Robert Hunter: Be Present in the “Is”

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In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark sits down with Robert Hunter, an executive leader, strategist, and fifth-generation Canadian farmer who has spent more than 20 years helping organizations navigate change, build partnerships, and create opportunities for growth.

Robert has built his career at the intersection of agriculture, food systems, sustainability, innovation, trade, and public policy. Having lived and worked across Canada, Europe, Asia, and the United States, he brings a unique global perspective on what it takes to lead through complexity and change. His career has included senior leadership roles with organizations including CropLife International and Protein Industries Canada, and he currently advises organizations on strategy, governance, and industry transformation.

Robert's definition of intentionality centers around a deceptively simple idea:

Be present in the “is.”

Leaders are trained to solve problems, make judgments, and drive toward outcomes. But in our rush to find the answer, we can miss what's actually happening in front of us.

Robert challenges leaders to slow down long enough to understand the current reality—the people, environment, emotions, and circumstances—before jumping to conclusions or solutions.

One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes from Robert's work on the Board of Directors of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, an organization supporting mental health in agriculture.

When a fellow board member shared the devastating impact of a farmer's suicide in her community, Robert's instinct was to immediately find a solution.