Adam Litle: Reflecting Before Taking Action

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark engages in a stimulating conversation with Adam Litle, the CEO of Sound Agriculture. Beginning with Adam's definition of intentionality—taking a step back to reflect before acting—the discussion traverses through his intriguing transition from finance to agriculture, driven by a desire for impact and purpose. Adam shares insights into Sound Agriculture's innovative approach, focusing on their lead product, Source, which activates soil microbes to enhance nutrient absorption, setting it apart in the competitive ag-biotech landscape.

Throughout the episode, Adam delves deep into the unique challenges and rewards of building and leading an ag tech company. He emphasizes the importance of mission-driven work in the agriculture sector and shares practical strategies for attracting and retaining talent. The conversation also covers culture-building practices within Sound Agriculture, such as using Culture Amp for measuring employee engagement and tying performance reviews to adherence to company values. Adam further reflects on the significance of leading by example and the lasting impact of mentoring others in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Intentional Leadership: Adam stresses the importance of being intentional by taking a step back to reflect before making decisions.
• Innovative Products: Sound Agriculture's flagship product, Source, leverages soil microbes to increase nutrient uptake, boasting a unique positioning in the ag-biotech sector.
• Mission-Driven Culture: Effective talent attraction and retention in ag tech hinge on a deeply ingrained mission that resonates with employees.
• Measuring Engagement: Using tools like Culture Amp to gauge employee satisfaction and cultural alignment is crucial for sustained growth and success.
• Leadership Legacy: Adam values the success of his team members and mentees, seeing their achievements as a reflection of effective leadership.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Intentional means taking a beat and stepping back and considering something before I say it." - Adam Litle
2. "I wanted to get closer to an operational role, something where you control your own destiny a little bit." - Adam Litle
3. "If you are not of that organization, what would be different?" - Adam Litle
4. "I think it's critical to see what good looks like and learn from that." - Adam Litle
5. "How you live the values on your annual review impacts your promotion path and how much you're paid." - Adam Litle

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, where we continue to explore the stories and strategies of leaders shaping the future of agriculture. Don't miss out on the invaluable lessons and inspiring journeys of our esteemed guests!