The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS
Episodes
Innovation Mindset
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Innovation is a word we hear often, but how often to we ask what it means in practice? Is innovation focused on technology, product development, and...
Life Without Limits
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're leading an organization, your team, or even your own next chapter, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about li...
AI Without the BS
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From boardrooms to headlines, vendor pitches to strategy decks, AI is suddenly everywhere. For many leaders, the conversations surrounding AI can be...
The Four Horsemen of the Governance Apocalypse
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 78: Influencing Without Authority
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cooperative Principles & Leadership Mindset
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a time when organizations are navigating generational change, evolving leadership expectations, and shifting workforce dynamics, cooperative boar...
Cybersecurity in Focus
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cyberthreats are everywhere, and while they may be inevitable, their impact can be manageable. Institutions who are prepared for cybersecurity disru...
Confident Conversations
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How strong are your conversation skills? Whether you are stepping into a boardroom, attending a networking event, or connecting with coworkers over ...
Harnessing Human Connection for the Future of Work
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's topic is positioned at the intersection of technology and humanity. How do we stay truly human in the age of digital intelligence? This epis...
Shared Ownership, Shared Accountability
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's dynamic lending environment, meeting client needs requires more than individual excellence; it demands shared ownership and accountabilit...
Tom Truitt's Leadership Journey
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Forward thinking leaders know that fostering innovation, developing company culture and effective communication always starts at the top. This episo...
Tech Myths Blocking Digital Collaboration
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From cloud confusion to AI overload, tech myths can hold teams back from working smarter, faster and more securely. This episode of the Forward Thi...
Expanding Capacity with AI: A Conversation with Tom Morrison
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 FCCS Learning Conference, host Stephanie Barton, SVP of Marketing and Communications for FCCS sits ...
Attacking Life's Storms: Overcoming Adversity
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Obstacles and challenges are inevitable, but what if they are a catalyst for growth, opportunities, and transformation? This episode of the Forward ...
Building Courageous Cultures: Unlocking Ideas and Innovation in Your Organization
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where are all the good ideas? And why don't the good ideas ever seem to get implemented? The disconnect between leaders and employees is holding bac...
Generative AI in Financial Institutions: Balancing Innovation
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Generative AI is developing at an exciting pace, transforming compliance, risk management, and the customer experience. It's potential also requires...
Understanding Burnout in Our Workforce
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Burnout is affecting everyone in farm credit, from individual contributors and managers to senior leaders. The recent FCCS Employee Engagement surve...
From Setbacks to Strength: The Antifragile Leader's Playbook
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Engaging in deliberate practice, continuous learning, and fostering open communication are critical for building antifragile leadership. Antifragili...
Compassionate Accountability
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Accountability without compassion creates negative cultures that can't retain talent, while compassion without accountability creates avoidant culture...
Developing Adaptable Employees and Teams
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping up with the rapid pace of technology and process changes is a challenge for organizations worldwide. On this episode of The Forward Thinking P...
Be an Employee Recognition Champion
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A company that values and celebrates performance has unlocked the first step to creating a culture that employees resonate with. The transformative po...
2023 Winner of the Accelerator of the Year Allyson Tjoelker
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No matter the team size, a strategic plan, and inspiring vision can go a long way in accelerating a team toward success. On this episode of The Forwar...
Human-Centered Leadership
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Human-centered leadership is the antidote to low employee morale, high turnover rates, weak team dynamics, and negative organizational culture. On thi...
Empathy Based Listening as Your Differentiator
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Empathy-Based Listening (EBL) is the transformative skill that can elevate your leadership and transform your listening skills. On this episode of The...
Plant Your Feet Firmly in Mid-Air: Lead Through Change
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Successful transformations during disruptive change demand a very defined set of behaviors from leaders. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podca...
The Art of Communication Without Coercion
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The power of nonverbal communication is not to be underestimated. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communicat...
Accelerate 2050: The Future of Agriculture
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where is agriculture headed? What developments will shape the future of the ag industry and which technologies will dominate agriculture? On this epis...
Thriving Through Change: Strategies for Change Agility
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Change can be uncomfortable and uncertain, but some strategies and techniques can help build resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected cha...
Unlocking Board Excellence: The Role of a Board Champion
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Boards are critical to the success of an organization. They hold the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and shaping the future of the com...
