{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Tom Truitt's Leadership Journey","description":" 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 importance of communication, the value of always keeping the why in mind, and the forward-thinking challenge that he poses for leaders today as well as in the future.    Episode Insights Include:   The spirit of growth and innovation  At Horizon, implementing processes and technology is all about adding value.  Focusing on the success of people is their core initiative.  Ask yourself \u2013 why should people want to do business with our company?  The go-to-market strategy will continue to change and require effective storytelling.    Defining acceleration in the face of organizational change The customers and market that companies are facing today is different from before.  Customers are more demanding than ever, and expect exceptional service.  Barriers when trying to accelerate change include complacency and risk-aversion.  AI is an additional acceleration that companies are working to navigate.    Valuable leadership lessons Tom has learned that not everyone is like him. Every person in an organization is on their own journey.  Everyone has different motivators, and each staff member deserves a personalized development plan.  Mentors play a critical role in career success.    Fostering innovation from the top down Communication is key in any success in life.  Getting any company moving forward requires communicating a vision.  Connect the dots from the work that you do to how it improves your customer\u2019s experience.  Communication takes consistent care and feeding every day.    Overcoming challenges in leadership Management changes, mergers and technology all create challenges.  Change allows opportunities to reset the vision.  Staying focused is easier when you see the wins.    Collaboration in the acceleration of progress Identify the benefits of each person\u2019s expertise.  Silo-busting is critical at every level, as is building internal trust.  Bringing the value down to the family farm is essential.  Understanding the why will benefit every level of the organization.    Creating culture  Fundamentally, culture represents how you treat each other and your customers.  Failing fast will help minimize the fear of failure.  Resources and time are essential to successful cultivation of culture.  Spend just as much time in the back office as you do in the front office.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Tom Truitt \u2014 Tom Truitt   Get in touch   info@fccsconsulting.com   \u201cThe biggest luxury we have is our success.\u201d \u2014 Tom Truitt    \u201cEveryone is not like me. Everyone is on their own journey.\u201d \u2014 Tom Truitt    \u201cGetting your company moving forward is all about communicating that vision.\u201d \u2014 Tom Truitt    \u201cCommunication takes consistent care and feeding every day.\u201d \u2014 Tom Truitt    \u201cChange allows opportunities to reset the vision.\u201d \u2014 Tom Truitt  ","author_name":"The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS","author_url":"https:\/\/www.fccsconsulting.com\/podcast","html":"