
Farm Family Harmony Podcast
71: How to Help Farm Dad & Mom Find New Purpose
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ken Keis, president of CRG Consulting Group, leadership expert, and longtime friend, for an honest conversation about helping farm parents find purpose beyond the farm and why understanding yourself is essential for a successful transition. Drawing from decades of experience working with families, leaders, and organizations, Ken shares how personality, values, and purpose shape the way we communicate, make decisions, and navigate change. Together, we explore why so many farm transitions stall, the importance of having difficult conversations before a crisis, and how changing roles doesn't mean losing your identity. We discuss discovering your purpose beyond the farm, understanding different personality styles and values, creating a healthier family culture, and why transition planning should happen while everyone is healthy and able to make decisions together. If you or someone you know is struggling with letting go, finding purpose after farming, or navigating the next chapter of your family's journey, this episode is for you. "The farm or your business is your identity. And I'm here to say that is not true. It is just an entity. The relationship and the people are the legacy." - Dr Ken Keis Resources Mentioned During This Episode CRG Consulting Group: leadership development tools, personality assessments, and coaching resources Why Aren't You More Like Me? by Dr. Ken Keis explore personality styles, communication, and self-awareness Values Assessment Tool: discover your core values and what drives your decisions Insight: The Surprising Truth About How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves, and Why the Answers Matter More Than We Think by Dr Tasha Eurich: develop self-awareness, become more confident, and successful. Ken Keis' free eBook, The Quest for Purpose: discover your purpose, have meaning & fulfillment, live with passion and presence Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts: Becoming the Person You Want to Be by Marshall Goldsmith: overcome trigger points in our lives and enact meaningful and lasting change. About Our Guest Ken Keis, Ph.D., is a globally recognized expert in personality, leadership, purpose, and wellness. With more than 37 years of experience, he has delivered over 3,000 presentations and 10,000 hours of coaching and consulting, helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential. As President and CEO of Consulting Resource Group International (CRG), Ken has advanced professional and personal development through CRG's proprietary models, 10 online courses, and 14 assessments, including The Personal Style Indicator, consistently rated the #1 personality assessment by participants. He has also certified and licensed coaches, trainers, speakers, consultants, and HR professionals in more than 30 countries. Ken is the bestselling author of Why Aren't You More Like Me?, Deliberate Leadership, and The Quest for Purpose. His work has been endorsed by respected leadership experts, including Ken Blanchard, Jim Kouzes, and Marshall Goldsmith. Contact Ken Follow Ken on LinkedIn Connect with Ken on Twitter Follow Ken on Facebook Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube . Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here Farm Family Coach Social Media Links Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why farm family clarity and transition matter 00:30 - Dr. Ken Keis's background and farm experience 01:03 - The importance of measurement and clarity in life and farming 01:31 - The role of personal style indicators in understanding family dynamics 02:24 - Leadership development and realization of potential 03:00 - Procrastination's impact on agriculture and family decisions 04:21 - Personal family story: engagement, values, and clarity 05:44 - Family meeting: using personality tools for farm decision-making 06:28 - Navigating risks and uncertainties in farming 07:25 - Why family members are wired differently and personality differences 08:43 - Recognizing strengths and challenges of varied personal styles 09:50 - The importance of purpose and the risks of taking the farm for granted 10:14 - The legacy of the farm: family relationships vs. land 11:07 - Inherited roles and aligning talents with farm roles 11:36 - Moving on: the story of finding fulfillment outside traditional farm roles 12:14 - Clarity about the farm as an entity, not identity 12:52 - The significance of values in decision-making and alignment 13:48 - Challenges of growth and outgrowing capabilities 14:15 - Self-awareness and perception gaps 15:14 - The need for intentional planning and clarity 16:37 - The importance of environment and culture on motivation 17:22 - Transition stories: CEOs and medical professionals 18:03 - Planning ahead for farm succession and estate transfer 19:03 - The importance of legal and estate planning 20:22 - Managing aging farm owners and health considerations 21:24 - Tools available for assessing wellness, confidence, and values 22:26 - Family and business values alignment exercises 23:41 - The role of congruence and authentic values in happiness and engagement 26:45 - Practical steps for clarity, communication, and intentional transition 28:02 - The impact of wellness, mental health, and self-worth on decision-making 29:49 - Embracing personal choice and living authentically 31:01 - Creating flexible, enjoyable retirement and transition options 32:02 - The power of intentional planning over reacting to circumstances 33:19 - Closing thoughts: Your ability to choose your farm's future





