Olson Focusing on the Future

May 17, 2021

Food System Spotlight: Focusing on the Future

A conversation with Steve Olson, CEO & Agricultural Strategist, Steve Olson Consulting

Steve Olson is the type of person who loves to peer over the horizon. Energized by what could be, he doesn’t focus on what’s in front of him right now. Instead, he thinks about tackling the challenges of tomorrow. As an agricultural consultant and leadership coach, Steve is passionate about helping his clients create long-term impact and build momentum for the future.

With more than 25 years of experience, Steve is uniquely positioned to provide guidance, insight and support, as an advisor for the Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) program. We spoke with Steve to learn more about the importance of focusing on your strengths, and why he believes the IFSL program provides future leaders with the mindset they need to take on the growing challenges of the global food system.

Tell us about your career journey and your current role as an agricultural consultant.

Growing up in northern Minnesota, I’ve been involved with the agriculture industry my entire life. I graduated with a double major in agricultural education and agricultural economics – with a plan of becoming a high school teacher. Although I eventually decided teaching wasn’t for me, I’ve been able to continue educating and supporting others through a different career path.

After beginning my career in public policy and then moving on to the business and marketing side of the industry, I spent 19 years as the executive director of five poultry organizations collaborating with members, industry, government, and academia to address industry challenges.

In my current role, I work with agricultural organizations struggling with how to effectively address ever-changing, external pressures such as consumer preferences, regulations, and global influences. I facilitate strategic discussions to help them clarify issues, identify options, make decisions, and implement solutions faster.

Can you share an example of something you’re working on now with a client?

One initiative I’m really excited about is my work with the Poultry Science Association to create a Think Tank. They’ve identified an opportunity to position themselves as more of a thought leader for their partners. They want to be known across the industry as a resource for identifying and solving problems.

For the Think Tank, we’ll bring in experts in two high priority areas – poultry welfare and food safety – to have a deeper discussion and think more strategically about the issues. Where do we need to go? How will science and research help us get there? I expect this process will lead to increased collaboration in problem solving for the future.

The challenges of this past year have required us to be agile and resilient. How do you believe unexpected career shifts due to changes in the industry can lead to positive outcomes?

There is always going to be transformation in our industry. You have to embrace change, even if it was unexpected. A shift in your career gets you to look at yourself more closely. What am I good at? Where do I want to be? Each of us has unique strengths and talents. If we work in areas that are stronger for us, we tend to be happier and more successful.

I believe IFSL program graduates are better positioned to lead in the industry through change because they see the whole system. They see where potential opportunities are and where their strengths can add the most value.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge future leaders of food systems will need to address?

There is a lot of information out there coming from a variety of sources and this can create a storm of misinformation. As an industry, we need to figure out how to stay ahead of it. We need to make sure consumers understand what we are doing and why we are doing it. When consumers are misinformed about how we produce food, it’s a disservice to them and it’s certainly a disservice to the agriculture and food production industry.

What skills will future food system leaders need to address this challenge?

I think we’ll need the ability to collaborate and solve problems from a selfless standpoint. Expanding our perspective in understanding a problem leads to more effective solutions.

 


Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program
Designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers, the IFSL program is a unique graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the food system. Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the September cohort. Download a program brochure or schedule a consultation call for more information.