Northwest FCS Leadership Insights

Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Brad Williams was born and raised in Arizona and made his home in the Pacific Northwest over 20 years ago. Brad began his education as a division one athlete at New Mexico State University and earned his BS from Arizona Christian University. As a speaker, leader, and coach, he has spent the past two-decades working with a broad array of businesses, non-profits, and individuals; helping them reach and achieve their maximum potential. In addition to consulting and mentoring individuals, he has served as lead staff member at several successful non-profit organizations, improving leadership practices, implementing significant strategic plans, aligning operations with mission, and preserving relationships through pragmatic and compassionate management. He is currently the lead pastor of B4 Church, one of Oregon’s historically largest and most influential churches.
Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

John Edwards is a prolific problem solver and success accelerator. He is an award-winning professional speaker and author of several books that leverage neuroscience to drive behavior change and improved organizational culture. As a thought leader, John has impacted global organizations by creating or leading innovative best-in-class initiatives supporting leadership development, strategic thinking, culture change, and human resources.

His organizational psychology and leadership expertise have led him to roles of increasing responsibilities in Fortune 500 companies like Time Warner, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin. John also has over 25 years of international experience as a leader, speaker, coach, and consultant. In 2020, John was awarded the prestigious designation of CSP. The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation is the highest earned international measure of professional presentation skills. Established by the National Speakers Association, this designation is only bestowed upon speakers who have earned it by meeting strict professional criteria. The small number of professional speakers who have achieved the CSP designation speaks to the difficulty of meeting the qualifying criteria.

Additionally, John has served on several Boards of Directors, including as Chairman of the Board for the US Department of Justice Weed & Seed Pilot Program. John holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Keith Nelson is a world-class, professional musician, community leader, and teamwork enthusiast. He is passionate about excellence, relational harmony, and understanding one’s role and function on a team. An accomplished bass guitarist, Keith specializes in energizing bands making exceptional music that excites listeners.

Keith has played bass for top artists in the music industry such as: Shania Twain, Andrea Bocelli, Charlie Puth, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Ariana Grande, Sting, Rod Stewart, Kenny G, and Steven Tyler. Keith has over forty years of experience working in countless bands as both sideman and leader. His effective perspective on leadership, teamwork, and delivering a musical product at the highest level, inspires others to be the best team player they can be.

Currently, Keith is the bassist for David Foster and the NFL Raiders House Band. He is also Secretary/Treasurer of the Las Vegas Musicians Union; and serves his community as Worship Pastor at Anthem Community Church in Henderson, NV. In his free time, Keith can be found trying to create relational harmony between his German Shepherd puppy, Zara, and Siamese cat, Skillet… apparently, one of them is not a team player.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Tatyana McFadden is considered the fastest woman in the world. She has 17 Paralympic medals (including seven gold medals), 23 World Major Marathon wins including four consecutive Grand Slams (first place in Boston, Chicago, NYC and London marathons in the same year) and has broken five world records in track and field.

In January 2021 Women’s Running Magazine selected Tatyana one of 24 “Power Women of the Year”. Just one month prior, she graced the cover of the magazine’s Gratitude Issue - sharing her powerful lessons of optimism and resilience. Earlier in 2020, she worked both in front of and behind the camera as a producer and star of “Rising Phoenix”, the Netflix original drama that tells the story of the Paralympic Movement through the lives of 9 Paralympic athletes. The film was released in August 2020 to critical acclaim.

She was named to the Forbes "30 Under 30" list in 2017, selected as the Best Female Athlete of the 2016 Paralympic Games by the United States Olympic Committee, and received the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award at the 2016 Paralympic Games for outstanding performance, overcoming adversity, and exemplifying sportsmanship.

