. As spans of control grow and roles get bigger, leaders are often pulled back into doing the work instead of leading through their teams. And when that happens, engagement drops, priorities blur, and leadership starts to feel reactive instead of intentional.</p><p>We talk about what leadership really looks like today: achieving results through your team, not doing all the work yourself! Which, in turn, gives you and your team space to grow!</p><p>If your leaders feel stretched thin or "stuck in the weeds", we hope conversation will help you step back and redefine what leadership looks like for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-031">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>) v2</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/95f9714b/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Leading Through the Unknown</title>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>30</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Leading Through the Unknown</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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        <![CDATA[<p>Uncertainty can cause leaders to go quiet, but silence often creates more confusion than clarity. In this episode, we talk about how to lead through uncertain times by focusing on what you can control, communicating your intent clearly, and reinforcing the values that guide your decisions.</p><p>We also introduce one of our fundamental concepts here at People Spark, the Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence, and share how these strategies help leaders stay present and build trust while you and your team are moving through a future that feels unclear.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>) v3</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Uncertainty can cause leaders to go quiet, but silence often creates more confusion than clarity. In this episode, we talk about how to lead through uncertain times by focusing on what you can control, communicating your intent clearly, and reinforcing the values that guide your decisions.</p><p>We also introduce one of our fundamental concepts here at People Spark, the Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence, and share how these strategies help leaders stay present and build trust while you and your team are moving through a future that feels unclear.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>) v3</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:16:58 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/893193b7/bf1284be.mp3" length="29067368" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/V6hnZ0DuUtHBy09bfR0FGhbo6k8Ozcg5bK6w3jdCsfw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lYmMx/OTEyZmMyZjM1Y2Nm/YWJiMzZkYWNmY2Rl/MWRmMi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1813</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Uncertainty can cause leaders to go quiet, but silence often creates more confusion than clarity. In this episode, we talk about how to lead through uncertain times by focusing on what you can control, communicating your intent clearly, and reinforcing the values that guide your decisions.</p><p>We also introduce one of our fundamental concepts here at People Spark, the Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence, and share how these strategies help leaders stay present and build trust while you and your team are moving through a future that feels unclear.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>) v3</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Are You Playing Golf or Basketball</title>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>29</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Are You Playing Golf or Basketball</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/66eb0961</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Leadership isn’t always about teamwork, and it isn’t always about individual performance. Sometimes it’s about knowing which game you’re playing.</p><p>In this episode, we explore the golf versus basketball leadership analogy, the importance of prioritizing your leadership team as Team One, and how aligning your leadership style with strategy creates stronger, more unified organizations.</p><p>And along the way, we ask an important question: Are you truly celebrating your team’s wins?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Leadership isn’t always about teamwork, and it isn’t always about individual performance. Sometimes it’s about knowing which game you’re playing.</p><p>In this episode, we explore the golf versus basketball leadership analogy, the importance of prioritizing your leadership team as Team One, and how aligning your leadership style with strategy creates stronger, more unified organizations.</p><p>And along the way, we ask an important question: Are you truly celebrating your team’s wins?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/66eb0961/404d3814.mp3" length="30200462" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/7xg3qRudCCWvnXNNYg_GuwufAWJNcmNnK2Soz4FUdQU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zZWMy/MGY1NGM1N2Y4ZDQ2/MmMwMDM1YjBlNDU0/MDM1NS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1884</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Leadership isn’t always about teamwork, and it isn’t always about individual performance. Sometimes it’s about knowing which game you’re playing.</p><p>In this episode, we explore the golf versus basketball leadership analogy, the importance of prioritizing your leadership team as Team One, and how aligning your leadership style with strategy creates stronger, more unified organizations.</p><p>And along the way, we ask an important question: Are you truly celebrating your team’s wins?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/66eb0961/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Find Your Peace Out People</title>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>28</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Find Your Peace Out People</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d70da367-ce5b-4a7c-a1e8-5f724231a35f</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/2404e8b4</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Leadership comes with lots of responsibility, pressure, and many moments when you wonder who you can really talk to.</p><p>In this episode, we explore the reality of the loneliness of leadership and why having trusted peers matters more than many leaders realize. From carrying the weight of responsibility to figuring out what to do after stepping out of the weeds, leaders often find themselves without a clear sounding board.</p><p>Which can easily lead to why leaders sometimes get pulled back into the weeds without support, and how finding your “peace out people” can make leadership feel more rewarding and sustainable.</p><p>This episode is an invitation to reflect. Who are your "peace out people"?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Leadership comes with lots of responsibility, pressure, and many moments when you wonder who you can really talk to.</p><p>In this episode, we explore the reality of the loneliness of leadership and why having trusted peers matters more than many leaders realize. From carrying the weight of responsibility to figuring out what to do after stepping out of the weeds, leaders often find themselves without a clear sounding board.</p><p>Which can easily lead to why leaders sometimes get pulled back into the weeds without support, and how finding your “peace out people” can make leadership feel more rewarding and sustainable.</p><p>This episode is an invitation to reflect. Who are your "peace out people"?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/2404e8b4/06c5b941.mp3" length="25969454" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/UiEut-8J7pM-iCyqNMVMMqTZp78SEpYC0yQZfVUvQdc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kNmE2/ZmRlNzUyODhjZDUx/ZGRmZDcyOTBmYTZl/ZjBlNi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1620</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Leadership comes with lots of responsibility, pressure, and many moments when you wonder who you can really talk to.</p><p>In this episode, we explore the reality of the loneliness of leadership and why having trusted peers matters more than many leaders realize. From carrying the weight of responsibility to figuring out what to do after stepping out of the weeds, leaders often find themselves without a clear sounding board.</p><p>Which can easily lead to why leaders sometimes get pulled back into the weeds without support, and how finding your “peace out people” can make leadership feel more rewarding and sustainable.</p><p>This episode is an invitation to reflect. Who are your "peace out people"?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/2404e8b4/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Let Them Lead</title>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>27</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Let Them Lead</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">c1341dce-5b48-4262-a2ff-d7e870739a78</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/7f766731</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Working managers can get stuck in the weeds, too. Not because they don’t care, but because it feels faster to do it themselves. Over time, that adds up and normally leads to burnout.In this episode, we look at where managers tend to get stuck and how those of us in upper management can better support them, not by jumping in, but by providing clarity, trust, and leaving them room to actually lead.We talk about how to spot whether it’s a motivation issue or a support gap, what questions help managers step back into leadership, and how a few small shifts can keep your team leading strong through the busy season.If you want your managers to lead instead of carrying everything on their own, this one’s for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Working managers can get stuck in the weeds, too. Not because they don’t care, but because it feels faster to do it themselves. Over time, that adds up and normally leads to burnout.In this episode, we look at where managers tend to get stuck and how those of us in upper management can better support them, not by jumping in, but by providing clarity, trust, and leaving them room to actually lead.We talk about how to spot whether it’s a motivation issue or a support gap, what questions help managers step back into leadership, and how a few small shifts can keep your team leading strong through the busy season.If you want your managers to lead instead of carrying everything on their own, this one’s for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/7f766731/0d66a0ab.mp3" length="33654846" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/xF5geXADgSMjAvwY9Iv9U_Sv19Zz6340fu95dBkgKS4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kODhk/MDE1MTY1ODU1M2Mx/Y2FmMTkwZDlhY2Q2/Yzk2Mi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2100</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Working managers can get stuck in the weeds, too. Not because they don’t care, but because it feels faster to do it themselves. Over time, that adds up and normally leads to burnout.In this episode, we look at where managers tend to get stuck and how those of us in upper management can better support them, not by jumping in, but by providing clarity, trust, and leaving them room to actually lead.We talk about how to spot whether it’s a motivation issue or a support gap, what questions help managers step back into leadership, and how a few small shifts can keep your team leading strong through the busy season.If you want your managers to lead instead of carrying everything on their own, this one’s for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/7f766731/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AI Can Help Leaders. It Can’t Lead.