FCCS News & Insights

Real Leaders, Real Humanity

Honoring the 2024 Accelerator of the Year Circle of Excellence

In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, leadership rooted in humanity isn’t just inspiring—it’s essential. The 2024 Accelerator of the Year Circle of Excellence recognizes four exceptional leaders whose work reflects not only strategic impact and innovation, but also deep commitment to people, purpose, and culture. These individuals are shaping the future of Farm Credit by leading with authenticity, empathy, and vision.

In this special feature, we go beyond titles and metrics to explore the heart of their leadership. Through their insights, we see how courage, connection, and compassion are not only compatible with high performance—they’re key to accelerating it.

Humanity in leadership means leading with empathy, authenticity, and a deep respect for people as individuals. It goes beyond strategies, KPIs, and bottom lines—it’s about how you show up for others and create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and safe to be themselves.

Here’s what it looks like in action:

Empathy in decision-making.

Kyle Jordan, Enterprise Risk & Portfolio Analytics Manager at Capital Farm Credit, shares:

“Change is constant. Values that guide me are honesty, respect, and empathy for team members in the system and in our organization. Honesty helps me maintain transparency, respect fosters a collaborative environment, and empathy allows me to understand and support team members.”

Vulnerability and authenticity.

Jesika Harper, VP AgVision at AgWest Farm Credit, models authenticity:

“I don’t try to be perfect or have all the answers, and I celebrate curiosity over certainty. By modeling authenticity and demonstrating appreciation when others do the same, our collective efforts are superior.”

Jenni Mora Valazquez, Director of Rural 1st Operations, emphasizes personal influence:

“While setting expectations, I give space for team members to carry through using their own personal influence. I seek their input and create opportunities to highlight their unique attributes.”

Listening deeply.

Jenni continues:

“I frequently ask team members, ‘What do you need from me to support your success?’ and ‘What does our team need from me?’ When the balance of results and well-being feels off, we reset and move forward together.”

Celebrate the wins.

Bryan Stanek, Managing Director New Markets at Compeer Financial contributes:

“Sales and client relationships are very competitive. As a leader we want to make sure we don’t cast a shadow to others’ success. Make sure to identify the contributions of the individual or team that contributed to the bottom-line success. Motivating others through stories of success builds momentum for even more success. Celebrate the wins!”

Prioritizing well-being.

Jesika emphasizes that culture and care are not separate from success:

“We all need to know our north star—but if our hearts aren’t behind what we’re working toward, it’s harder to get there. I lean into understanding what drives people first, then we can identify strategies that work for them.”

Purpose over power.

Jenni describes leadership in a human-centered future:

“Our role as leaders is to foster environments where team members’ needs are valued, compassion and empathy are used frequently, and development is encouraged. Flexibility and understanding create sustainable, high-performing teams.”

Courageous compassion.

Kyle offers wisdom for future leaders:

“Everyone wants to feel empowered, valued, and respected in the workplace. Courage involves making tough decisions and taking risks. Compassion means listening, showing empathy, and supporting people through challenges.”

Know the stress of life exists in those you lead.

Bryan continues:

“The personal struggles of work, personal life, and the world does weigh on each and every one. Understand that a professional reach or personal connection can make a difference. Never assume that stress can be handled the same by anyone the same. Work to acknowledge the grind of life, and pass along energy and support when you can.”

The Bigger Picture

Leadership rooted in humanity means leading with empathy, authenticity, and a deep respect for people as individuals. It goes beyond strategies, KPIs, and bottom lines—it’s about how you show up for others and create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and safe to be themselves.

Ultimately, leadership rooted in humanity builds cultures where people don’t just survive—they thrive. It’s not about being soft—it’s about being strong, real, and committed to people and performance alike.