In this episode, Mark sits down with Corey Scott, CEO of Midwest Dairy, for an insightful look at what it means to lead intentionally in one of agriculture’s most people-focused industries. Corey shares what it takes to manage a team spread across 10 states, steward millions in checkoff dollars, and stay grounded in purpose while navigating the complexities of consumer trends, farmer expectations, and the future of dairy.
They dive deep into leadership, stewardship, and the power of clarity—plus a few laughs about protein, heavy cream, and “fancy cheese.”
Key Takeaways
- Intentional Leadership Starts with Showing Up
- Corey defines being intentional as showing up every day, even when it’s not easy or convenient. How you show up impacts the people watching you—whether family, employees, or your broader community.
- Purpose is the North Star
- In a complex industry like dairy, where every producer has unique values and opinions, Corey keeps her team focused on one question: Are we reaching the consumer effectively? That clarity cuts through the noise and keeps her organization aligned.
- Stewardship Over Sales
- Unlike private business models, checkoff organizations are funded through automatic assessments. Corey’s focus isn’t profit—it’s impact: being a wise steward of every dollar to build trust, grow demand, and elevate the farmer’s voice.
- Building Culture in a Virtual World
- With two-thirds of Midwest Dairy’s 55-person team working remotely, Corey emphasizes the importance of connection and common language. Through CliftonStrengths, her team speaks a shared language that helps them align around their unique gifts.
- Empowering Potential—Even When It’s Hard
- One of Corey’s biggest challenges? Seeing untapped potential in people who don’t see it in themselves. But the greatest joy comes when she helps someone discover that potential and grow beyond what they thought possible—even beyond her organization.
- Modern Consumers Still Love Dairy—Just Differently
- From high-protein cereals to heavy-cream coffee, dairy is thriving in new forms. The “Got Milk?” era has evolved into a demand for health, wellness, and clean protein—something Corey sees as a major opportunity for the industry.
Notable Quotes
- “How you show up matters. People are always watching—so make a choice in how you show up every day.” – Corey R. Scott
- “Our purpose is clear: to reach the consumer effectively and move more product for our farmers.” – Corey R. Scott
- “It’s not about cost of goods sold—it’s about stewardship. How can we be the best steward of every dollar we’re entrusted with?” – Corey R. Scott
- “When you have a clear North Star, you know what you’re about—and maybe more importantly, what you’re not.” – Mark Jewell
- “More is caught than taught. Culture spreads through example, not policy.” – Mark Jewell
Action Steps
- Reflect on your own North Star—what guides your leadership decisions when values or opinions conflict?
- Ask your team: “How can we set you up to be your best self?” Then actually do it.
- Revisit your internal language and frameworks—do your people share a common language around strengths, growth, and purpose?
- Explore Survival of the Savvy (Corey’s top leadership book recommendation) and consider adding it to your leadership reading list.
Listen If You Are:
- A leader managing teams across distance and...