</title>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>26</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>AI Can Help Leaders. It Can’t Lead.</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">250adf43-17c8-4ea2-ac99-e7852daec5c8</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/456f4469</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we step away from our current conversation about getting out of the weeds as we reflect on our recent experience at the GEAPS Exchange conference, where we presented during a leadership session on coaching, performance conversations, and the growing role of AI in the workplace. While AI can help leaders prepare talking points, analyze data, and think through challenges, it can’t replace the human side of leadership.</p><p>We also unpack the surprising gap between how often managers believe they’re giving feedback and how often employees say they actually receive it, and why that disconnect matters for retention, culture, and trust.</p><p><br>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we step away from our current conversation about getting out of the weeds as we reflect on our recent experience at the GEAPS Exchange conference, where we presented during a leadership session on coaching, performance conversations, and the growing role of AI in the workplace. While AI can help leaders prepare talking points, analyze data, and think through challenges, it can’t replace the human side of leadership.</p><p>We also unpack the surprising gap between how often managers believe they’re giving feedback and how often employees say they actually receive it, and why that disconnect matters for retention, culture, and trust.</p><p><br>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/456f4469/d2318004.mp3" length="26032974" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/MaWhy9VN45I4vg4a2E831lLPrzbhRsSD1jhBykOzKEc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82YTY1/Yzg1YWVlMTI1OGE0/NDIyODBjNzljNzU0/MTg3NC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1624</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we step away from our current conversation about getting out of the weeds as we reflect on our recent experience at the GEAPS Exchange conference, where we presented during a leadership session on coaching, performance conversations, and the growing role of AI in the workplace. While AI can help leaders prepare talking points, analyze data, and think through challenges, it can’t replace the human side of leadership.</p><p>We also unpack the surprising gap between how often managers believe they’re giving feedback and how often employees say they actually receive it, and why that disconnect matters for retention, culture, and trust.</p><p><br>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/456f4469/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Steping Out of the Weeds: Feedback</title>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>25</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Steping Out of the Weeds: Feedback</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">5aa9dac4-7835-4e1b-888f-6c1494aa0e11</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/c59503e8</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode is about feedback, and the leadership habit that quietly puts you right back in the weeds.</p><p>You know the one.<br>“It’ll just be quicker if I handle it.”<br>“I’ll jump in and do the review.”<br>“I’ll talk to them directly.” </p><p>When senior leaders step into performance conversations that belong with managers, it can weaken accountability and create confusion fast. We talk about where your voice matters most, how to support your managers without taking over, and how to keep feedback strong without becoming the bottleneck. If you’re trying to lead without doing everyone else’s job, this one’s for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode is about feedback, and the leadership habit that quietly puts you right back in the weeds.</p><p>You know the one.<br>“It’ll just be quicker if I handle it.”<br>“I’ll jump in and do the review.”<br>“I’ll talk to them directly.” </p><p>When senior leaders step into performance conversations that belong with managers, it can weaken accountability and create confusion fast. We talk about where your voice matters most, how to support your managers without taking over, and how to keep feedback strong without becoming the bottleneck. If you’re trying to lead without doing everyone else’s job, this one’s for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c59503e8/a92b6ea7.mp3" length="39460293" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/SdsY8zo0S3N6l4kK8bAcMWosD1K8uKHzSjZj2a7k6A4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lMGVl/MmU4OTIyY2ZmZTY5/ZGRmYTMzMzBjNGMy/NzQ1My5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2463</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode is about feedback, and the leadership habit that quietly puts you right back in the weeds.</p><p>You know the one.<br>“It’ll just be quicker if I handle it.”<br>“I’ll jump in and do the review.”<br>“I’ll talk to them directly.” </p><p>When senior leaders step into performance conversations that belong with managers, it can weaken accountability and create confusion fast. We talk about where your voice matters most, how to support your managers without taking over, and how to keep feedback strong without becoming the bottleneck. If you’re trying to lead without doing everyone else’s job, this one’s for you.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/c59503e8/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Onboarding</title>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>24</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Onboarding</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3446f670-e3d0-4103-bd7b-accbaa8b8503</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/b17ced61</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Onboarding is all about the handoff—from "we're hiring" to "you're part of the team." We unpack why onboarding is where so many good hires quietly fall apart, and what leaders can do to keep that from happening. You'll walk away thinking differently about how hiring decisions get made, how much "structure" is actually needed, and how to build early trust without making onboarding a huge production. Simple moves. Big ripple effects. </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-024">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Onboarding is all about the handoff—from "we're hiring" to "you're part of the team." We unpack why onboarding is where so many good hires quietly fall apart, and what leaders can do to keep that from happening. You'll walk away thinking differently about how hiring decisions get made, how much "structure" is actually needed, and how to build early trust without making onboarding a huge production. Simple moves. Big ripple effects. </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-024">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/b17ced61/1ea4692a.mp3" length="41342784" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/m01tf_u5QS7qL3ar6540sCir_f5GPhPqhkij5efoQvI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83Mjgz/MGY0YjYyZGYzZDRh/NjQxYTZiYjcwZDlj/MWY2OC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2580</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Onboarding is all about the handoff—from "we're hiring" to "you're part of the team." We unpack why onboarding is where so many good hires quietly fall apart, and what leaders can do to keep that from happening. You'll walk away thinking differently about how hiring decisions get made, how much "structure" is actually needed, and how to build early trust without making onboarding a huge production. Simple moves. Big ripple effects. </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-024">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/b17ced61/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: A Simple Hiring Framework</title>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>23</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: A Simple Hiring Framework</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">f921cc94-e043-4b4c-89b3-c346ca1599e6</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/395ad6b2</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring can quietly become one of the biggest drains on leaders, not because it isn’t important, but because it starts to feel heavy, unclear, and too dependent on you.</p><p>After this episode, we want you to walk away with a clearer head and a simpler way to think about hiring. You’ll start to see where hiring has been running on autopilot, where it’s been shaped by the last person in the role, and where small shifts in clarity can save you months of frustration on the back end.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt stuck between “I need help” and “I don’t have time to do this right,” this episode will give you a more grounded way forward, and a stronger sense of what to do next.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring can quietly become one of the biggest drains on leaders, not because it isn’t important, but because it starts to feel heavy, unclear, and too dependent on you.</p><p>After this episode, we want you to walk away with a clearer head and a simpler way to think about hiring. You’ll start to see where hiring has been running on autopilot, where it’s been shaped by the last person in the role, and where small shifts in clarity can save you months of frustration on the back end.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt stuck between “I need help” and “I don’t have time to do this right,” this episode will give you a more grounded way forward, and a stronger sense of what to do next.