The Oxford Dictionary defines transformation as “a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.” During our recent visit to Southside Virginia, transformation—and transformative mindsets—were the underlying themes at every stop. The ability to recognize a changing industrial landscape and adjust the direction or thought process of a facility to maximize outcomes is an extraordinary… Continue reading Transformation
To prepare for our fourth seminar (time flies when you’re having fun!) we were asked to watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, “Start with Why”. He described how successful businesses, leaders, social movements, etc., more so focus on the “why” or purpose when communicating their products, organizations, events. “Why” is central, whereas “how” and “what” are… Continue reading What, How and Why: Where do you start to make the most impact?
The Oxford Dictionary defines sustainability in two ways: the ability to continue over time, and the ability to cause little or no environmental damage—thus enabling long-term continuation. Class VII's regional US trip was a resounding example of these two definitions. After spending six days on the road—starting in Winchester, traveling through the Finger Lakes Region… Continue reading Sustainability
During a recent state-level engagement we hosted in Suffolk with Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the event began with a few remarks from Mayor Mike Duman. Standing before a room of farmers, policymakers, and community leaders, he said, It’s a true pleasure to welcome you all here today in the heart of Suffolk, where… Continue reading What Suffolk’s Fields Are Teaching Me About Leadership, Policy, and Stewardship
One of my favorite shows growing up was Friends, a sitcom following six adults and their day-to-day antics. In one episode, now made into viral memes, Ross recruits Rachel and Chandler to move his new couch up flights of apartment building stairs. Sketch in hand with no concrete plan, Ross says, “follow my lead” and… Continue reading In the words of Ross, “PIVOT!”
There’s something about agriculture that forces you to be adaptable. Weather, markets, legislation — it’s a field (pun intended) where change is the only constant. So, it felt appropriate that our third VALOR VII seminar in Richmond began with yet another set of curveballs: a snowstorm, a power outage, and a city-wide boil water advisory. … Continue reading Boiling Water and Bourbon: A VALOR Seminar in Richmond
I grew up about 25 minutes outside of Washington D.C. and almost always our class would attend a yearly school trip to one of the museums downtown- ugh, another trip to the Smithsonian?! When family and friends from across the country or around the world would visit, we would usually take them boating on the… Continue reading Seeds, Swine and the Shore
Another VALOR seminar has come and gone. As I reflect on our time in Richmond, exploring topics in legislative advocacy and policy development, I am blown away by the meaningful learning opportunities and connections that took place over the course of just three days, from the hallowed halls of the Governors Cabinet Room to the… Continue reading Seminar III: Legislative Advocacy & Policy Development (Richmond)
My name is Marie Schirmacher and I sometimes consider myself relatively new to agriculture. After graduating college, I was an admissions advisor for a few years. While I traveled to high schools and spoke with students, in the beginning I would ask “what do you want to do when you graduate?”. (I later realized this… Continue reading It’s not dirt, it’s soil: my journey to soils, agriculture and leadership
My first seminar didn’t get off to the best start. My day started in the airport at 4:45am with a flight delay that would ultimately not allow me to connect with my classmates until after 8pm. While the day was largely frustrating, I will never forget the warm reception from my classmates when I finally… Continue reading Soybean and Purple Ice Cream
valeadersor.com 