Legacy, Humility, and Building Up the Next Generation with Neil Schuller & Mark Hobrock

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this powerhouse conversation, Mark Jewell sits down with Neil and Mark of The Andersons for a deep dive into intentional leadership, team development, and cultivating a culture that outlives any one leader.

Together, they reflect on decades of experience in agribusiness, revealing how communication, humility, structure, and a relentless commitment to people-first values have shaped one of the most respected organizations in the industry. If you're leading through growth, change, or succession—this episode is packed with wisdom you don't want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Leadership Starts with Vision and Rhythm

Both Neil and Mark stress the importance of building consistent communication rhythms and having clarity around values and goals. Intentionality isn't just a buzzword—it's how you lead teams through complexity without losing your center.

Empowerment Over Micromanagement

True leadership means creating space for others to grow. Neil and Mark model a hands-off, eyes-on approach—coaching, not controlling—and emphasize that empowering younger leaders requires letting go of ego and embracing vulnerability.

Culture Doesn’t Live on the Wall—It Lives in Action

The Andersons' Statement of Principles is more than a document; it’s a living culture reflected in how people lead, communicate, and show up daily. Leadership that walks the talk creates retention, attraction, and trust.

Entrepreneurial Spirit with Guardrails

Leaders at The Andersons are encouraged to think like owners—each profit center runs like its own business. But that freedom is grounded in strong values, intentional mentoring, and clear alignment with the company’s bigger mission.

Work-Life Balance is Real—If You Design for It

From missed ballgames to strategic delegation, both leaders open up about the tension between achievement and presence. Their reminder? If you don’t schedule space to recharge, the business will take it all.

Notable Quotes:

• “For my team to become more, I had to become less.” – Neil Schuller
• “Culture isn’t in a file cabinet. It’s what people see, feel, and experience every day.” – Mark Hobrock
• “Entrepreneurial energy has to be supported by vision, communication, and trust.” – Neil Schuller
• “Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s what makes our teams stronger.” – Mark Hobrock
• “If the customer is winning, the employee wins, the community wins, and the shareholder wins. But it has to happen in that order.” – Mark Hobrock

Action Steps:

• Set a weekly rhythm of 1:1s and team communication—face-to-face if possible
• Revisit your organization’s core values and ask: Are we living these daily or just quoting them?
• Identify a younger leader you can mentor or empower more this month
• Start your day with clarity: Write down your top 3 priorities the night before
• Create space for team feedback and new ideas—especially from unexpected voices
• Schedule intentional time to reconnect with your family, hobbies, and personal priorities

Listen If You Are:

• A senior leader focused on legacy, culture, and succession
• Navigating burnout, delegation, or team disengagement
• Looking to develop the next generation of leaders in your business
• Craving practical, grounded wisdom from two seasoned agribusiness pros
• Ready to bridge work and life without losing your edge in either

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business. 👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025