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/395ad6b2/157229f0.mp3" length="45090639" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/gbHQVHQqe7xiHiokv8T71KiAzQ1JJDgz7rfYtelhiK4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83ZWQw/OWMyZGY5N2VjY2Fl/MDEzZGQzYTAwMjdk/ZWZhNC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2815</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring can quietly become one of the biggest drains on leaders, not because it isn’t important, but because it starts to feel heavy, unclear, and too dependent on you.</p><p>After this episode, we want you to walk away with a clearer head and a simpler way to think about hiring. You’ll start to see where hiring has been running on autopilot, where it’s been shaped by the last person in the role, and where small shifts in clarity can save you months of frustration on the back end.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt stuck between “I need help” and “I don’t have time to do this right,” this episode will give you a more grounded way forward, and a stronger sense of what to do next.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-023">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Hiring Decisions</title>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>22</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Stepping Out of the Weeds: Hiring Decisions</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">eed88806-74fe-4dcc-9468-4eefba1471cb</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/9b7c402a</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring is one of the fastest ways leaders find themselves stuck in the weeds.</p><p>In this episode, we kick off a three-part series on stepping out of those weeds. Why do senior leaders often stay deeply involved in interviews and final decisions, and how can that involvement unintentionally create dependency, slow growth, and weaken ownership at the manager level?</p><p>This is the starting point for shifting hiring from a time-consuming responsibility at the top into a shared, structured process that develops stronger leaders throughout the organization.</p><p>If you want your managers to own performance, it starts with helping them own hiring.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-022">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring is one of the fastest ways leaders find themselves stuck in the weeds.</p><p>In this episode, we kick off a three-part series on stepping out of those weeds. Why do senior leaders often stay deeply involved in interviews and final decisions, and how can that involvement unintentionally create dependency, slow growth, and weaken ownership at the manager level?</p><p>This is the starting point for shifting hiring from a time-consuming responsibility at the top into a shared, structured process that develops stronger leaders throughout the organization.</p><p>If you want your managers to own performance, it starts with helping them own hiring.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-022">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/9b7c402a/c6c9596b.mp3" length="30174503" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/uaYX0ptFdS4zMK8nfJwbPNESxQct_De5neS3FavKr1M/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iYmVh/YWE1ZTZiNWUzYTZk/YTE1NTJhMzY5OTAx/MzMwNS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1882</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring is one of the fastest ways leaders find themselves stuck in the weeds.</p><p>In this episode, we kick off a three-part series on stepping out of those weeds. Why do senior leaders often stay deeply involved in interviews and final decisions, and how can that involvement unintentionally create dependency, slow growth, and weaken ownership at the manager level?</p><p>This is the starting point for shifting hiring from a time-consuming responsibility at the top into a shared, structured process that develops stronger leaders throughout the organization.</p><p>If you want your managers to own performance, it starts with helping them own hiring.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-022">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Leaders Becoming Better at Tough Conversations</title>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>21</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Leaders Becoming Better at Tough Conversations</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">f9e7a5a6-e2ca-401a-85cf-c91bbdc3aace</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/957fbc05</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Tough conversations are often the ones we know we need to have, and the ones we delay the longest.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about why leaders hesitate to step into difficult conversations with their team, from fear of the other person’s reaction to catastrophizing worst-case outcomes before the conversation even begins.</p><p>So what’s really happening in the moments leading up to these hard conversations? We share practical ways to prepare with clarity, courage, and empathy. You’ll learn how grounding yourself in intent, and shifting from “either/or” thinking to the power of “and,” can completely change how you show up.</p><p>Because leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about leaning in with courage and consideration, for the good of both your team members and the organization.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-021">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Tough conversations are often the ones we know we need to have, and the ones we delay the longest.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about why leaders hesitate to step into difficult conversations with their team, from fear of the other person’s reaction to catastrophizing worst-case outcomes before the conversation even begins.</p><p>So what’s really happening in the moments leading up to these hard conversations? We share practical ways to prepare with clarity, courage, and empathy. You’ll learn how grounding yourself in intent, and shifting from “either/or” thinking to the power of “and,” can completely change how you show up.</p><p>Because leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about leaning in with courage and consideration, for the good of both your team members and the organization.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-021">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/957fbc05/bda543e6.mp3" length="36352774" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/15mH8nxgV83lWC51wPWzJ8jTUoeXYLtO35-2UfbCjts/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wYjFm/M2I5MGJjNWQ2YzNi/NTQ3NWE4NWFjZTJl/Y2Y4NC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2269</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Tough conversations are often the ones we know we need to have, and the ones we delay the longest.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about why leaders hesitate to step into difficult conversations with their team, from fear of the other person’s reaction to catastrophizing worst-case outcomes before the conversation even begins.</p><p>So what’s really happening in the moments leading up to these hard conversations? We share practical ways to prepare with clarity, courage, and empathy. You’ll learn how grounding yourself in intent, and shifting from “either/or” thinking to the power of “and,” can completely change how you show up.</p><p>Because leadership isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about leaning in with courage and consideration, for the good of both your team members and the organization.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-021">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Power of Open-Ended Questions</title>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>20</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Power of Open-Ended Questions</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">59b0832f-e364-478e-9fa8-130e14cd94eb</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/1bcc5bc3</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Asking better questions is one of the most powerful leadership skills, and one of the easiest to overlook. In this episode, we focus on the power of open-ended questions and how a small shift in what you ask can completely change the conversations you are having at work. We walk through everyday leadership scenarios where open-ended questions help you slow down, get clearer information, involve your team in problem solving, and avoid solving the wrong issue altogether. You will hear how starting with “what” creates better dialogue, builds ownership, and helps people think for themselves instead of waiting for answers. If you want your team to be more engaged, more capable, and less dependent on you to fix everything, this episode will give you a simple place to start.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-019">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Asking better questions is one of the most powerful leadership skills, and one of the easiest to overlook. In this episode, we focus on the power of open-ended questions and how a small shift in what you ask can completely change the conversations you are having at work. We walk through everyday leadership scenarios where open-ended questions help you slow down, get clearer information, involve your team in problem solving, and avoid solving the wrong issue altogether. You will hear how starting with “what” creates better dialogue, builds ownership, and helps people think for themselves instead of waiting for answers. If you want your team to be more engaged, more capable, and less dependent on you to fix everything, this episode will give you a simple place to start.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-019">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1bcc5bc3/1199420f.mp3" length="31302983" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/J31sTnCqX9W4KC0KLpjwATk3T11xGhvGNLX4j3Hz6ZY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81YjYy/NmQ3NzE4MzQ0YTZl/YzlkOGQ0MWQ0ZjYy/NjhkZC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1953</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Asking better questions is one of the most powerful leadership skills, and one of the easiest to overlook. In this episode, we focus on the power of open-ended questions and how a small shift in what you ask can completely change the conversations you are having at work. We walk through everyday leadership scenarios where open-ended questions help you slow down, get clearer information, involve your team in problem solving, and avoid solving the wrong issue altogether. You will hear how starting with “what” creates better dialogue, builds ownership, and helps people think for themselves instead of waiting for answers. If you want your team to be more engaged, more capable, and less dependent on you to fix everything, this episode will give you a simple place to start.