Additionally, in 2016 she received an ESPY Award as the Best Female Athlete with a Disability and was selected by Marie Claire for the “first class” of Young Women’s Honors. In 2015 she received the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award from the Women's Sports Foundation, the Juan Antonio Samaranch Disabled Athlete Award from the International Olympic Committee, and was named World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability by the Laureus Foundation.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Brian Canlis: Having grown up in the restaurant business, Brian spent eight years studying and working abroad in England, Austria, and Spain before finishing a hospitality degree at Cornell University. After four years as an officer in the Air Force (he worked with Air Force One - you may have seen him on CNN saluting the president) he returned to Seattle to join his brother Mark at the helm of Canlis: the landmark restaurant built by his grandfather in 1950. Outside the restaurant, Brian has hosted the country’s preeminent event on hospitality, The Welcome Conference and has appeared as a judge on Top Chef and a guest on No Reservations with Anthony's Bourdain.
Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Callie Russell is an Ancestral Skills Instructor known for her performance on History Channel’s “Alone” show, where she survived alone and unassisted in the Canadian Arctic for 89 days. She lives off grid in NW Montana with her herd of pack goats and teaches wilderness living workshops.
Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Erin Shrimpton is a chartered organizational psychologist and expert in workplace behavior change. She works as a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, coach and consultant helping people, teams and leaders change workplace experience for the better. In addition, she is an experienced facilitator, trainer and keynote speaker.

Erin collaborates with HR professionals, leaders and their teams to help them build, curate and even reinvent culture –always using approaches that are evidence based and experience led. Erin spent most of her professional life in London but now lives back in her home town of Dublin with her husband and two small boys.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements Northwest FCS’s leadership framework
Explore practical elements of leadership in real life situations
Highlight stories of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Greg “Boss” Wooldridge is the only commanding officer to lead The Blue Angels for three separate tours. He was first selected because of his demonstrated ability to build teams where communication, trust and teamwork took precedence over rank and status. His heart-driven approach proved a perfect match for the Blue Angel’s culture of excellence, and he was called back to lead 2 more teams through times of difficult transition. Since his success with the Blues, Greg has been inspired to share his methods in order to empower individuals and teams on their journey toward High Performance.

From the very start of his career in the Navy, Greg was immersed in the building of great teams. In flight candidate school he learned from the camaraderie of his class, an emotion that elevated individuals by first elevating the performance of the team. Later, acting as a commander of a carrier squadron, Greg discovered that teams which drive toward something greater than themselves unlock an ability to perform at extreme levels. And finally, when he was selected as the commanding officer of the Blue Angels, The Navy’s—and the world’s—premiere flight demonstration squadron, Greg Wooldridge experienced what it was like to take one’s dreams and beliefs on an upward spiral, into the beyond.

Greg’s one of a kind experience resonates with audiences of any size, background or culture. From leaders searching for an inspiring “how to” approach, to full scale corporate engagements, Boss simultaneously creates that “spark” with his stories from the cockpit, and fans it into flames by providing the nuts and bolts of Blue Angel methodology

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements of the “cultivating innovation” portion of Northwest FCS framework
Explore practical elements of bringing ingenuity and cultivating innovation in a day-to-day life
Highlight Jordan’s life of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes

Participant Bios:

Jordan Jonas grew up in the Idaho country, surrounded by the beautiful lakes of that vast state. Being surrounded by nature, he grew up spending his formative years in nature. As a young adult he came of age as he spent a year riding freight trains across the US - spending countless days and nights navigating both rural and urban environments. Soon after he left for Russia where he would spend the better part of the next ten years living in Siberia in villages, with fur trappers, and ultimately with traditional nomadic reindeer herders. Amongst these people Jordan would learn the art of survival - not as taught in classes, but as lived day in and day out by people whose existence depends on those skills. The skills acquired over his life were proven effective and reliable when Jordan won season 6 of History Channel's Alone show, spending 77 days in the Arctic while also successfully hunting a bull moose, a wolverine, dozens of rabbits, squirrels, grouse and numerous fish.

Jordan learned to hunt, trap, fish, survive, and even thrive in good times and bad. He learned to deal with adversity and value his family and friends. He learned that experience is valuable, but that the development of character and love are the most important aspects of life. He values where he came from, both his Assyrian and Danish heritage, and strives to be someone worthy of the incredible sacrifices those before him made to give him a good life. He hopes to do the same for his children. He is very blessed and thankful to have an opportunity to live, and live life to its fullest.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Highlight a life of leadership via positive influence and successful outcomes
Discuss elements of the courage and accountability portion of Northwest FCS framework
Explore practical elements of living a life of accountability and courage

Participant Bios:

Michel Varisco-Gleason Michel has been described as the pillar of Team Gleason. Although most pillars don’t collect swords and wear jackets in the summer, she is eclectically the structure that completes and supports Team Gleason.

