An update on HOA and Billy Slater & Adrian Capogreco chat all things leadership and people

In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and share an update on where Humans of Agriculture is heading. Over the last six years we’ve told hundreds of stories and met thousands of people, and it’s clear that the beating heart of our work isn’t just the stories themselves, but the people behind them.

We’re stepping into a new chapter. One that builds on our storytelling roots, but focuses more deliberately on careers, connection, and helping people see what’s possible for them in agriculture.

After that, I sit down with two remarkable leaders. First up is Billy Slater, who shares insights on confidence, preparation, transition, and why the biggest moments require the smallest focus. Then, I chat with Adrian Capogreco, Managing Director of Nutrien Ag Solutions, about leadership, resilience, community, and the future of the industry.

Episode Chapters

00:00 — Welcome and Why This Episode Is Different

01:20 — What’s Ahead: Upcoming Conversations and Guests

02:24 — The Honest Update: Where Humans of Agriculture Is Heading

04:49 — How the Project Started and Why It Still Matters

06:55 — The Pivot: From Storytelling to Stories + Careers + Community

08:40 — Introducing HOA Recruitment

09:36 — Oli’s Personal Challenge: The Longest Resume in Agriculture

10:35 - Setting Up Today’s Conversations

11:00: Leadership with Billy Slater

11:46 — Preparing for Transition and Backing Yourself

12:55 — Earning Confidence

13:34 — Overcoming Self-Doubt

14:45 — Handling Big Moments

15:38 — Vulnerability, Courage, and Team Culture

17:00 — Positive Reinforcement and High Standards

18:32 — Oli’s Reflections on Billy’s Lessons

19:30 - Leadership and the Future with Adrian Capogreco

19:41 — Introducing Adrian at the Nutrien Stand

19:56 — Adrian’s Non-Negotiables in Leadership

20:20 — A Non-Negotiable in Life: Balance

20:55 — Advice for First-Time Managers

21:55 — The Quirks and Strengths of Agriculture

22:40 — Mindset When Things Get Tough

23:45 — What’s Next for Nutrien

24:45 — Wrapping Up with Adrian

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com