Everyone has opinions on the food and agriculture industry. Rather that be tariffs, market prices, the use of fertilizers, animal husbandry, or all of the above. Disagreements are everywhere.

But what if all of these differences in opinions could lead to constructive conversations and innovative ideas that lead the industry forward? 

In the episode Leading Across Differences of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Krysta reflects on monumental moments in here career where having tough conversations and listening to diverse perspectives led to positive change.  

As she looked back, there were a few key skills that Krysta developed that can help you – a future leader in food and agriculture- grow into the kind of leader who can bridge divides.  

1. Listen to Learn 

“I'll talk about listening with a capital L, which is listening to learn. You've got to know there are people around you that can teach you something no matter where you are in your career. And then take the time, listen to them, learn from them.” 

When you take the time listen to others and learn from them, everyone involved can accomplish more. Listening to others may include those more advanced in their career with great knowledge or could be those with a different perspective. Either way, listening to learn provides the opportunity to challenge your perspective. 

Try this in your next group project. Instead of jumping to defend your idea, pause and ask, “What am I missing?” You may discover a stronger solution together. 

2. Be Self-Aware 

“You have to have confidence about the things you do know, and you have to understand your own talents and your own strengths. But also know your weaknesses and recognize that there are others who may actually know more than you and about specific things.” 

Having the confidence to lean into your weaknesses can open the door for collaboration, mentorship, and growth. Self-awareness isn’t about doubting yourself—it’s about knowing where you shine and where you need others’ strengths. 

3. Find Common Ground and Compromise 

“When you stop to say, maybe I'm not absolutely right and you're not absolutely wrong and both people can admit that. I think you have a better chance of finding a compromise and finding in a solution that could possibly work for both.” 

Through Krysta’s career advocating for change in polarizing industries, she learned the value of compromising. It is not always about having a winner and a loser. Sometimes, the most progress comes from pulling together the best ideas from both sides and moving forward.  

Whether it’s planning an event with your peers or debating industry topics in class, don’t just aim to win—aim to find a solution that serves everyone.  

4. Respect Different Perspectives 

“I've managed international staffs in many of my jobs. I have learned that people are people. They require the same level of respect, the same level of understanding, the same level of trust, no matter what the language is or where they grew up. Good people are everywhere.” 

Leading international teams has taught Krysta that respecting different perspectives is essential. Diverse experiences bring fresh ideas, cultural insights and a wider lens to problem-solving. 

You don’t have to work with an international team to notice differences. Start to surround yourself with peers from different states, majors or interest areas. What can you learn from them? 

5. Practice Patience and Persistence 

“Just keeping the door open… Let's go all think about it. Let's look at it from different perspectives. Let's do our homework. Let's look at more data. Let's look at more science. Let's think about repercussions and possible solutions, and we'll come back to the table.” 

Progress rarely happens overnight. Krysta compared leadership to a ballgame—you win by scoring singles and doubles as much as by hitting home runs. Sometimes the win is simply keeping the door open for the next conversation. 

Maybe you don’t get the internship you wanted or your class grade is not where you want it to be. Be patient and put the work in to be ready for the next application or quiz.  

Krysta’s reminder that urban versus rural, party against party, family member against family is a challenge to today’s future leaders. The divides are real. But the skills she’s lived show us how we can all come together to move pass the challenges facing food and agriculture today.  

If you’re stepping into agriculture and leadership, the takeaway is simple: tough conversations aren’t something to avoid. They’re opportunities to learn, to innovate and to bring people together. If you can practice these skills now you can play a part in building a stronger, more united future for agriculture. 

To hear more of Krysta’s experience as a powerhouse in agricultural policy and leading changing for the industry, check out her episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast.