Leadership Across Cultures: From Private Equity to Avocados with Patrick Hook

In this episode of Behind the Fruit, Lucy Robinson speaks with Patrick Hook, former CEO of AVO America, about leadership across cultures, private equity in agriculture, and why mindset matters more than technical expertise.Patrick’s career spans forestry, timber private equity, Harvard’s natural resources portfolio, and operational leadership across Chile and Peru. He shares how a solo walk across Italy shaped his career direction, what he learned moving from investment into operating leadership, and how culture and alignment determine whether agricultural assets succeed or struggle.They discuss:Transitioning from private equity to CEOLeading when you’re not the technical expertCultural intelligence in global farming operationsWhy ESG is more than a buzzwordHiring for mindset in agribusinessBuilding alignment across 60+ employeesBalancing leadership with nine months of global travelPatrick’s core message is simple: if you get the people right, everything else follows.About LCR InternationalLCR International supports senior hiring across the global fresh produce sector.We work with businesses where roles require a mix of technical, commercial, and leadership experience, often across regions.Typical support includes: • Retained executive search • Talent mapping and competitor insight • Org structure and succession planningIf you're hiring and want a clearer view of the market before you start, you can get in touch here:👉 https://www.lcrint.com/