343. AgriNovus’ Dan Dawes on Indiana’s unfair advantage, biggest lessons in leadership + reflections on agbioscience innovation

Much has changed in agbioscience over the last three decades. We’ve seen the introduction of gene editing technologies, new digital capabilities, even autonomy. One leader has had a front-row seat to these innovations. He’ll soon retire, but joins us today to share perspective on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Dan Dawes, Senior Director of Strategy and Growth at AgriNovus joins us to talk about his career and the highlight reel of groundbreaking innovations in agbioscience. We get into:  What has kept Dan in agbioscience all these years, his connectivity to the farm and wanting others to feel the same sense of reward that he did.  The macro perspective and many cycles of the agbioscience economy – it’s down for now, but it’s never forever. What innovations excited Dan the most throughout his decades long career; but also, which ones did he not see coming? Indiana’s unfair advantage – its people. Dan’s biggest lessons in leadership, giving those you’re leading a map to success and the criticality in finding joy in the work that you do. Finding a mentor as a guide to growing in your career – and beyond – and an update on what’s ahead for Dan.