“I’m one of the lucky few selected to attend Leadership NAFB 2016 prior to the NAFB Washington Watch event in April,” reports Carah Hart (Red River Farm Network, Grand Forks, ND). In two days, a group of seven broadcasters shared an open dialogue about what it’s like to be a leader in the workplace, focusing on the power of vulnerability, articulating a vision and good communication. “I walked away from the weekend with a deeper appreciation of the others in our group and the resources available to all members,” Carah said. “It’s been more than two months since the Leadership NAFB program wrapped up in Washington DC,” she added. “I think about the power of vulnerability and the role it plays in our workplace almost daily. If you’re looking for a good read, check out Daring Greatly. Author of the book, Brene Brown, notes that it’s important to let ourselves be seen. When we let ourselves be seen in our workplace, community and agriculture, we allow ourselves and others to experience joy, creativity, belonging and love. If you’re not into books, I encourage you to take 20 minutes of your day to watch or listen to ‘The Power of Vulnerability.’”
The end of August will mark Carah’s first year with the Red River Farm Network (RRFN). “It’s been a great year of personal and professional growth. Surrounded by a team of past NAFB presidents and a warm community, I’ve been learning more about what it takes to be a good leader and to serve others. I’ve also been learning lots about agriculture in the upper Northern Plains. Each day at RRFN, the network offers something different. I can spend the morning with a farmer planting sugar beets or soybeans and cover a feedlot tour in the afternoon. The next day, I may be interviewing Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow at Washington Watch or reporting from the South Dakota FFA Convention. It’s hard work, but also lots of fun.”