Beth Ford’s journey to becoming the CEO of Land O’Lakes is a remarkable one. Starting with a summer job detasseling corn for $2 an hour, she worked hard and rose through the ranks to become the first female CEO of the company. Her mother’s words of wisdom guided her throughout her career, reminding her of the importance of hard work and fulfilling expectations.
Now, as the head of Land O’Lakes, Ford is focused on transforming the company’s image and highlighting its efforts in the ag-tech space. She believes that investing in technology is crucial for the company’s success in the ever-evolving business landscape. With e-commerce and technology disrupting industries, including agriculture, Ford sees an opportunity for Land O’Lakes to become a technology-focused, insight-driven company.
However, recent trade tensions between the US and China have created uncertainty for farmers and producers, affecting the agriculture industry. Ford is aware of the challenges faced by farmers due to the trade negotiations and retaliatory tariffs. She emphasizes the importance of resolving these issues quickly to provide clarity and stability for farmers.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ford made history as the first openly gay female CEO to lead a Fortune 500 company. This milestone has resonated with many people, who have thanked her for being her authentic self and inspiring others to do the same. Ford acknowledges the significance of increasing the number of women leaders in the Fortune 500 and believes that it is a shared responsibility for management teams and talent development programs.
Throughout her career, Ford has never experienced discrimination but has been mindful of potential challenges due to her sexual orientation. She has made deliberate decisions about where to work based on the inclusivity of the environment. Despite facing obstacles, Ford has remained true to herself and her values, guided by her mother’s advice to ask for what she wants and work hard to achieve her goals.
As Ford continues to lead Land O’Lakes with vision and determination, her journey from a cornfield to the C-suite serves as an inspiration to many aspiring leaders. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and authenticity in achieving success in the business world.
