{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"2023 Winner of the Accelerator of the Year Allyson Tjoelker","description":"No matter the team size, a strategic plan, and inspiring vision can go a long way in accelerating a team toward success. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton welcomes Allyson Tjoelker, SVP, Mission and YBS Lending for Capital Farm Credit and winner of the Accelerator of the Year Award. Allyson shares more about her professional journey and her YBS work for Capital. She highlights her tactics for developing a strategic vision from day one, offers strategies for supporting the next generation, and underscores the importance of developing a forward-thinking and collaborative leadership style.   Episode Insights Include:   Developing a strategic vision  Assessing the situation at the beginning will help everyone start on the right foot. Meet with as many people as possible to understand the team environment and team member\u2019s perspectives on its general health. Form an internal advisory group of champions who can advocate and steer the team toward success. Ask for input from team members about what might work and what might not work. Create an external advisory committee that can brainstorm solutions and provide feedback. Lean on your network to gain insights into successful programs.   Strategies for supporting the next generation Identify who the target audience is. You can\u2019t start too young \u2013 support youth in agriculture from an early age. Consider the three buckets of initiatives \u2013 education, outreach, and financial solutions. You will experience greater success when you are willing to share your vision and your resources. Marketing to the next generation needs to be intentional and impactful. Effective educational conferences highlight both marketing and succession planning. Youth educational offerings can engage the next generation from a middle school level.   Executing and meeting goals as a one-person team The YBS forum has been key in supporting Allyson\u2019s efforts. Empowering others to share their passion can lead to great results. Leadership support is a critical component of YBS and next-generation success initiatives.   Overcoming the challenges of being a one-person team The desire to grow is not always matched by the manpower, but Allyson hasn\u2019t let that slow her down. Finding the balance of excellence within the constraints of a strategic plan is essential to success. Consider a bigger perspective when facing challenges and keep moving forward. Lean on your bigger network and recognize that you are part of something impactful. Look at the strengths of others and then empower them.   Allyson\u2019s leadership advice Give yourself grace at every stage of your career. Solicit advice from people you admire. Listen, listen, listen to others. Trust in your leadership style. Ask for help where help is needed.   This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Allyson Tjoelker\u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   Get in touch   info@fccsconsulting.com   \u201cIn the farm credit system, we\u2019re all in this together.\u201d \u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t be where we are today if I didn\u2019t have the support from some of the people outside of our association that had been there and done this before.\u201d \u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   \u201cYou\u2019ve got to cast a wider net in order to get your vision and your resources out there.\u201d \u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   \u201cFirst you have to meet where people are, and then explain how you can help them.\u201d \u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   \u201cWe have to have that messaging and support from the top consistently.\u201d \u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   \u201cFind solutions, be creative, and keep moving forward.\u201d \u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   \u201cAsk for help. Nothing of significance is ever accomplished alone.\u201d \u2014 Allyson Tjoelker   ","author_name":"The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS","author_url":"https:\/\/www.fccsconsulting.com\/podcast","html":"