Career growth is rarely a straight line. 

The Cultivating Leaders Webinar brought together Julie Sexton, Scott Kay and Marji Guyler-Alaniz to pull back the curtain on the career moments, mindset shifts and leadership lessons that shaped their journey to executive leadership. The conversation challenged attendees to think differently about what it actually takes to level up in their careers. 

One theme became clear quickly: impactful leaders are not the ones with the perfect plan. They are the ones willing to grow through discomfort. 

Leadership Growth Starts with Stretching Yourself 

Whether it's stepping into an unfamiliar role, navigating uncertainty or making a difficult career pivot, each leader emphasized the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities that stretch your perspective. 

Scott, Vice President of US Crops at BASF, shared how moving laterally across departments helped him better understand the business as a whole and ultimately prepared him for larger leadership responsibilities. 

Julie, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Land O’Lakes, encouraged leaders to broaden their experiences early and mid-career, emphasizing that executive leadership requires curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to understand beyond your current role. 

There’s No One “Right” Career Path 

Each leader faced necessary career pivots and challenging moments. At the time, they felt unsure, but these moments changed the trajectory of their career. 

Marji, Chief Operating Officer at AgriSompo, stepped away from crop insurance early in her career, started a business and eventually returned to the industry years later in a new capacity. Her reflection was simple: your career path does not have to look linear to be meaningful. 

Stop viewing career decisions as permanent and instead approach them as opportunities to learn and grow. 

Take Ownership of Your Leadership Journey 

Don't wait for the “perfect” opportunity. Be intentional about seeking growth, asking bigger questions and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. 

Leadership at the next level is shaped through experiences, challenges and the willingness to keep learning. The path to the next level may not look the same for everyone, but growth starts when you decide to lean in. 

Catch the Full Conversation 

The Cultivating Leaders Webinar is an honest look at career growth, leadership pivots and the mindset shifts that come with preparing to lead at the next level. From navigating uncertainty to building broader business perspective, Julie, Scott and Marji shared practical wisdom for anyone ready to take ownership of their career path. 

Watch the full conversation more of their insights on confidence, career management, executive leadership and why the best growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone.