For a lot of ambitious young professionals, the path to the top feels like it should be clear. Pick a lane. Become an expert. Get promoted. Keep climbing. 

But Julie Sexton’s career tells a different story. 

Julie, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Land O’Lakes, has spent 27 years growing inside one of agriculture’s most complex organizations. And she did not begin with a perfectly mapped plan to become a CHRO. She chose human resources because it gave her a broad place to start. 

“I knew I’d be working with other people,” Julie shared. “I knew I wanted to lead eventually.”  

That broad start became one of her biggest advantages. 

To move up, broaden out 

Julie has seen Land O’Lakes evolve into a stronger enterprise, spanning crop inputs, animal nutrition and dairy foods. That kind of complexity requires leaders who understand more than one lane. 

“You’re going to have more opportunities at the top, the broader you are at the bottom,” she said. 

For students and early-career professionals, it is a powerful reminder that growth does not always mean moving straight up. Sometimes it means moving across teams, functions or business areas that stretch how you think. 

Broadening does not mean becoming the expert in everything. It means learning enough to ask better questions, connect ideas and lead people who may know more than you do. 

Learn to lead through others 

One of the hardest career shifts is moving from individual contributor to people leader. Early on, success often comes from knowing the answer. But leadership requires a different mindset. 

“Your role is no longer to know everything,” Julie said. “It’s to lead the team.” 

That means asking better questions, creating clarity and trusting others to bring their expertise forward. Managers tell people what to do. Leaders help people think.  

Be thoughtful about the doors you want open 

Julie did not spend her early career saying, “I am going to be a CHRO.” But she was thoughtful about making career moves. 

“If you’re not quite sure, I think that’s okay,” she said. “What doors do you want to remain open?” 

That question takes the pressure off having a perfect career plan. You do not need to know the exact title you want 10 years from now. But you do need to be honest about what you are building toward. 

And then, Julie says, you need to say it. 

“Nobody can read your mind. Step into the conversation and say it. Use your words.” 

Catch the Full Conversation 

Julie’s story is a grounded reminder that the path to the top is not built by perfection. It is built by curiosity, broad experience, clear communication and the willingness to lead even when the playbook is not obvious. 

Listen to the full episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to hear more of Julie’s insights on enterprise leadership, career development and using your words to grow with confidence.