Description

In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Dustin Libel, from NEK Ag Services, for a powerful conversation on leading people well and coaching with purpose. Dustin shares the story of his own development, the evolution of coaching culture, and what it takes to unlock potential in every person on the team. If you're serious about growing people, building culture, and learning how to lead with both clarity and heart—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

Intentional Coaching Pays Off

Dustin emphasizes that real coaching goes beyond performance reviews—it’s about investing time, asking the right questions, and helping people discover their own solutions. When leaders lead with curiosity, they create more buy-in and stronger outcomes.

Culture Starts with Clarity

Growth requires standards. From rethinking metrics to owning communication expectations, Dustin explains how intentionality and clarity shape the behaviors and results within a team culture.

You Can’t Skip the Personal Side

Great leaders know their people—not just their performance. Dustin reflects on the importance of personal relationships in leadership and why caring deeply builds trust that translates to business success.

Leadership Is a Journey

Dustin shares how his leadership style has shifted over the years—from a driver mindset to one focused on development and vision. The best leaders are learners, and growth requires being coached as much as it requires coaching others.

Notable Quotes:

• "Coaching is about helping someone think through a problem instead of solving it for them." – Dustin
• "You have to care about your people to lead them well." – Dustin 
• "If you're the smartest person in the room, you're probably in the wrong room." – Dustin
• "Culture isn't what you say, it's what you allow." – Mark Jewell

Action Steps:

• Audit your leadership habits—are you coaching or just managing?
• Identify 1–2 people you can develop this week through intentional conversation.
• Clarify 3 key behaviors or standards your team should be living out daily.
• Reflect on your own leadership growth—where are you evolving, and where are you stuck?

Listen If You Are:

• A leader who wants to build a coaching culture
• Managing a team and struggling with buy-in or engagement
• Looking for practical ways to grow people while still driving performance
• Ready to develop your own leadership identity and influence

If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025