When Fishing Can Help….
As business leaders, we often wear “busy” like a badge of honor.
There are always more emails to answer, more fires to put out, more decisions waiting to be made. It can feel irresponsible to take a break.
A few weeks ago, I spent time at a fly-in fishing camp in Ontario with family.
No cell service. No meetings. No constant interruptions.
The farther I got from the day-to-day demands of work, the clearer my thinking became. Problems that had seemed complicated suddenly had straightforward solutions. New ideas started coming together naturally. Instead of reacting, I found myself thinking strategically again.
The best leaders aren’t the ones who work the most hours. They’re the ones who create enough space to think clearly.
Whether you’re leading a cooperative, an agribusiness, or a rural business, your organization needs more than your availability—it needs your judgment.
Taking time to recharge isn’t stepping away from leadership.
It’s investing in it.
I recently wrote more about that experience and why I believe some of our best leadership decisions happen when we finally give ourselves permission to slow down.
In the Field…
One consistent theme continues to emerge in conversations with CEOs and leadership teams:
The organizations making the most progress aren’t necessarily working harder. They’re creating alignment.
When leaders are clear about priorities, communicate consistently, and focus on execution instead of constant reaction, their teams accomplish far more—even in challenging environments.
That’s the work I enjoy most: helping organizations move from discussing problems to solving them.
Looking Ahead…
July will be a busy month with leadership development work, DiSC facilitation, and strategic planning discussions across the Midwest.
I’m also building a leadership seminar program, with it’s first run right here in central Iowa, a practical leadership series designed specifically for rural organizations and small-town businesses. More details will be coming soon.
One More Thing….
Are you looking for a keynote speaker or a breakout session for your next event? I present and discuss a number of different themes that will leave your attendees feeling like “Wow, he really gets what we’re going through out here.” You can learn more about my presentations here. Contact me today and I will tailor a presentation to the needs of your audience and work alongside you to provide the experience you’re looking for!
Meet…
Nicholas A. Krehbiel, Ph.D.
Nicholas Krehbiel, owner of Agri-Prime Consulting, guides rural businesses and organizations through evolving challenges. He draws on his background in agriculture, education, and farmer cooperatives to strengthen governance and promote accountability while honoring core community values. Nicholas is dedicated to helping institutions adapt their practices for the modern landscape, supporting both operational excellence and cultural integrity.
As an authorized Wiley DiSC partner, Nicholas helps leadership teams build trust and improve communication. He is known for facilitating board retreats and strategy sessions that clarify roles, foster strategic clarity, and encourage authentic collaboration. His approach empowers organizations to adapt, thrive, and create sustainable progress in rural settings.
Agri-Prime Consulting, Office, Indianola, IA 50125, United States
(620) 388-1451