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_outlineCarefully cultivated positive habits have the power to transform our personal and professional lives. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by FCCS Senior Consultant and Director Jeannie Clinkenbeard. Jeannie is also the lead facilitator of the FCCS Leading Self and Leading Leaders Programs. Together Stephanie and Jeannie explore actionable strategies and expert advice to help positive transformation through the power of habits. They discuss the potential for continuous growth and achievement with the habit-building secrets that can elevate your career and enrich your professional and personal journey.
Episode Insights Include:
The significance of habits
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Habits are rated as one of the top key indicators of professional and personal success.
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Habits are rated as more important than luck or talent.
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When you can change your habits, you can change your life.
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Habits are the key to success, performance, and even team culture.
Cultivating team habits
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Leaders can cultivate strong habits by asking their team what their desired future looks like.
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Consider what habits need to be developed to create the future you are looking for.
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Help team members identify the habits that will help them reach future goals.
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If you want to change your life, you have to change your habits. The same applies to team habits.
Overcoming habit roadblocks
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Consider the rewards for performing either good or bad habits.
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Identify the emotions that are attached to the habit as well as ways to replace the bad for the good.
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Imagine a circle that loops from the cue to the routine to the reward of a habit.
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Set up your habit loop so that it continually works in your favor.
Identifying and implementing positive habits
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Health, diet, and productivity are common areas where people want to improve habits.
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Prioritize your top three must-do’s for each day and the associated reward for achieving them.
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Maintain habit consistency by either increasing the reward or decreasing the effort.
Habit building as a leader
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Leaders need to consider habits as not just what they do, but who they are as leaders.
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Consider the mental reward of maintaining your habits – habits represent mental strength.
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Leverage habits to drive team growth in positive ways.
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Ask other leaders what habits have made the greatest impact on their leadership.
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Solicit actionable feedback from your professional circle.
This podcast is powered by FCCS.
Resources
Connect with Jeannie Clinkenbeard- Jeannie Clinkenbeard
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“If you want to change your life, you’ve got to change your habits.” — Jeannie Clinkenbeard
“A successful habit has to be specific and it has to be doable.” — Jeannie Clinkenbeard
“Consider if your reward is big enough and if your habit is small enough.” — Jeannie Clinkenbeard
“Good habits tend to create other good habits.” — Jeannie Clinkenbeard
“Don’t diminish small, consistent actions over time. They are what makes up your success.” — Jeannie Clinkenbeard