In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren talks with Sarah Billings, CEO of Centrol Ag Consulting. Sarah Billings shares her unique journey from small-town Minnesota to leading a company that helps farmers grow better crops using smart science and technology. They talk about how farm consulting is like being a "doctor for crops," giving advice but not selling products, which helps keep their recommendations unbiased. Sarah explains how farming is full of new technology, including GPS-guided tractors and data-driven approaches to make fields more efficient. She shares how her experience working "in the dirt" helps her connect with her team and understand their challenges. The two discuss the importance of building trust with both farmers and younger employees, and the value of sharing knowledge across generations. Leadership advice highlights staying flexible, always learning, and not being afraid to ask questions. Sarah Billings uses simple metaphors, like choosing between a hat, a haircut, or a tattoo, to talk about decision-making risks. Throughout, she stresses helping others succeed, whether it's farmers, co-workers, or the next generation, and encourages emerging leaders to get comfortable being a little uncomfortable to grow. 3 Key Listener Takeaways Here are three key takeaways for leaders in any industry: 1. Build Trust Through Experience: Walking the fields before stepping into the boardroom helped me "speak the language" of my team and clients. Credibility is earned by sharing in the real work. 2. Embrace Change & Technology: The Ag industry isn't just legacy, it's cutting edge. Staying curious and integrating new tools and thinking keeps you and your business ahead of the curve. 3. Culture Unlocks Growth: Even in a geographically spread-out company, fostering open communication and a willingness to ask questions drives collaboration, innovation, and individual development. Show Overview 00:00 Crop health checks for farmers 05:48 Learning about soybean farming 07:41 Discovering a passion for agriculture 10:52 Precision farming technology 13:01 Connecting with employees and farmers 17:09 Building trust and company culture 20:02 Building trust with your team 25:22 Building culture across distances 27:28 Making thoughtful vs. quick decisions 31:53 Framing the mission in agriculture 36:04 Recruiting young farmers today 38:31 Promoting employee ownership benefits 43:10 Reflecting on curiosity and confidence 44:42 Advice for young CEOs