Grant Fitzgerald: When “In Spite Of” Becomes Your Advantage

Join our champion program: [email protected] a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Grant Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President at Farmers National Company, for a conversation that blends leadership, land management, and the evolving role of agriculture as an asset class.Grant defines intentional leadership through a simple but powerful lens:“In spite of X.”There will always be obstacles—fatigue, workload, uncertainty, or discomfort. Intentional leaders don’t wait for ideal conditions. They move forward anyway.That mindset has shaped Grant’s career—from a non-traditional ag background to leading a business that manages over 2 million acres across the United States.A major theme throughout the episode is growth under pressure.In land management, growth isn’t optional—it’s required. Farms change hands, generational transitions happen, and portfolios evolve. Leaders must continually build relationships, expand their network, and replace what is naturally lost over time.And often, that growth happens in the moments you least feel like doing the work.Stopping for one more conversation.Making one more call.Building one more relationship.That’s the difference.The conversation also explores a major shift happening in farmland ownership.Agricultural land is increasingly being viewed as an asset class, not just a legacy. While previous generations were deeply connected to the land through personal history, newer owners are more focused on return on investment, portfolio performance, and efficiency.That shift is changing expectations.More focus on ROI and performanceDifferent communication styles and service needsIncreased demand for professional management and reportingAt the same time, the economics of farming are under pressure.Rising input costs, tighter margins, and increased financial stress are creating a more complex environment for both operators and landowners. While agriculture remains resilient, the margin for error is shrinking—and clarity in decision-making is more important than ever.On the leadership side, Grant shares one of the most real challenges of stepping into a senior role:Reinventing yourself.What got you here won’t get you there.Leadership requires:Having tough (and sometimes uncomfortable) conversationsSeparating personal relationships from professional decisionsOwning your vision, even when it’s not universally acceptedAnd perhaps most importantly—being willing to be misunderstood at times.The conversation closes with a powerful reminder about building teams and culture.You can teach skills.You can develop expertise.But you can’t manufacture passion and willingness.The best organizations are built by people who want to be there—and leaders who are intentional about creating an environment where those people can thrive.Because in agriculture, as in leadership, success doesn’t come from avoiding challenges.It comes from moving forward…In spite of them.Listen if you are:Leading a team through growth or transitionNavigating generational changes in land ownershipInterested in farmland as an investment or asset classBuilding relationships in a relationship-driven industryStepping into a new leadership role and feeling the pressure