After an introduction in which Kristjan and Evan answer questions that have come in from the last few episodes, they are joined by Candace Laing. Candace shares her path from a family farm in southwest Saskatchewan to senior leadership at Nutrien and now CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, including how her agricultural roots have shaped the way she approaches business, policy and leadership.
The conversation explores Canada’s economic future and the role agriculture should play in it. Candace, Kristjan and Evan discuss investment, rural infrastructure, regulation, productivity and why production agriculture can still struggle to find its place in national conversations alongside energy, mining and other major industries. They also explore where collaboration and larger-scale thinking could help agriculture participate in new investment and growth opportunities.
Candace also shares the story behind her book, Girl, You Got This, and why she believes sharing real career experiences can help more women see themselves in leadership. The discussion touches on women in agriculture, succession and the importance of putting the right person in the right role regardless of gender or tradition.