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-019">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Transparency Tension: What to Share, When, and Why</title>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>19</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Transparency Tension: What to Share, When, and Why</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">b728c9c6-be98-4034-a5cc-68212988a1a6</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/3ac14d37</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Transparency is one of the most talked about leadership values and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we unpack what transparency actually looks like in practice and why it goes far beyond simply sharing financials or opening the books. We explore the difference between transparency, confidentiality, and oversharing, and why context matters just as much as information.</p><p>Join us this week as we discuss how transparency builds trust, reduces uncertainty, strengthens engagement, and helps employees understand how their work connects to business results. We’ll also share a few practical questions leaders can ask themselves to assess where they may be holding back, and how to share the right information at the right time without creating confusion or fear.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-019">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Transparency is one of the most talked about leadership values and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we unpack what transparency actually looks like in practice and why it goes far beyond simply sharing financials or opening the books. We explore the difference between transparency, confidentiality, and oversharing, and why context matters just as much as information.</p><p>Join us this week as we discuss how transparency builds trust, reduces uncertainty, strengthens engagement, and helps employees understand how their work connects to business results. We’ll also share a few practical questions leaders can ask themselves to assess where they may be holding back, and how to share the right information at the right time without creating confusion or fear.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-019">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/3ac14d37/98291cd0.mp3" length="38260352" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/qg1pX_NzTfzlbEMnIYzuYZx6RJmyFlfhur3l5usD1mo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82NWZk/NjE3MDRjMDk4MDJh/NDg4MzY0MzZjZGVj/OTQ3Ny5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2388</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Transparency is one of the most talked about leadership values and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we unpack what transparency actually looks like in practice and why it goes far beyond simply sharing financials or opening the books. We explore the difference between transparency, confidentiality, and oversharing, and why context matters just as much as information.</p><p>Join us this week as we discuss how transparency builds trust, reduces uncertainty, strengthens engagement, and helps employees understand how their work connects to business results. We’ll also share a few practical questions leaders can ask themselves to assess where they may be holding back, and how to share the right information at the right time without creating confusion or fear.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-019">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Moments of Transition</title>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>18</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Moments of Transition</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">71838f9f-04aa-4a96-b0b7-4ff21a89569b</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/8cf49d39</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Every business hits moments when things are shifting. A long time leader is retiring, a new owner is stepping in, growth is picking up, or a new line of business is taking shape, and you realize the way you have been working may not carry you where you want to go next. In this episode we share how our People and Strategy Roadmap has evolved over seven years, what we look at when we step into a business at one of these crossroads, and why clarity on goals, structure, roles, and culture matters more than having a perfect handbook. Growth is not just strategy on paper, it is structure put into practice.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-018">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Every business hits moments when things are shifting. A long time leader is retiring, a new owner is stepping in, growth is picking up, or a new line of business is taking shape, and you realize the way you have been working may not carry you where you want to go next. In this episode we share how our People and Strategy Roadmap has evolved over seven years, what we look at when we step into a business at one of these crossroads, and why clarity on goals, structure, roles, and culture matters more than having a perfect handbook. Growth is not just strategy on paper, it is structure put into practice.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-018">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8cf49d39/5845edb6.mp3" length="31447264" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/mRVmN2irgkpFxh4dPq6Bmuf1oMXX8gQLGDPiIKoLxCE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iZjZl/YmQ2OTUxYjM2MTcx/ZTAzZmVhNDZkYTBi/OTU2NC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1962</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Every business hits moments when things are shifting. A long time leader is retiring, a new owner is stepping in, growth is picking up, or a new line of business is taking shape, and you realize the way you have been working may not carry you where you want to go next. In this episode we share how our People and Strategy Roadmap has evolved over seven years, what we look at when we step into a business at one of these crossroads, and why clarity on goals, structure, roles, and culture matters more than having a perfect handbook. Growth is not just strategy on paper, it is structure put into practice.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-018">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>When Training Isn’t the Problem</title>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>17</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>When Training Isn’t the Problem</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">32d18819-7851-4495-9cf5-92045a013ed4</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9779663</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>We have all done it. Someone struggles in their role and the first thought is to send them to training. Teach time management, teach communication, teach accountability. Yet even after they learn the skill, nothing really changes.</p><p>This conversation uncovers why. Sometimes the real issue is not a person’s skill at all, it is the system wrapped around them. A job with unclear expectations, goals that fight each other, a structure that asks someone to be responsible without giving them the authority to decide anything. No amount of training can fix that.</p><p>Once you see it, you stop blaming the individual and start looking at what is actually getting in their way, and that is where development finally works.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-017">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>We have all done it. Someone struggles in their role and the first thought is to send them to training. Teach time management, teach communication, teach accountability. Yet even after they learn the skill, nothing really changes.</p><p>This conversation uncovers why. Sometimes the real issue is not a person’s skill at all, it is the system wrapped around them. A job with unclear expectations, goals that fight each other, a structure that asks someone to be responsible without giving them the authority to decide anything. No amount of training can fix that.</p><p>Once you see it, you stop blaming the individual and start looking at what is actually getting in their way, and that is where development finally works.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-017">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e9779663/f92a3cd5.mp3" length="30039202" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/OfliI4kR0qlSR142W4B_Lz6OBN-GCCE9DFYGfKgyoNE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jZDg1/MTcxYzFjZTdhNjA4/YWZhYmVjY2RlMmNl/NTdmZS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1874</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>We have all done it. Someone struggles in their role and the first thought is to send them to training. Teach time management, teach communication, teach accountability. Yet even after they learn the skill, nothing really changes.</p><p>This conversation uncovers why. Sometimes the real issue is not a person’s skill at all, it is the system wrapped around them. A job with unclear expectations, goals that fight each other, a structure that asks someone to be responsible without giving them the authority to decide anything. No amount of training can fix that.</p><p>Once you see it, you stop blaming the individual and start looking at what is actually getting in their way, and that is where development finally works.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-017">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Silence Is Not Buy In</title>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>16</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Why Silence Is Not Buy In</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6b384feb-dfeb-4750-becc-70f396114954</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/a90ff265</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Silence can feel like agreement, but often it is people quietly checking out. In this episode we talk about what is really happening when a new system or direction is introduced and the loud pushback suddenly disappears. You can feel it during a rollout. The loudest critic stops arguing, the questions fade, and meetings seem calmer, yet your gut says something is off.</p><p>This conversation looks beneath the surface of that quiet. People are not resisting the path forward as much as they are mourning what they might lose along the way. Once you see that, silence stops being frustrating and becomes a signal, a chance to notice someone before they fully let go.</p><p>We share what we’ve learned to keep people engaged instead of disappearing into agreement without buy in. </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-016">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Silence can feel like agreement, but often it is people quietly checking out. In this episode we talk about what is really happening when a new system or direction is introduced and the loud pushback suddenly disappears. You can feel it during a rollout. The loudest critic stops arguing, the questions fade, and meetings seem calmer, yet your gut says something is off.