Leadership and the Seven Ps

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

Early in my career, a boss and former Marine introduced me to the "seven Ps" – proper planning and preparation prevents probable (I cleaned this one up a bit) poor performance. The British Army is commonly given credit for originating this adage, and I’ve found it to be true far too many times. I’ve also shared it willingly and often, even (perhaps especially) with my family. I’ve also seen it reinforced regularly at Ag Leadership, where proper planning and prep is typically a given. Be it the board providing guidance on direction, the CALF Education Team diligently planning for seminars, alumni prepping for activities and events or staff supporting all of the above, awareness of the “seven Ps” ensures our values and enables our mission. I also believe it’s inherent to leadership. Please scroll below to see all that’s currently being properly planned and prepared.

As always, contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

International Travel Opportunity

Relive the magic of your international seminar!

Exciting news for Ag Leadership alumni and community members! Scott Allen, CALF's trusted travel agent, is offering a unique opportunity to curate your own international leadership experience. Drawing inspiration from recent Ag Leadership class travels, Scott will craft personalized journeys that blend impactful leadership education, awe-inspiring destinations and cultural immersion. You choose your ideal trip duration, preferred budget and the leadership teachings that resonate with you.

Bring along family and friends to share in this transformative experience! To preserve the uniqueness of current programs, Scott's itineraries will be based on trips from two or more years ago. Ready to embark on your own international leadership journey? Contact Scott Allen to start planning today!

Class 54 Inauguration and Profiles in Leadership Award Ceremony

Oct. 11 / 5:45 - 9 p.m.

DoubleTree Fresno, Sequoia Ballroom

RSVP by Oct. 2



Please join us in celebrating the beginning of the leadership journey for Class 54 fellows and the accomplishments of 2024 Profiles in Leadership Award recipients Carlos Castañeda (36) and Steve McShane (33)! The foundation will also honor the alumni from Classes 4, 14, 24, 34 and 44. Enjoy a welcome reception hosted by the Alumni Council followed by dinner, awards ceremony and inauguration.

Bagels & Books: Dive into "Immunity to Change" by Robert Kegan!

Oct. 12 / 7:30 a.m. 

Fresno State Student Rec Center, Lyles Center Auditorium

5010 N. Woodrow Ave., Fresno

Free and open to all!

Start your day with a bagel, coffee and stimulating conversation! Discover how to unlock your potential, overcome obstacles and create lasting change in your life. Connect with fellow alumni, strengthen our CALF community and engage with agricultural leaders as we explore practical insights and strategies for personal and professional growth. We hope you'll join us for an enriching discussion with opportunities to unlock the potential in yourself and increase your impact in the agricultural field!

Please read "Immunity to Change" prior to the discussion.

Navigating Change: Leadership Strategies for the Modern Workplace

Oct. 12 / 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fresno State Student Rec Center, Lyles Center Auditorium

5010 N. Woodrow Ave., Fresno

Cost: View on event page.

Open to Ag Leadership alumni, fellows and industry friends.

This Lifelong Leadership Learning (L4) workshop teaches essential strategies to effectively manage and lead through change. Participants will learn practical tools to foster adaptability, communicate effectively and build resilience in their teams, enabling them to turn workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation in a dynamic environment.

Alumni Sip & Support Social: Fair Fun for a Cause

Oct. 12 / 6 p.m.

Fresno Fairgrounds

1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno

Cost: $15 for fair admission

Celebrate the spirit of agriculture and the future of farming! Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship at the Big Fresno Fair – hosted by Region 6 – as we rally support for the Jr. Livestock Show. The festivities kick off with a lively gathering at the wine garden, located next to the livestock barn.

Reconnect with fellow alumni, bring your family and friends and enjoy a great time as we toast to the next generation of agricultural leaders. With the fair admission and parking pass required, you’ll gain access to the vibrant fair atmosphere and our special social event. Don’t miss this opportunity to mingle, cheer on young livestock enthusiasts and create lasting memories. See you at the wine garden for a night of camaraderie, celebration and community spirit!

RSVP

Heather Johnson (46)

Alumni Council Region 6 Director

hjohnson8848@gmail.com

Jim Manassero Fellowship Luncheon

Nov. 1 / 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Pisoni Vineyards, Soledad

Pisoni Vineyards is welcoming guests with the exclusive opportunity to gather and enjoy lunch and wine at its beautiful vineyard in the foothills of Soledad. The luncheon will honor Jim Manassero (1) and fellow alumni from Region 5 who passed away in the last year, including Ed Boutonnet (3) and Ruben Rueda (3). Family, friends, colleagues and prospective Ag Leadership applicants are welcome! All proceeds benefit CALF.​​​

Nuffield Applications Due Oct. 31

Nuffield Farming Scholars provides young farmers and agriculturists a $25,000 scholarship dedicated to a global agriculture experience. Leaders travel overseas to learn from others, build personal capacity and help create solutions for a growing world.

>Application

For additional details and questions about the application process, contact:

• Tom Merwin (44), Nuffield scholar
• John Chandler (44), Nuffield USA board member

Tom wrote a commentary in Horizons magazine (page 27) reflecting on his first year as a scholar.

Update Your Alumni Directory Listing

FIRST TIME on the alumni directory: Use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email in your inbox.

RETURNING: To log in, use your username, NOT your email address. For assistance, contact Mia Mirassou / 831-585-1030.

Be on the Lookout!

The "giving season" is fast approaching, and we are excited to bring you new and varied opportunities to give back. Keep an eye on your mailboxes in the upcoming weeks to see what we have prepared for you!