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Podcast Description: In this heartfelt episode of Coffee in the Barn, Lori Stevermer shares her inspiring journey in the agricultural sector, offering reflections on leadership, personal growth, and the intricacies of raising pigs and managing pork operations. Lori draws on her extensive experience in the swine industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities she encountered while working with pork production and animal nutrition. She provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of agriculture, the importance of animal welfare, and the role women play in shaping the pork industry's future.

Lori’s passion for the industry shines through as she recounts the lessons learned from working on farms, raising pigs, and ensuring high-quality pork production. She highlights the importance of understanding animal behavior, feed nutrition, and the delicate balance needed to raise healthy animals while managing complex agricultural businesses. Through her anecdotes, Lori emphasizes the need for women to step into leadership roles in agriculture, advocating for diversity and mentorship across genders.

Whether it's navigating the demands of farm life or pushing for innovation in pork production, Lori’s journey is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the impact of the swine industry on modern agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

1. Overcoming Self-Imposed Barriers: Lori speaks to the internal challenges women often face, including self-doubt and the difficulty of stepping into new leadership roles. She reflects on the importance of mindset, encouraging listeners to evaluate their willingness to pursue growth, even if it comes with sacrifices.
2. The Power of Support Systems: A key theme is the importance of having a supportive environment—both at work and home—to achieve personal and professional goals. Lori emphasizes the value of mentors and colleagues who actively check in and help hold you accountable.
3. Balancing Growth with Personal Priorities: Lori candidly addresses the hard decisions women face when balancing leadership opportunities with family commitments. Through personal examples and those of colleagues, she explores how to assess what is worth sacrificing for career advancement and the importance of maintaining personal values.
4. Continuous Learning and Development: Lori highlights the importance of investing in oneself, not just through formal education but by finding opportunities for personal development in everyday experiences. Whether through mentorship, on-the-job training, or self-study, growth should be a constant goal.
5. Embracing Vulnerability: Finally, Lori encourages embracing vulnerability as part of leadership. By sharing her own experiences of discomfort and failure, she provides a roadmap for navigating similar situations and emerging stronger.

Join us in this thoughtful episode as Lori Stevermer inspires both women and men to take the next step in their leadership journey.

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