</p><p>This conversation looks beneath the surface of that quiet. People are not resisting the path forward as much as they are mourning what they might lose along the way. Once you see that, silence stops being frustrating and becomes a signal, a chance to notice someone before they fully let go.</p><p>We share what we’ve learned to keep people engaged instead of disappearing into agreement without buy in. </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-016">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/a90ff265/7270b4fa.mp3" length="34050317" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/8PRpyR-eWqBZt6fEhpLJ3f1h3prwJH4ZH2pBl3iDkI8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zOGU2/MmNjNWNkZjBkNTc3/MjIzMGE0YjQ2MmZi/N2IxMS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2125</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Silence can feel like agreement, but often it is people quietly checking out. In this episode we talk about what is really happening when a new system or direction is introduced and the loud pushback suddenly disappears. You can feel it during a rollout. The loudest critic stops arguing, the questions fade, and meetings seem calmer, yet your gut says something is off.</p><p>This conversation looks beneath the surface of that quiet. People are not resisting the path forward as much as they are mourning what they might lose along the way. Once you see that, silence stops being frustrating and becomes a signal, a chance to notice someone before they fully let go.</p><p>We share what we’ve learned to keep people engaged instead of disappearing into agreement without buy in. </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-016">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reflecting on the Year and What Comes Next</title>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>15</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Reflecting on the Year and What Comes Next</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">f7ad5db5-e5a5-400d-9c1e-10b088decea7</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/8246ed7b</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>As you look back on the year, what stands out, and what do you want to carry forward? In this episode, we take time to reflect on the past year and talk about the value of choosing a word or theme to guide the year ahead. We explore how intention, focus, and clarity can help leaders decide where to invest their time and energy as they think about what comes next.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-015">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As you look back on the year, what stands out, and what do you want to carry forward? In this episode, we take time to reflect on the past year and talk about the value of choosing a word or theme to guide the year ahead. We explore how intention, focus, and clarity can help leaders decide where to invest their time and energy as they think about what comes next.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-015">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8246ed7b/4cba5017.mp3" length="28803596" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/pWBADbB8bwR379h1pV2Nj4Bk2J9krWInqKw0hCVNjpk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lNDRj/ZTg1ZDNmYmFjMTgx/ZTkzMTliMzUwNWY1/MTg0OC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1797</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>As you look back on the year, what stands out, and what do you want to carry forward? In this episode, we take time to reflect on the past year and talk about the value of choosing a word or theme to guide the year ahead. We explore how intention, focus, and clarity can help leaders decide where to invest their time and energy as they think about what comes next.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-015">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Closing Out the Season With Meaningful Recognition</title>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>14</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Closing Out the Season With Meaningful Recognition</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">ffa5ffe5-5b73-4217-9394-486255d5ab49</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/0dc6cf4b</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>As the season winds down, many leaders find themselves at a natural pause. Harvest is wrapping up, the pace is shifting, and planning for what comes next is already beginning. In this episode, we talk about why closing out the season with meaningful recognition matters, and why rewards alone often miss the mark. We explore how specific, personal recognition helps people see their impact, reinforces the behaviors you want to carry forward, and shapes the culture you are building into the next season.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-014">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As the season winds down, many leaders find themselves at a natural pause. Harvest is wrapping up, the pace is shifting, and planning for what comes next is already beginning. In this episode, we talk about why closing out the season with meaningful recognition matters, and why rewards alone often miss the mark. We explore how specific, personal recognition helps people see their impact, reinforces the behaviors you want to carry forward, and shapes the culture you are building into the next season.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-014">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/0dc6cf4b/da0af58a.mp3" length="44354611" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/ZCqMLotu1v8ZhhOQt4SIC2mSikjr-wiE3o6wjJU45wc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jMzcw/NDc4MDAwYmFkNDM2/NjQwZDk4MmQ2MmZm/NGNjOS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2769</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>As the season winds down, many leaders find themselves at a natural pause. Harvest is wrapping up, the pace is shifting, and planning for what comes next is already beginning. In this episode, we talk about why closing out the season with meaningful recognition matters, and why rewards alone often miss the mark. We explore how specific, personal recognition helps people see their impact, reinforces the behaviors you want to carry forward, and shapes the culture you are building into the next season.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-014">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bringing People Along the Commitment Curve</title>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>13</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Bringing People Along the Commitment Curve</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">5fd521e6-5cb5-494e-b4d2-b666011e4562</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae3a9859</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Change rarely falls apart because of the idea. It usually falls apart in how we talk about it. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to bring people along the commitment curve and why timing, clarity, and the right messenger matter more than perfectly polished plans. We look at how to communicate early, name what people can expect, and help teams move forward with confidence instead of confusion. How can we guide people through change in a way that reduces resistance and keeps everyone aligned on where the business is headed?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-013">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Change rarely falls apart because of the idea. It usually falls apart in how we talk about it. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to bring people along the commitment curve and why timing, clarity, and the right messenger matter more than perfectly polished plans. We look at how to communicate early, name what people can expect, and help teams move forward with confidence instead of confusion. How can we guide people through change in a way that reduces resistance and keeps everyone aligned on where the business is headed?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-013">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ae3a9859/6e0f15f9.mp3" length="37065910" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/H_jabZuHg5C5RKZAFip0D4BtPxbJjd092mXT4E4s5OE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iZmYy/YzEzMTU0MmMxYTU1/ZDYzMDE4MzBjY2U5/Mjk0ZS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2313</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Change rarely falls apart because of the idea. It usually falls apart in how we talk about it. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to bring people along the commitment curve and why timing, clarity, and the right messenger matter more than perfectly polished plans. We look at how to communicate early, name what people can expect, and help teams move forward with confidence instead of confusion. How can we guide people through change in a way that reduces resistance and keeps everyone aligned on where the business is headed?</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-013">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Build Real Engagement</title>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>12</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Build Real Engagement</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">dd1ffa71-ba57-41bf-9ecc-60246041c38f</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c17c669</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode gets into what it really means to have a team that’s connected and motivated. We talk about how leaders can help their people see where the business is headed and how their work makes an impact. It’s about asking better questions, setting clear expectations, and giving your team space to contribute without losing direction. When people understand how they fit into the bigger picture, they stay invested, grow with you, and make the work better for everyone.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-012">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode gets into what it really means to have a team that’s connected and motivated. We talk about how leaders can help their people see where the business is headed and how their work makes an impact. It’s about asking better questions, setting clear expectations, and giving your team space to contribute without losing direction. When people understand how they fit into the bigger picture, they stay invested, grow with you, and make the work better for everyone.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-012">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/7c17c669/4de90062.mp3" length="25734598" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/uc3zJndETxzkMDLAz6447L9gsqiKmKkNbe7MBg_ocP4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81NTky/ZTY0M2RiMTY3ODY0/ZTllMTZjMmVhMzY0/ODg2Ni5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1605</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode gets into what it really means to have a team that’s connected and motivated. We talk about how leaders can help their people see where the business is headed and how their work makes an impact. It’s about asking better questions, setting clear expectations, and giving your team space to contribute without losing direction. When people understand how they fit into the bigger picture, they stay invested, grow with you, and make the work better for everyone.