Building Relationships That Actually Matter with Chase DeCoite

Webinar Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AlumniToTheTop A long list of LinkedIn connections might look impressive, but the relationships that shape your career are built on trust. Chase DeCoite, Senior VP, Food Industry Relations at the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to talk about what it really takes to build professional relationships that last. Chase has built a career connecting farmers, cooperatives, processors, customers and industry leaders across the food and dairy value chain.  Chase gets real about: Real Relationships are the Goal: real value comes from building trust early, long before you ever need support Listening Builds Real Connection: Strong relationships are built through listening more than you speak, asking thoughtful questions without turning conversations into interviews, and being fully present Human Leadership Matters Most: following through, showing up consistently, and avoiding overly polished or performative interactions compound into meaningful relationships Whether you’re walking into your first networking reception, trying to build credibility with a new team or learning how to work across different perspectives, Chase offers a more human way to think about professional relationships. Want to hear more from Chase? Check out her blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/build-r...]! Connect with Chase Connect on LinkedIn [  / chase-decoite  ] Follow the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy on LinkedIn [  / innovation-center-for-us-dairy  ] Follow the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Instagram [  / undeniablydairy  ] Follow the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy on Facebook [  / undeniablydairy  ] Visit their website [https://www.usdairy.com/] Connect with AFA Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agri...] Follow us on Instagram [  / agfutureamerica  ] Like us on Facebook [  / agriculturefutureofamerica  ] Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureameri...] Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=...] About The Cultivating Leaders Series The Cultivating Leaders Series is the go-to resource for anyone ready to take their leadership to the next level, delivering powerful insights from top voices in food, agriculture and beyond. The podcast offers immediate, actionable advice from the top leaders in food and ag, with guests who break down the skills that set them apart in the real world. Join the live webinars to bring leadership to life, with candid conversations, live Q&A and behind-the-scenes stories from C-suite executives. Together, these virtual experiences are designed to meet you where you are and help you lead with purpose, confidence and clarity. Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode! 00:00 Building Relationships for Leadership Success 00:48 Introduction to the Cultivating Leaders Podcast 01:28 Chase DeCoyt's Journey in the Dairy Industry 03:56 The Importance of Trust and Relationship-Building 08:22 Strategies for Effective Communication 13:24 Balancing Professional and Personal Interactions 17:26 Skills for Building Deeper Connections 25:02 The Role of Listening in Career Success 31:51 Adapting to Digital and Personal Communication Styles 37:59 From Professional Relationships to Friendships 45:01 Engaging with Professional Communities 45:49 What is a hot take that you have either on leadership or agriculture, or specifically about relationship and networking? 49:41 Leadership Insights and Conclusion