In her original role as Co-Founder of Team Gleason and also as Steve’s wife, Michel had a crash course in ALS and all that implies. In the film, ‘Gleason’, she and Steve shared their story with the world, creating enormous awareness for the disease and Team Gleason. Her official roles are as an advisor and also managing merchandise for the organization, but she remains a pillar or maybe two. And, every good idea is always attributed to Michel.

Also revealed in the film, ‘Gleason’ was Michel’s vision as an artist. Since the film’s release, Michel’s art has been sold across the country and beyond. Her artist statement is:

“I’ve always liked my brain occupied, not with current events or poetry, but with more mundane distractions, like busy work. In 2011, my husband, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a paralyzing terminal illness with a 2-5 year life expectancy. We were both 34. I became consumed with fear, anxiety, heartbreak, resentment and relentless grief. The idea of tomorrow frightened and depressed me. One day I came across an old sketchpad with a single drawing on it (One). I brought it, along with some sharp colored pencils, to the hospital during a particularly worrisome surgery. For the first time in years, I was able to sit in one place for hours and feel contentment and peace. My drawings started to change into things I didn’t fully understand. Forms and symbols were creating a new language through which I could express things I never could verbally. Experiencing a still mind was exhilarating. I still experience that same exuberance every time someone buys a print. This art has given me something new to love. It has brought back some of the light I lost. I feel lucky that I can share it with my family, friends and now, strangers. Besides being my children, Rivers and Gray’s mom, my artwork is the thing I'm most proud of right now.”

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Hear JJ’s story of going from middle school teacher to world-class in his field
Tie JJ’s story and career to lessons learned about being Customer-Focused
Illustrate the impact of being customer-focused to positive influencing and delivering successful outcomes for others

Participant Bios:

JJ Harrison grew up in Okanogan, Wash., where his love for the rodeo began. He took his passion to college with him and joined the rodeo team as a bull and bronco rider at Washington State University. Harrison taught science and social studies at a Walla Walla middle school for eight years.Though his love for the rodeo surpassed his passion for teaching, Harrison believes that his time in the classroom has influenced his witty and energetic act as a rodeo clown. “I’m a ball of energy that is quick witted and eager to find humor in every situation. I think it stems from natural ability and my experience in the classroom.”

His athletic high-energy antics have made him a five-time nominee for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Clown of the Year award, which is presented at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

In 2012, Harrison was selected to perform at the National Finals as the barrelman—a clown who hides inside a barrel to divert charging bulls. “The Nationals are like our Super Bowl,” he says. “It’s a huge feather in any cowboy’s hat, and a big highlight of my career.”

Harrison, who says he doesn’t drink but loves to party, also hosts the MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone show during National Finals, where he often brings cowboy superstars on stage to meet and interact with the audience.

It all adds up to living a boyhood dream. “Being a rodeo clown is a high—you’ve got 9,000 people screaming and laughing with you, but not everyone there is rodeo savvy,” he says. “As an entertainer, I try to connect them to our sport. Put together that puzzle piece for the fan. I enjoy that.”

He made the transition to full-time clowning in 2008 and has since performed at rodeos in Florida, Hawaii, and everywhere in between. As one of the nation’s top rodeo clowns, Harrison’s act is booked nearly year-round. Not only does he entertain the audience during lulls in the program, he also protects injured cowboys during bull riding and other events. It’s his job to distract the bull while the fallen contestant limps out of the arena.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements leadership, building trust, and getting results
Explore how is leadership is lived out in a professional environment
Inspire listeners to take steps toward greater trust and greater results

Participant Bios:

Jake Harriman is the founder and CEO of Nuru International, a US-based social venture that empowers individuals living in remote and rural areas to combat extreme poverty in their communities.