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-012">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Helping Translate the Vision</title>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>11</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Helping Translate the Vision</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">ae9b4fea-79da-4107-9bc7-02aaf4af4c96</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/e1696ad7</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this conversation we dig into the real work of people leaders taking big-picture goals and turning them into something their teams can actually use. How asking better questions, checking for alignment, and not waiting around for perfect clarity before you lead can move the team in to success. It is about finding your footing between the boardroom and the day-to-day, and building a rhythm that keeps everyone moving in the same direction.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-011">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this conversation we dig into the real work of people leaders taking big-picture goals and turning them into something their teams can actually use. How asking better questions, checking for alignment, and not waiting around for perfect clarity before you lead can move the team in to success. It is about finding your footing between the boardroom and the day-to-day, and building a rhythm that keeps everyone moving in the same direction.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-011">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e1696ad7/a59e5404.mp3" length="22762497" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/iy16feliTfXD7-e87eFkJWV5vV05OrpJE_sDCfccgmE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yMTEw/OTJlMGEwNDJlMDA1/ZDdhZjU3YWQ0MzI3/YWIwMi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1419</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this conversation we dig into the real work of people leaders taking big-picture goals and turning them into something their teams can actually use. How asking better questions, checking for alignment, and not waiting around for perfect clarity before you lead can move the team in to success. It is about finding your footing between the boardroom and the day-to-day, and building a rhythm that keeps everyone moving in the same direction.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-011">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ready or Not</title>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>10</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Ready or Not</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">c9c0cd38-1a82-4854-be13-2081cc4ced63</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/07690bd0</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This one’s for the owners and leaders at that messy crossroads of “I know I should hand this off” and “I’m not ready.” We dig into our feeling around identity, control, and what come up when giving a role to someone else. If transition is on your horizon, near or far, this episode can helps you move from thinking about it to taking the next step.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-010">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This one’s for the owners and leaders at that messy crossroads of “I know I should hand this off” and “I’m not ready.” We dig into our feeling around identity, control, and what come up when giving a role to someone else. If transition is on your horizon, near or far, this episode can helps you move from thinking about it to taking the next step.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-010">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/07690bd0/6438a036.mp3" length="24524179" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/bLBHpq4egk6Ul0r13HvciZithY9Yf8aXT53ZC0t3AmI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80MjI4/MTg0ZjdhYzQxMDQ2/Mjk3MTI3MjQ3NzZi/OWM5ZS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1529</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This one’s for the owners and leaders at that messy crossroads of “I know I should hand this off” and “I’m not ready.” We dig into our feeling around identity, control, and what come up when giving a role to someone else. If transition is on your horizon, near or far, this episode can helps you move from thinking about it to taking the next step.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-010">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Critical Role of Culture in Agribusiness M&amp;A</title>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>9</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Critical Role of Culture in Agribusiness M&amp;A</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d75b9b27-74f3-4deb-a895-f1e86433a24d</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/aafc5c53</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>With our first guest, Joe Mosher, we dig into what really happens after a merger is made and the ink dries. We talk about how leaders can turn early momentum into meaningful progress shifting from the excitement of an announcement to the steady work of making two organizations operate as one.</p><p>Together, we explore why choosing a single way of working matters, how culture shows up in day-to-day decisions, and what leaders can do in those first critical months to keep teams aligned and the business moving forward. It’s a conversation about turning intention into action, and making the deal worth it.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-009">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>With our first guest, Joe Mosher, we dig into what really happens after a merger is made and the ink dries. We talk about how leaders can turn early momentum into meaningful progress shifting from the excitement of an announcement to the steady work of making two organizations operate as one.</p><p>Together, we explore why choosing a single way of working matters, how culture shows up in day-to-day decisions, and what leaders can do in those first critical months to keep teams aligned and the business moving forward. It’s a conversation about turning intention into action, and making the deal worth it.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-009">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/aafc5c53/4b72b2ff.mp3" length="51094712" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/67aqJkYjSOj9y8VM07HWmN_SpX3WtH_jfOnFRcAi_HY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS85ZGQ0/MjczNzMzNDg5MjI3/MDkyZjk3NjU2MmZj/MmQ5OS5wbmc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>3190</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>With our first guest, Joe Mosher, we dig into what really happens after a merger is made and the ink dries. We talk about how leaders can turn early momentum into meaningful progress shifting from the excitement of an announcement to the steady work of making two organizations operate as one.</p><p>Together, we explore why choosing a single way of working matters, how culture shows up in day-to-day decisions, and what leaders can do in those first critical months to keep teams aligned and the business moving forward. It’s a conversation about turning intention into action, and making the deal worth it.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-009">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Guest" href="https://www.moshercg.com/">Joe Mosher</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Passing the Torch with Purpose</title>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>8</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Passing the Torch with Purpose</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">ad8f9009-896b-4820-9b20-07602ca2ae86</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/04e21355</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we explore what it really means to prepare your business for the future. Whether that’s a long-tenured employee retiring, a shift in ownership, or the next generation stepping up. Instead of trying to “replace” the people who’ve carried so much, we talk about defining what success looks like going forward and building roles that support where your business is headed. It’s all about moving into the next chapter with clarity and intention.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-008">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we explore what it really means to prepare your business for the future. Whether that’s a long-tenured employee retiring, a shift in ownership, or the next generation stepping up. Instead of trying to “replace” the people who’ve carried so much, we talk about defining what success looks like going forward and building roles that support where your business is headed. It’s all about moving into the next chapter with clarity and intention.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-008">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/04e21355/d31e4f0f.mp3" length="23756823" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/YKH01Sog9CddjY5Px430i7Koox4GKjdGSC7oAiXBC1Y/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS85YmJl/MDNjYTFmNzczYWVj/NTlmYWI0ODJiOTY1/YjNlOC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1481</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we explore what it really means to prepare your business for the future. Whether that’s a long-tenured employee retiring, a shift in ownership, or the next generation stepping up. Instead of trying to “replace” the people who’ve carried so much, we talk about defining what success looks like going forward and building roles that support where your business is headed. It’s all about moving into the next chapter with clarity and intention.