By K&R Managing Directors Kimberly Bretz, Abby McMillin & Lisa Johnson
Leadership in food and agriculture is evolving, thanks to the growing presence of women who are breaking barriers and redefining success. This was evident at recent events such as the WFF Leadership Conference and the Females in Food Expo West Mixer, where K&R Managing Directors Lisa Johnson, Kimberly Bretz, and Abby McMillin joined industry leaders to celebrate progress and tackle ongoing challenges. From shattering glass ceilings to navigating imposter syndrome, these conversations highlighted the resilience and determination of women leaders.
The path to leadership in food and agriculture has long been obstructed by invisible barriers—the proverbial glass ceiling. However, women are increasingly finding ways to break through.
Kimberly shared her observations after attending both events, “The energy and determination of women leaders in this industry is palpable. They’re not just climbing the ladder; they’re redefining what leadership looks like.”
Strategies for breaking these barriers include:
Studies show that increased diversity in leadership leads to better decision-making and improved productivity, which is crucial in an industry tasked with feeding a growing global population.
Even as women break through glass ceilings, many find themselves grappling with imposter syndrome—a persistent feeling of self-doubt despite evident success. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in male-dominated fields.
Lisa shared insights after the WFF conference, “You’d be surprised how many successful women still feel like they won’t be able to replicate their successes thus causing them to fail. Imposter syndrome impacts even the most accomplished. And it’s not just women, men can feel this too. We need to make it okay to talk about that, to support each other.”
To combat imposter syndrome, women leaders are:
By acknowledging and addressing imposter syndrome, women can unlock their full potential and lead with confidence.
The demands of leadership in food and agriculture can be all-consuming, making work-life balance a significant challenge. However, achieving this balance is crucial for sustained success and well-being.
Abby noted after the FIF Mixer, “The conversation around work-life balance has evolved to work-life blend. It’s no longer about perfect equilibrium but about creating a sustainable fusion of professional and personal life, and that looks different for everyone.”
Effective strategies for work-life balance include:
Leaders who successfully manage this balance not only improve their own well-being but also set a positive example for their teams, fostering a healthier workplace culture.
As women continue to break barriers and redefine leadership in food and agriculture, they’re not just changing their own trajectories—they’re paving the way for future generations. By sharing their stories, mentoring young women, and advocating for inclusive policies, today’s leaders are planting seeds of empowerment that will yield diverse, confident leaders in the years to come.
At the recent Females in Food Expo West Mixer, Abby and Kimberly encouraged attendees to reflect on where they’ve been and lead where they are going.
