Jody Soma: Committed to Culture

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Mark Jewell sits down with Jody Soma, General Manager at Radcliffe Co-op in central Iowa. Jody shares how his leadership journey has been shaped by humility, long-standing community roots, and a commitment to culture. From replacing three legacy roles in his first year to helping his team transition into a new era of agriculture, Jody opens up about what it really takes to lead with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how to attract the right people, stay grounded through change, and build a company people want to work for—this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:“Have a bad minute, not a bad day.” – A small shift in mindset can make a huge difference in how leaders show up during challenges.Culture starts at the top. Great leaders model the behaviors they expect from their team—leadership isn’t just a speech, it’s how you walk.Don’t underestimate your impact. Every employee, no matter the role, carries influence. Sometimes the most unexpected voices bring the greatest insight.Hire for culture, not just for need. Bringing in the wrong fit can cost more than just time. Build slow, build smart, and build with people who share the vision.Leadership is lifelong growth. Jody reminds us that at 45—or 85—we’re never done learning. The best leaders stay curious and humble.Notable Quotes:“The most successful people aren’t the ones who choose the easy things—they’re the ones willing to shoulder the hard stuff with grace.” – Jody Soma“Culture isn’t a memo—it’s modeled. People remember how you live more than what you say.” – Mark Jewell“If you have to let someone go, ask yourself first: how did I fail them as a leader?” – Jody Soma“You don’t need more structure—you need the right structure to flow between the banks like a river.” – Mark Jewell“Just because someone’s been quiet doesn’t mean they haven’t been paying attention. Every person matters.” – Jody Soma💥 Want to go deeper? If this episode resonated with you, join us at the next Thriving Leader Event — where intentional leadership goes from theory to practice. Connect with like-minded leaders and build the clarity, confidence, and capacity you need to grow your people and business.  👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2025