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-008">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Paving the Road to Clarity</title>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Paving the Road to Clarity</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">e38808b1-9f11-41e0-b0ef-7fd93efc2673</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/0db4a95f</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Last episode, we left off with the “cowboy to corporate” continuum; this time, we dig deeper into what it really looks like to pave that road. In this conversation, we explore how job descriptions, decision-making, and defining success can transform from check-the-box tasks into tools that bring strategy to life. We talk about how clarity in roles not only supports business goals but also connects people to the bigger “why” behind their work. It’s about more than what’s written on paper it’s about giving your team direction, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-007">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Last episode, we left off with the “cowboy to corporate” continuum; this time, we dig deeper into what it really looks like to pave that road. In this conversation, we explore how job descriptions, decision-making, and defining success can transform from check-the-box tasks into tools that bring strategy to life. We talk about how clarity in roles not only supports business goals but also connects people to the bigger “why” behind their work. It’s about more than what’s written on paper it’s about giving your team direction, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-007">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/0db4a95f/c3a8824d.mp3" length="25327509" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/Nk83-GbH2HiHWWmon-hKV1f1LhBroP9AqydXTmIUxqI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81ZThi/YThiZjFiZDY1YWY2/ODVmNDIzOTkxNjIw/YmRkMi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1580</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Last episode, we left off with the “cowboy to corporate” continuum; this time, we dig deeper into what it really looks like to pave that road. In this conversation, we explore how job descriptions, decision-making, and defining success can transform from check-the-box tasks into tools that bring strategy to life. We talk about how clarity in roles not only supports business goals but also connects people to the bigger “why” behind their work. It’s about more than what’s written on paper it’s about giving your team direction, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-007">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>From Cowboy to Corporate</title>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>From Cowboy to Corporate</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d9decd2c-b477-4560-ae5b-296c811c3f61</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/25d5c8a2</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we talk about the shift many leaders face when moving from a “cowboy culture" where everyone jumps in to do what’s needed to the fear of becoming “too corporate.” Together, we explore how adding structure doesn’t have to mean losing the energy, values, and teamwork that built your business. It’s a reminder that structure isn’t about red tape, but about finding clarity, direction, and a shared sense of success. </p><p>We hope you enjoy! </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-006">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we talk about the shift many leaders face when moving from a “cowboy culture" where everyone jumps in to do what’s needed to the fear of becoming “too corporate.” Together, we explore how adding structure doesn’t have to mean losing the energy, values, and teamwork that built your business. It’s a reminder that structure isn’t about red tape, but about finding clarity, direction, and a shared sense of success. </p><p>We hope you enjoy! </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-006">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/25d5c8a2/56da8d6b.mp3" length="23707915" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/8cTJ9aVODMeD63eVIV1ztfkwbyFqI9OxeJ_0uAsg7tU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81ODZm/YWM3MmZlMWVjYTBk/ZjRlN2M2ZjJiNGFm/M2NiMC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1478</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we talk about the shift many leaders face when moving from a “cowboy culture" where everyone jumps in to do what’s needed to the fear of becoming “too corporate.” Together, we explore how adding structure doesn’t have to mean losing the energy, values, and teamwork that built your business. It’s a reminder that structure isn’t about red tape, but about finding clarity, direction, and a shared sense of success. </p><p>We hope you enjoy! </p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-006">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stop Guessing, Start Leading</title>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Stop Guessing, Start Leading</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">3afdbe2f-13a3-46df-ab02-afd1940173c8</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/73128c56</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Scoreboards don’t change the game, plays do. In this episode we explore how leaders can move from broad outcomes to actionable steps that keep their teams on track. This conversation digs into the difference between lagging goals (the scoreboard) and leading goals (the plays), and why both matter. More importantly, it offers a leader’s perspective on creating markers along the way—so employees know where they stand, how their work connects, and how to keep moving in a straight line rather than in circles. With real-world examples from sales, safety, and operations, we show how clear leading goals motivate people, prevent drift, and give supervisors tools to coach progress in real time.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-005">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Scoreboards don’t change the game, plays do. In this episode we explore how leaders can move from broad outcomes to actionable steps that keep their teams on track. This conversation digs into the difference between lagging goals (the scoreboard) and leading goals (the plays), and why both matter. More importantly, it offers a leader’s perspective on creating markers along the way—so employees know where they stand, how their work connects, and how to keep moving in a straight line rather than in circles. With real-world examples from sales, safety, and operations, we show how clear leading goals motivate people, prevent drift, and give supervisors tools to coach progress in real time.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-005">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/73128c56/4acf80da.mp3" length="22361200" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/QTAuR3a16nMnN4n1DK6sNDTYASDec-MVcNtUQuNTXHY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS85Y2Uw/ZTEwOTQ5Yzg2MTQ2/ZDdjZGVkZTAwMDMz/N2FiYi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1394</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Scoreboards don’t change the game, plays do. In this episode we explore how leaders can move from broad outcomes to actionable steps that keep their teams on track. This conversation digs into the difference between lagging goals (the scoreboard) and leading goals (the plays), and why both matter. More importantly, it offers a leader’s perspective on creating markers along the way—so employees know where they stand, how their work connects, and how to keep moving in a straight line rather than in circles. With real-world examples from sales, safety, and operations, we show how clear leading goals motivate people, prevent drift, and give supervisors tools to coach progress in real time.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals</a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-005">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Goals That Drive Behavior</title>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Goals That Drive Behavior</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">574f4029-d633-4e30-9e74-081f33428ed4</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/a4a3321a</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Vague goals make people walk in circles while thinking they’re on track. In this episode, we turn “grow” and “do better than last year” into specific, observable behaviors at every level—like the retail “ask in the aisle,” kitchen-first convenience store strategy, and cross-selling that respects relationships. You’ll learn how to set role-based goals that workers can actually act on, create shared targets across business units, and give leaders simple language that keeps everyone pointed at the same landmark.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals </a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-004">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Vague goals make people walk in circles while thinking they’re on track. In this episode, we turn “grow” and “do better than last year” into specific, observable behaviors at every level—like the retail “ask in the aisle,” kitchen-first convenience store strategy, and cross-selling that respects relationships. You’ll learn how to set role-based goals that workers can actually act on, create shared targets across business units, and give leaders simple language that keeps everyone pointed at the same landmark.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals </a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-004">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/a4a3321a/fa5cec12.mp3" length="27843568" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/2gJRKYtjXo8EXqdxh3guyBI5_EgWyPwmDOK5AHHQfRI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lMWZi/YTJiYWY2YWVlZDky/YzIzNTFkMmM4ODU4/MDY1Ny5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1737</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Vague goals make people walk in circles while thinking they’re on track. In this episode, we turn “grow” and “do better than last year” into specific, observable behaviors at every level—like the retail “ask in the aisle,” kitchen-first convenience store strategy, and cross-selling that respects relationships. You’ll learn how to set role-based goals that workers can actually act on, create shared targets across business units, and give leaders simple language that keeps everyone pointed at the same landmark.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p>Podcast Produced by <a href="https://www.texturehouse.us/">Texture House Sound &amp; Visuals </a></p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-004">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode</a>)</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Keepers of Culture</title>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Keepers of Culture</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">310f576d-9a3e-474b-a08a-c6075fe10993</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/09db3cba</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Culture is what you allow. We get tactical about communicating values to your team, aligning multiple locations, and giving supervisors a simple compass: celebrate aligned behavior and address misalignment quickly and respectfully. You’ll leave with talking points, facilitation ideas (like team scoring), and two Sparks to make clarity your competitive advantage.