In this episode, my guest is Lauren Van Ewyk, co-founder of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, agricultural mental health advocate, social worker, foster parent, sheep farmer, and PhD student on a mission to give farmers better access to ag-informed therapists. We explore what narcissism has to do with farm family dynamics and why not understanding the truth—that we are fiercely loved and incredibly precious—ultimately blocks us from healthy relationship dynamics and personal growth. This episode is full of practical strategies, insight, and resources to help you navigate the complexities of your life as a farmer. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Lauren Van Ewyk Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:00:30 The story of Elaine’s stuffed sheep 0:02:25 Introduction to Lauren Van Ewyk 0:03:10 What is a narcissist when it comes to farm family dynamics 0:05:48 Helpful language for dealing with feeling attacked 0:07:52 You play an invaluable role in our world and community 0:09:46 Curiosity is a really valuable tool 0:11:24 It’s all about identity 0:14:25 What does ‘dropping a stone’ mean 0:15:44 The impact of generational trauma 0:17:02 Unhelpful guilt and people pleasing 0:19:58 The dark side of resilience and workaholism 0:22:18 How to begin navigating towards a healthy dynamic on the farm
--------
34:46
43: How to Navigate Parents Who Go Soft with Their Children in Transition
In this episode, my guest is Isobel Knight, an Australian succession planning specialist and owner and director of ProAgtive - Australia’s leading farm family transition planning business. Isobel specializes in ensuring that the next generation has an opportunity to participate in agriculture and believes that valuing family above all else is the key to future success. We will explain what it means when mom and dad “go soft” during the farm transition, plus the consequences of not having a family-centred process in place for the next generation. We will discuss how succession planning is not a single event, but an ongoing process, which, if started early enough, can protect farm family members (particularly mom and dad) when they’re at their worst and most vulnerable. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Isobel Knight Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:00:30 Introduction of Isabel Knight and her background in farming 0:01:14 Isabel discusses her family farm history and challenges in farm succession 0:07:08 Explanation of Proactive's approach to farm transition 0:09:25 Detailed process of gathering information, including questionnaires and financial analysis 0:15:13 Discussion on "going soft" with children in farm transition 0:18:24 Strategies for helping parents align and plan for their future 0:22:16 Importance of integrating business, succession, and estate plans 0:25:07 Challenges of making decisions after losing a spouse 0:28:54 Closing advice on prioritizing parents' needs in farm transition
--------
30:12
42: Servant Hearted Leadership for Your Farm
In this episode, my guest is Andrew Leikvoll, a leadership coach based in west central Minnesota. Andrew is part of the team at Triune Leadership Serves, a coaching and consulting organization based entirely around servant leadership. We discuss what is at the heart of servant leadership and why the culture of leading with love accounts for the tendency of servant-led organizations to outperform and thrive in the long run. We talk about how micromanaging is robbing the next generation of their innovative energy, and why being able to clearly articulate your business (not your personal) purpose, vision, and values, is crucial in your ability to show people why their role matters and how it may (or may not be) aligned with the overarching purpose of the business. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Andrew Leikvoll Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:00:36 Introduction of Andrew Leikvoll and discussion of servant leadership 0:08:31 Discussing personal identity separate from work 0:10:24 Accountability and keeping people aligned with core values 0:14:04 Living in the past and delaying progress in agriculture 0:21:18 Importance of relationships in leadership 0:22:53 Biblical perspective on leadership styles 0:27:31 Coaching strategies for improving generational relationships in family businesses 0:32:45 Discussion of love, patience, and commitment in relationships 0:35:36 Examples of successful people-first companies
--------
38:32
41: How to Find a Peer Group
In this episode, my guest is Matt Boos, founder of Agrigrowth Consulting, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We discuss the power of peer groups and why surrounding yourself with people with positive mindsets, who genuinely want to cheer you on, is a game-changer when it comes to personal growth. We explore the benefits of joining a peer group with folks of different perspectives and varying levels of experience, as well as the little mindset shifts and decisions you can make to buy back truly valuable time. We also cover why the Law of Reciprocity and providing value without expectation is so important in the realm of self-development. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Matt Boos Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:00:30 Introduction to Matt Boos 0:03:56 What is a peer group and why is it so powerful? 0:07:16 Learning from failures and successes 0:07:42 Understanding your value 0:10:13 The guidelines that need to be in place for peer groups 0:12:28 Matt’s new peer group 0:15:08 Leveraging AI to alleviate the things we’re not good at 0:20:02 The antidote to overcome barriers to establishing peer groups 0:20:53 The power of bringing together different perspectives 0:23:49 The success of all vs the individual 0:24:37 The Law of Reciprocity 0:26:32 Diversified revenue streams 0:29:07 How Matt stays in the lane of positivity 0:29:33 Peer groups are like a secret society 0:31:44 Getting more “time currency” 0:35:33 Stacking habits and total transparency 0:41:42 Comparison is a joy stealer
--------
47:04
40: Cultivating Early Succession Planning
In this episode, my guest is Ben Law, former financial advisor turned podcaster and strategic coach for agribusinesses and the rural community - helping them grow, protect, and transition family wealth by addressing the problems and pitfalls of succession. We discuss the importance of preparing the next generation to be good custodians of wealth by cultivating early succession planning. We also explore how fear, language, and financial transparency all play a role in whether or not a farm family thrives. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how the combination of wealth, wisdom, and wellness are key factors in the overall success of high-performance farm families. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Ben Law Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - join the waitlist for the Farm Family Harmony Membership RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:00:30 Introduction to Ben Law 0:05:58 Why some farm families thrive and others don’t 0:08:03 The 3 factors of wealth, wisdom, and wellness 0:010:06 Being proactive vs reactive 0:12:41 High-performing families are built, not born 0:15:37 How Ben got clarity on his new identity 0:18:00 Using language to understand what someone truly wants 0:23:30 How to address to fear of failure 0:27:30 The telltale signs that a succession either will or won’t be successful 0:30:43 Why all generations need to be at the table (including both on and off-farm siblings) 0:35:20 It’s the unsaid things that are the problem 0:36:39 How can you add value to the farm as an off-farm family member? 0:41:09 A hopeful message to any despondent mom’s
Get personal with Elaine Froese, Canada's Farm Whisperer, in Farm Family Harmony, where no farm topic is taboo! Whether it's about a Daughter-In-Law feeling left out of the farm family, which sibling gets the family farm, or when it's time to tell Mom and Dad to respectfully retire, Elaine covers the crucial conversations every farm family needs to have.
New Zealand