Jake was inspired to found Nuru after being faced with the effects of extreme poverty in war-torn regions of the world during four tours of duty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. There, Jake witnessed the most severe levels of poverty and developed a deeply-held belief that many 21st century ills including terrorism and occupation can only be eradicated by ending extreme poverty. A Bronze Star-recipient and Stanford University Graduate School of Business alum, Harriman has been honored as a White House as a “Champion of Change,” selected as a Dalai Lama “Unsung Hero of Compassion,” and featured in profile pieces by Forbes, The Huffington Post, ABC News, and more. Jake is a graduate of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2015 and discusses his inspiring journey to found Nuru, equipping leaders to take charge of their own destinies and communities, and unlocking innovative approaches to age-old problems.

Born in rural West Virginia, Harriman attended the US Naval Academy before serving seven and a half years as an Infantry and Special Operations Platoon Commander in the Marine Corps. He led four operational deployments, including counter-terror operations in the Horn of Africa and two tours of Iraq. Jake’s experiences in combat convinced him that the “War on Terror” would not be won on the battlefield alone—and that the coordinates of someone’s birth place should not dictate the opportunities they are presented with throughout the course of their life. Jake left military life to enroll at Stanford where, with the assistance of roughly 30 peers and professors, investments from Silicon Valley, and donations from around the world, he moved to Kenya and founded Nuru International.

Nuru operates in the poorest districts of Kenya and Ethiopia and focuses on four major areas of need: hunger, economic shocks, preventable diseases, and quality education. Based on thorough research of the successes and failures of the last 50 years of international aid relief, Nuru’s programs have to date enabled over 130,000 people to lift themselves out of extreme poverty through programs aimed at increasing crop yield, introducing entrepreneurs to new markets and capital, and counseling local leaders on modern educational and medicinal advancements. Nuru’s ultimate goal is to create a thorough roadmap to eradicating poverty that can be shared with NGOs worldwide. Nuru’s latest project is in far northeast Nigeria in former Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram caliphate territory.

From 2017 to 2019, Jake helped draft, introduce, and work to pass groundbreaking new legislation called the Global Fragility Act of 2019, which will equip America with new authorities and resources to prevent conflict and stabilize some of the most fragile regions of the world that pose a growing threat to US and global security.

Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee.

Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board.

Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements of the “engaged” portion of Northwest FCS framework
Illustrate the importance of engagement for effective leadership
Explore practical elements of living an engaged life

Participant Bios:

Jon Clifton is the Global Managing Partner of Gallup, an advisory firm that specializes in big data analytics of employees, customers, students and citizens. Jon’s mission is to help 7 billion citizens be heard on their most pressing work and life issues through the Gallup World Poll, a 100-year initiative spanning 150 countries.

Jon is a nonresident Senior Fellow at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion. He serves on the board at Gallup, Meridian International Center, StreetWise Partners and Findyr.

Because of his expertise, Jon has been interviewed on BBC News, C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, and Al-Jazeera, and has testified in front of the U.S. Congress on the state of American small business and entrepreneurship. He is a frequent contributor on Gallup.com and has written for The Hill, The Diplomatic Courier and The Global Action Report.

Jon received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor in international law from the University of Nebraska. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Midland University.

Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee.

Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board.

Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Introduce basic concepts of servant leadership
Discuss implications of practicing elements of servant leadership at Northwest FCS
Explore impacts on employees and customers

Participant Bios:

Dr. Mike Carey came to Gonzaga University in 1987 to teach in and direct the newly created Organizational Leadership graduate program. In 2004, he was instrumental in making the master’s degree available to students through online and hybrid courses. In 2012 he was appointed the first Dean of the Virtual Campus at Gonzaga University, and served in that position for five years.

Before coming to Gonzaga , Dr. Carey served as a teacher, campus minister and vice principal at Catholic secondary schools in Los Angeles and Spokane over a period of 13 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola Marymount University, and both his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in educational leadership from Gonzaga University. He has published articles and books on the topics of transforming leadership and servant-leadership, and has served as a consultant for a variety of organizations.

Dr. Carey and his wife have been married for 45 years and have five daughters, all alumnae of Gonzaga Preparatory School and Gonzaga University.

Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee.

Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board.

Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Discuss elements of courage in the workplace
Explore how is lived out in a professional environment
Inspire listeners to be more courageous

Participant Bios:

Kevin Parker is an entrepreneur, former politician and a former advisor to a member of Congress and teaches in leadership studies at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. A Fellow at the Aspen Institute, he was also a facilitator (assistant professor) at Harvard University and served as a state representative in the Washington State Legislature for four terms.

Perhaps most notably, he is a survivor of the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999.

Kevin owns nine Dutch Bros. Coffee locations in the Spokane region and oversees 200 employees.

He also coaches clients to further develop their leadership skills, strategic growth plan and culture within their organizations. His clients range from higher profile individuals to budding entrepreneurs. He works with several CEOs and companies in creating a servant-led culture and leading through different generations.

Kevin has won more than 30 leadership awards including Washington State Citizen of the Year, the Community Trustee Award from Leadership Spokane and the Agora Award, and received a commendation from the United States Congress.

His thoughts and approach to servant-leadership have been published in the International Journal of Servant Leadership.

He is currently working on his doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee.

Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board.

Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Review the business reasons for self-awareness
Discuss the impact of self-awareness on one’s leadership
Explore tools and tactics for gaining self-awareness

Participant Bios:

Gemma Roberts is the founder of Kona Coaching (Resilience Edge®), a business psychology consultancy that helps organizations and individuals enhance resilience and leadership skills. She’s also the founder of the Career Compass Club®, a career coaching business that helps individuals transform their careers.

As a chartered organizational and performance psychologist and executive coach, she has worked with global organizations (Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Disney, Starbucks, BP) for over a decade, focusing on enhancing performance, managing career transitions and creating career success. Gemma is also an author and a LinkedIn Learning course instructor.

The main focus of Gemma’s work is to design initiatives and programs that enhance psychological health, happiness and performance at work.

Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee.

Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board.

Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

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Objectives:

Explore Northwest FCS approach to leadership
Discuss the choice to conduct internal research
Review leadership framework

Participant Bios:

Michael Stolp earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from Washington State University and his master’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University. Prior to Northwest FCS, Michael’s professional experiences included work with Cargill and Cenex/Land O’Lakes. Today, Michael is Northwest FCS’ Senior Vice President of Learning and Development, leading the company’s customer learning, employee learning, customer engagement research and family business resources.

As a family business consultant, Michael helps businesses strengthen communication, enhance management and business planning, develop successors and transition assets. His experience with family business is grounded in his family’s third-generation farm and ranch in Sprague, Washington. With over 16 years of experience in family business consulting, Michael blends lessons learned with an appreciation for farm, ranch and agribusiness perspectives throughout the Northwest.

Michael is a member of the Family Firm Institute and the American Society for Agricultural Consultants, a faculty member of The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP) and holds a Certificate in Family Business Advising. He and his wife live in Spokane with their daughter and son.

Phil DiPofi has served as President and CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services since January 2011. Northwest FCS has over 700 employees in 45 locations serving more than 16,000 customer-members throughout Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He also serves as the Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc., and is a member of the Farm Credit System’s President’s Planning Committee.

Phil formerly served as Chief Banking Officer at CoBank, where he was responsible for all of the bank’s strategic banking functions, including Agribusiness, Direct Lending with Farm Credit Associations, Rural Infrastructure, Leasing, and Banking Services. Prior to joining CoBank, Phil served in a variety of executive positions for two national commercial banks.

Phil earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University College of New York at Buffalo, and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Niagara University. As a lifetime learner, Phil continues to advance his learning and development. He is currently participating in Gonzaga’s Graduate Program in Organizational Leadership and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advanced Certificate for Executives. He also serves on Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies Advisory Board.

Phil and his wife, Jodi reside in Spokane, Washington and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Scott Linklater is a native of rural Washington having grown up in the heart of apple and cherry country in Okanogan. Scott has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho, and a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Scott is a learning and development practitioner with experience directing training efforts at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and Red Lion Hotels Corporation. Currently, Scott is the Vice President – Learning Design at Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Scott has published books and academic research with a focus on leadership, employment, organizational development and trust in business.

Northwest FCS Leadership Insights: Recent Episodes

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