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-003">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-003</a>)</p><p><br></p><p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Culture is what you allow. We get tactical about communicating values to your team, aligning multiple locations, and giving supervisors a simple compass: celebrate aligned behavior and address misalignment quickly and respectfully. You’ll leave with talking points, facilitation ideas (like team scoring), and two Sparks to make clarity your competitive advantage.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-003">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-003</a>)</p><p><br></p><p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:38:44 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/09db3cba/aeb11789.mp3" length="21484312" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/pav6GYeEwV3PMlOvq4aEgl2HC2QnjoY6OQs4Jt2pYZE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mOWNj/ZjE3MmY3MWU1ZmU4/M2IzODFjMzNhZmY2/ZTQ1NC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1339</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Culture is what you allow. We get tactical about communicating values to your team, aligning multiple locations, and giving supervisors a simple compass: celebrate aligned behavior and address misalignment quickly and respectfully. You’ll leave with talking points, facilitation ideas (like team scoring), and two Sparks to make clarity your competitive advantage.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p>(Source:  <a href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-003">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-003</a>)</p><p><br></p><p> </p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Culture You Can See</title>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Culture You Can See</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">dbafb359-0211-4891-8676-e0349df337d4</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/3433a673</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Your values already exist. They are hiding in what people do every day. This conversation shows leaders how to surface those behaviors without judgment, organize them into themes, and name values in plain language your team will actually use. We share facilitation tips, coaching scripts, and examples of how clear values make tough calls easier. Two Sparks close the show so you can move from theory to practice right away.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="%20https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p>(Source: <a href="http://www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-002">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-002</a>)</p><p><br></p><p> </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Your values already exist. They are hiding in what people do every day. This conversation shows leaders how to surface those behaviors without judgment, organize them into themes, and name values in plain language your team will actually use. We share facilitation tips, coaching scripts, and examples of how clear values make tough calls easier. Two Sparks close the show so you can move from theory to practice right away.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="%20https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p>(Source: <a href="http://www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-002">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-002</a>)</p><p><br></p><p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
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      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/AzoS4ed9hpQxpiCjDWHF85lZFih-vZL8QfbjvDgEekI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84OWMz/YjBiNThiMTcyMGVk/ZTMwMjVmZDMxNTEx/NDdiOC5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1556</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Your values already exist. They are hiding in what people do every day. This conversation shows leaders how to surface those behaviors without judgment, organize them into themes, and name values in plain language your team will actually use. We share facilitation tips, coaching scripts, and examples of how clear values make tough calls easier. Two Sparks close the show so you can move from theory to practice right away.</p><p>---</p><p><strong>Culture Development Session</strong></p><p><a href="%20https://calendly.com/d/cwdm-v2z-k3j/culture-development-session?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=culture_development_session">Schedule your Culture Development Session.</a>  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.</p><p><strong>Leadership Transformation Program</strong></p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/d/cw8k-kc9-2jt/leadership-development?month=2025-10?utm_source=peoplesparkpodcast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=leadership-development">Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team</a>. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.</p><p> </p><p>Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  </p><p> </p><p>In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. </p><p> </p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.developagleaders.com/">www.developagleaders.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p>(Source: <a href="http://www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-002">www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode-002</a>)</p><p><br></p><p> </p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
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    <item>
      <title>Where Culture Meets Conversation. Our Launch Story.</title>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Where Culture Meets Conversation. Our Launch Story.</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1173141</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this kickoff episode of The People Spark, hosts Erin Mies and Kristin Ireland share why they started the podcast and the mission behind it: helping ag leaders get out of the weeds and lead with clarity and confidence. From their earliest speaking engagements to stories from working with clients, Erin and Kristin discuss the importance of practical takeaways, the “one thing” leaders can apply right away, and why culture is at the heart of building stronger, more sustainable organizations.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this kickoff episode of The People Spark, hosts Erin Mies and Kristin Ireland share why they started the podcast and the mission behind it: helping ag leaders get out of the weeds and lead with clarity and confidence. From their earliest speaking engagements to stories from working with clients, Erin and Kristin discuss the importance of practical takeaways, the “one thing” leaders can apply right away, and why culture is at the heart of building stronger, more sustainable organizations.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:00:50 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c1173141/a0cdecc8.mp3" length="30313368" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/5ZjuKH_YzpPczCHQgsXpn3U6n6s7_vyANWTQrIEXWSc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yNzEz/NjE2NGVhYjQ0NzRi/NWQ1OTYwYTUyODQw/YmVjZi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>1891</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this kickoff episode of The People Spark, hosts Erin Mies and Kristin Ireland share why they started the podcast and the mission behind it: helping ag leaders get out of the weeds and lead with clarity and confidence. From their earliest speaking engagements to stories from working with clients, Erin and Kristin discuss the importance of practical takeaways, the “one thing” leaders can apply right away, and why culture is at the heart of building stronger, more sustainable organizations.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1173141/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
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    <item>
      <title>The Trailer </title>
      <itunes:title>The Trailer </itunes:title>
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      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/d2762a0d</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to The <em>People Spark® Podcast</em> where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses.</p><p>Hosts Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, HR and leadership consultants with over 35 years of combined experience, share insights from the field and conversations with leaders who have been where you are. From navigating change and improving retention to building culture and leading with confidence, every episode delivers simple, actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to The <em>People Spark® Podcast</em> where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses.</p><p>Hosts Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, HR and leadership consultants with over 35 years of combined experience, share insights from the field and conversations with leaders who have been where you are. From navigating change and improving retention to building culture and leading with confidence, every episode delivers simple, actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:48:31 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>People Spark®</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/d2762a0d/2ca28ff3.mp3" length="1040249" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>People Spark®</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/rrae6n--hUmTTyzjKOix8E0tIiju9SHeWCd3pxLVtBI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kOGNm/YTZiN2Q0YjAyZmMw/MzMyYmI0YjUxYTcz/N2U5Zi5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>62</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to The <em>People Spark® Podcast</em> where ag leaders and business owners come for practical tools, real stories, and straightforward strategies to grow stronger people leaders, teams, and businesses.</p><p>Hosts Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, HR and leadership consultants with over 35 years of combined experience, share insights from the field and conversations with leaders who have been where you are. From navigating change and improving retention to building culture and leading with confidence, every episode delivers simple, actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>Agricultural, leadership,  Ag leaders,  Leadership development,  Clarity and confidence, People-focused leadership, Farm management, Ag business growth, Rural leadership, Team building in agriculture, Agricultural success strategies, Leadership clarity, Personal growth in ag, Agricultural innovation, Empowering ag leaders, Out of the weeds, Leadership coaching, Agricultural industry insights, Ag professionals, Mindset and leadership, Sustainable leadership</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Erin Mies</podcast:person>
      <podcast:person role="Host" href="https://peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/">Kristen Ireland</podcast:person>
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