Top 5 Attributes We Need from Future Food System Leaders

The global food system is facing an immense task – feeding almost 10 billion people by 2050 in a way that preserves and sustains the planet. That’s no small feat, by any measure. We will need future food leaders who are equipped with these top five attributes to face this enormous challenge effectively.

A collaborative approach. Creating a hunger-free world with sustainable food production will take all sizes, styles, and means of food production. Every production system - large and small, local and global, conventional and organic - plays a role in achieving a hunger-free and equitable food system. We all need to work together and align on our solutions.

A holistic view. Leaders need to be able to see the big picture. When leaders understand how to proactively address interdependencies across the entire food system, they lead positive change more effectively within their own scope of influence and make significant contributions to creating a world without hunger.

An openness to new perspectives. By expanding knowledge and networks to include those outside of your immediate field, leaders change the way they work and think. By expanding perspective through interactions with others, leaders gain a better understanding of the interdependencies and interconnectedness of the global food system and drive greater impact.

An innovative mind. Good ideas don’t require a stroke of genius, but rather a clear line of sight and creative thinking. We have complex challenges facing the global food system and leaders need courage and bold actions to overcome them.

Critical thinking skills. With constant change in the food system, future leaders must understand how to solve problems. Leaders with fresh ideas and the ability to apply concepts across disciplines will be essential to move initiatives for a hunger-free, sustainable food future forward within their organizations.

We need leaders who will use these attributes to think differently and act boldly as we solve the uncompromising challenges in our industry. It’s a tremendous responsibility, and it’s also a tremendous opportunity.

The University of Minnesota Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program is designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers. The IFSL program is a unique, online, graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the food system. IFSL is a Post-Baccalaureate Regents Certificate program aimed at bridging the gap between traditional food system education and a professional leadership program.

Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the September cohort. Download a program brochure or schedule a consultation call for more information.