Beth Ford, the CEO of Land O’Lakes, has a remarkable journey that started in a cornfield in Sioux City, Iowa, where she earned $2 an hour detasseling corn. From those humble beginnings, she worked tirelessly to become the first female CEO of Land O’Lakes and the first openly gay female CEO in the Fortune 500 list of largest US companies.
Vision for Land O’Lakes
Ford has a vision to transform people’s perceptions of Land O’Lakes beyond just a butter and cream company. She aims to shift the focus to the company’s efforts in the ag-tech space by investing in technology to stay agile in the face of disruptions caused by e-commerce and technology across all industries, including agriculture.
Impact of Trade War on Agriculture
In the wake of the trade war between the United States and China, Ford highlights the challenges faced by grain farmers, growers, and producers due to the uncertainty surrounding trade negotiations and retaliatory tariffs. She emphasizes the critical need for export market access and resolution to the ongoing trade issues for the agriculture industry to thrive.
Breaking Barriers as a Female CEO
As the first openly gay female CEO in the Fortune 500, Ford acknowledges the significance of her position and the impact it has on others. She emphasizes the importance of being authentic and encourages diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. Despite never facing discrimination in her career, she recognizes the potential challenges and decisions she had to make based on her identity.
Empowering Others to Achieve Success
Ford’s journey to the C-suite is marked by her mother’s valuable advice to always ask for what you want. She believes that true progress in increasing the number of female leaders in Fortune 500 companies requires a shared responsibility among management teams and talent development programs to create a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape.
In a world where hard work doesn’t always guarantee recognition, Ford’s story serves as a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and the power of asking for what you deserve. As she continues to lead Land O’Lakes with a clear vision and unwavering determination, Beth Ford inspires others to embrace their uniqueness and strive for success in the face of challenges.
