For this ‘Leadership Lesson’, let’s look at how experience impacts the future of a business. My career path has led me into many businesses and many roles. Each step on the path brought new and challenging opportunities.

Everyone says our business depends on relationships. As we prepare for the future, will that change? The answer is no — but our focus must evolve.

Business advisors use the term “future proofing” to describe the discipline organizations need to prepare for generational success — economically, technologically and culturally.

I started my farm equipment career during the Gerald Ford administration. Things were rockin’ during those 3 years (1975-78). Fresh out of college with a business degree, I went to work as a commissioned salesperson