Leading Through Change, Challenge and Chaos
The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS
Release Date: 08/25/2023
The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS
In today’s dynamic lending environment, meeting client needs requires more than individual excellence; it demands shared ownership and accountability across every level of the organization. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Mike Evans, author and speaker on leadership, and speaker at the upcoming Sales Leaders Conference. He shares insights into building resilient, accountable and high-performing teams in an increasingly complex and demanding landscape, and what leaders can do to increase accountability on...
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Forward thinking leaders know that fostering innovation, developing company culture and effective communication always starts at the top. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Tom Truitt, CEO of Horizon Farm Credit and winner of the FCCS 2024 Accelerator of the Year Award. Together, they define acceleration in the face of organizational change, consider what it takes to foster innovation from the top down, and discuss some of the valuable leadership lessons that Tom has learned over the years. He shares the...
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From cloud confusion to AI overload, tech myths can hold teams back from working smarter, faster and more securely. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Egnyte Banking and Credit Practice Lead Charlotte Li. Together they dive into the world of digital transformation and unpack some of the most common – and costly – misconceptions. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to keep up with the myriad of changing tools, this conversation conquers the myths and offers the facts you need to make clear and...
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In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 FCCS Learning Conference, host Stephanie Barton, SVP of Marketing and Communications for FCCS sits down with keynote speaker Tom Morrison to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern organizations—and how leaders can harness it to expand capacity, not replace people. “As leaders, we need to focus on sharpening the uniquely human skills that matter most—strategic thinking, relationship building, and emotional intelligence. Let AI handle the tactical, repetitive tasks so we can devote more time and energy to the...
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Obstacles and challenges are inevitable, but what if they are a catalyst for growth, opportunities, and transformation? This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and speaker, coach and thought leader Rousawn Dozier. Together, they consider the possibilities of navigating adversity with courage and confidence. They explore what happens when you face adversity head on, the power of shifting your perspective, and the opportunities that appear when you choose to embrace obstacles. Episode Insights Include: ...
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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 back innovation and an environment of psychological safety is key to cultivating a courageous culture that fosters innovation. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Karin Hurt, Founder and CEO of Let's Grow Leaders and instructor in the FCCS Leading Leaders program. Together, they explore ways leaders can build courageous cultures that encourage innovation, create...
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Generative AI is developing at an exciting pace, transforming compliance, risk management, and the customer experience. It’s potential also requires financial institutions to navigate ethical dilemmas, security risks, and implementation challenges. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Kris Stewart, a certified regulatory compliance manager, product manager, attorney and business leader for Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions for a conversation about the power and possibilities of generative AI in financial...
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Burnout is affecting everyone in farm credit, from individual contributors and managers to senior leaders. The recent FCCS Employee Engagement survey revealed that while everyone is feeling burnout, the why behind burnout varies based on each individual association This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and FCCS Organizational Development Consultant Angie Coleman unpack the data from this survey, define what burnout looks like across different roles, and explore what organizations can do to combat burnout, improve...
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Engaging in deliberate practice, continuous learning, and fostering open communication are critical for building antifragile leadership. Antifragility challenges the way leaders think about resilience, adaptability, and growth. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Nicole Brusewitz, VP of Leadership Development, Learning and Consulting Services at FCCS. Together they discuss a superior approach to resilience – one that doesn’t just withstand uncertainty but thrives in it. Episode Insights Include:...
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Accountability without compassion creates negative cultures that can’t retain talent, while compassion without accountability creates avoidant cultures that can’t perform. The need for both compassion and accountability is greater than ever before. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Nathan Regier, CEO of Next Element and author of Compassionate Accountability. Together they consider the importance of combining human connection and accountability in performance in ways that benefit all involved...
info_outlineToday’s workplace is at a crossroads, and effective leaders need to know how to navigate through change, challenge and chaos. Inspiring hope is the best way to impact meaningful change, and today’s guest is an expert on the topic of hope. In this episode of The Forward Thinking podcast, host Stephanie Barton, VP of Marketing and Communications at FCCS sits down with executive coach and leadership expert Libby Gill. Together they discuss the power of hope, the inspiration leaders need to offer, and the importance of effective communication when navigating a team through times of challenge and change.
Episode Insights Include:
Leading with Hope Theory
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Hope theory examines your agency and pathways to a goal and determines your confidence level in executing change.
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Science is the key driver behind this theory.
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Hope offers improved health, finances, and mortality rates.
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When leaders role model hope, entire organizations are lifted up.
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Leaders have to teach, coach and model the growth mindset.
Finding greater purpose in work
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When you connect people with the end goal, you increase their vision and purpose.
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People who recognize that they are solving problems are more successful in their work.
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It is the responsibility of leaders to connect the dots between people and purpose.
Overcoming the challenges of change
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Change is constant and increasing- the rate of change right now is probably the slowest it will ever be again.
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The belief that change is possible is the first step.
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A growth mindset is essential to effective change.
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The habits that we subscribe to might need to be altered in order to make effective change.
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Include more voices in communicating needed change.
Creating more effective communication
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Leaders can’t really over-communicate to their teams.
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Shout-outs and positive feedback are a great way to improve communication.
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Ask employees what kind of communication they prefer and switch it up between email, video, and in person.
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Employees want to know what’s in it for them.
Tactics for embracing change
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Frame change as an actionable process that has a clear path.
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Limit the change time period to 12-18 months to limit overwhelm.
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Breakdown action items into smaller steps for an easier approach.
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Reflect on what needs to happen on your team and if what you are focusing on will get you there.
Discover your leadership superpower
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Consider what you already bring to the table with your virtues and talents.
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Great leaders know what they are great at.
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Leaders need to be known for what they are great at and communicate it with others.
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Leaders ask for feedback and implement change afterward.
This podcast is powered by FCCS.
Resources
Learn more about the FCCS Farm Credit Sales Leader Conference- https://www.fccsconsulting.com/conferences/sales-leaders-conference
Connect with Libby Gill - Libby Gill
Get in touch
[email protected]