Your Presence as a Link to Success
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leaders who want to inspire confidence and drive success know that presence is an essential part of their leadership. On this episode of The Forward...
Fostering a Healthier and Happier Workforce
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A healthy intersection of business success and employee wellbeing has reached an all-time critical high. More than ever before, businesses and manag...
The Habit Advantage
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Carefully cultivated positive habits have the power to transform our personal and professional lives. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast,...
Celebrating Successes – The 50th Episode!
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the 50th episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast. Our guest today is THE original guest from episode one, Keynote Speaker Ryan Avery. Ryan ...
How Change Disrupts Industry
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It can be hard to see change coming, but there are patterns in the way change disrupts an industry that, when identified, can help to empower an organ...
Social and Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has been identified by 85% of employers as even more valuable than IQ, but it is often seen as something that you either h...
The Agile Sales Leader Playbook
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's fast-paced sales environment, sales leaders must possess the agility to adapt to a variety of situations. A rigid approach to leadership ma...
Selling in Turbulent Times
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Times of uncertainty can make it very difficult to maintain momentum, but it is in these moments it is crucial that we don't let these disruptions par...
The Hard But Necessary Conversations on Farm Succession Planning
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Between emotional factors, unspoken expectations, and ineffective communication, a family business can be exceptionally difficult to navigate. A lack ...
Leading Through Change, Challenge and Chaos
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's workplace is at a crossroads, and effective leaders need to know how to navigate through change, challenge and chaos. Inspiring hope is the ...
Delivering World-Class Customer Service: Lessons from the Mouse
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Customers today have more choices than ever before, creating a flooded market that is filled with commodities. So what can organizations do to stand...
The Intersection of Climate Risk and Ag Lending
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Climate risk is hardly a new concept, and the ag industry is always looking for ways to mitigate and adapt to the ongoing changes and increased risk e...
Using Data for Recruiting, Development, and Performance Improvement
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Attracting and developing human capital is more critical than ever in today's high demand, low supply talent market. With the help of data assessmen...
The Relationship Between Leadership, Culture, and Behavior
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Culture makes all the difference between teams that thrive and those that struggle. We look to leaders to set the example of culture, but culture is r...
Increase Your Leadership Influence and Impact
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your effectiveness as a leader is only as strong as your ability to influence others. Unfortunately, too many companies aren't giving their leaders ...
Make Your Business Human
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Traditional business success has been defined by profits, but the businesses that are going to succeed in the future are the ones that are thinking mo...
Let's Talk About Stress
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The rapid pace of change and uncertainty in the past few years has brought with it unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety in both professional and...
Create Unforgettable Customer Experiences for a Competitive Advantage
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How, when, and where we buy has changed dramatically in recent years. Winning companies in today's competitive marketplace are the ones that are fast ...
Developing a Personal Learning Strategy for Growth and Advancement
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Successful leaders continually learn, reinvent themselves, and stay open to new and different ways of doing things. In this episode of The Forward Thi...
Mergers Mastered: Expert Advice on Successful Leadership Through a Merger
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special edition episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Jean Cantey Segal, Chief Learning Officer, FCCS welcomes Jay Lux, Vice President...
The State of the US Economy, Agriculture Transportation and the Risks and Opportunities of Climate Change on the Ag Economy
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton is joined by Joe Somers, Director of Consulting in Agribusiness, Chris Varvares...
Wellness in the Digital Revolution
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Jean Cantey Segal, Chief Learning Officer, FCCS, is joined by Scott Klososky, Founding Partner, ...
The Revelation Conversation: Inspire Greater Employee Engagement by Connecting to Purpose
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS welcomes Steve Curtin. Steve has ...
The Connected Leader
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A connected leader is one who is present, vulnerable, and inspiring, and today's digitally distracted and emotionally burnt out teams are looking to t...
Making Customer and Prospect Connections
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Regardless of your position in your organization, you are in sales. As a representative of your company's brand and a customer service representativ...
Creating High Quality Writing That Gets a Response
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With an average of 120 emails received by employees every day, the ability to share information and ideas in an effective way is critical. But what ma...
Building Better Teams with the 2021 Accelerator of the Year Award Recipient
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The FCCS Accelerator of the Year Award is presented to a forward thinking leader who is working to make a difference in their organization by accelera...
Recruit Top Talent and Retain Key Contributors
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With four generations in the workforce, a talent pool that has been shrinking for over 30 years, and over two years of uncertainty and increased stres...
Leadership in the Remote and Hybrid Work Environment
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's been two years since the pandemic required a complete transition to online work, and the benefits and lessons learned from this shift have been e...
Best Practices for Performance Reviews
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year again. Performance reviews are upon us, and without the proper preparation, even the best leaders can miss this valuable opport...
Special Edition: Fireside Chat
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All that has really changed recently is everything. 2022 is a year of new opportunities, and it's all about pressing forward to the future. On tod...
Tools for Effectively Navigating Change
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The last ten years has seen rapid changes to processes, projects and positions. And as essential as it is to keep up with change, it's even more ess...
The Future of Digital Transformation
22 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The future of digital transformation is the future of business, the workforce, and the world. Today's host FCCS Chief Learning Officer Jean Cantey S...
Finding Your Network and Mentoring Others with Janet Riggs
01 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Surrounding yourself with wise mentors and a strong network can be the key to a successful career. But how can you develop these relationships? Toda...
The Art of Small Talk and Networking with Debra Fine
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Conversations — whether you love them or hate them, we all have to participate in them. What feels like a gift to some can be torture for others, ...
Connecting with Clients and Creating a Competitive Advantage with David Avrin
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is customer loyalty dead? With constant disruptions in today's marketplace, companies have to work smarter than ever before to maintain loyalties ...
THE Communication Strategies with Ryan Avery
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How we communicate is how we operate. What does your communication style say about you? Returning to the podcast, our guest Ryan Avery is here to disc...
Leading Courageously and Influencing Your Followers
25 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Courageous leaders are in greater demand today than ever before, but what exactly does such a powerful leader look like? What do they say and how do t...
Bringing an Outside Perspective and New Expertise to the Board
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An overly agreeable board of directors may sound nice, but it is exactly the opposite of what a forward thinking company wants in their boardroom. To ...
An Economic Discussion
21 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The pandemic has impacted every facet of the US economy, leaving economists wondering what exactly the long-term impacts might be. To answer some of t...
Strategically Shaping the Future
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past year, the pandemic required that nearly every aspect of life be put on hold, but the time has come for forward thinking leaders to resum...
Accelerator of the Year Awarded to Byron Enix
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What are you doing in 2021 to accelerate the success and growth of your organization? Effective leaders have a win-win mindset that shows in every asp...
How to Create Distinction with Stories
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can the stories we tell create distinction with our clients? On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communica...
Aligning Culture and Purpose
19 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Company culture has moved to the forefront of every organization's efforts over the last year, and the results have been both valuable and insightful....
Driving Success Through Accountability
05 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Accountability builds trust, creates consistency, and drives success, but how can you increase accountability in your employees? On this episode of Th...
Activate the Prey Drive in You and Your Team
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to take your team beyond motivated to fully activated? The ability to activate the prey drive in your team is the key to building a ...
Developing Leadership Resiliency - Lessons from Lewis & Clark
05 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As leaders continue to guide their teams into the unknown of the future, the most essential leadership skills they need can be found in the past. On t...
Modern Leadership Lessons from a Historic Expedition of Discovery with Sean Murray
22 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this time of pandemic and constant change, today's leaders need to be prepared to face a future that is largely a mystery. There is no greater ex...
The Pandemic Edition with Lisa Cavanaugh
18 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership skills and strengths are more important today than ever before. Increased complexity and volatility in today's world demand that leaders ...
A Roadmap to Digital Transformation with Mark Sievewright
04 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
2021 is just around the corner and for many companies that means preparing a new strategy for a new year. In today's world of fast-moving digital tran...
Harnessing the Power of Human Attention and Focus
20 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's hectic world, with more distractions competing for your attention than ever before, how can you stay focused? How can you get and keep othe...
Breaking World Records and Setting Goals with Ryan Avery
06 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest today is THE Keynote Speaker Ryan Avery. Ryan has been partnering with FCCS for the Go From A Leader to THE Leader Online Strategic Commun...
Welcome to the Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS!
23 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Forward Thinking Podcast, powered by FCCS! This podcast's mission is to inform and inspire in the areas of leadership, employee engagem...