Mentor March on Leaders Of The West

Every great career has people behind it—mentors who offered advice, opened doors, and shared the lessons they learned along the way.

That’s exactly what Mentor March on Leaders Of The West is all about.

Throughout the month, we’re sitting down with some of Jessie’s most influential mentors to talk about their career journeys, the mentors who shaped them, and the advice they’d give to the next generation stepping into these industries. From entrepreneurs to executives, these conversations are packed with practical insights and honest stories about what it really takes to build a career.

If you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, or simply want to learn from people who have walked the path before you, you’ll find it here.

Below you’ll find all of our Mentor March episodes in one place so you can listen, learn, and maybe even find the advice you didn’t know you needed.

Mentorship and Leadership in Agriculture with Laurie Lickley

This week on Leaders of the West, Mentor March continues with Laurie Lickley, a rancher from Jerome, Idaho, former Idaho State Representative, and one of the few women to have led both the Idaho Cattle Association and the Idaho Beef Council.

In the episode, Laurie chats:

• How growing up along the Salmon River shaped her work ethic and leadership style
• How she and her husband, Bill, built their lives in the beef industry during one of agriculture’s most challenging eras
• From crying while moving hand lines to building a legacy in the cattle industry, Laurie reflects on the resilience required to build a life in agriculture
• The power of mentorship, public service, and leading with both kindness and conviction
• The mentors who shaped her career, the lessons she learned serving in the legislature, and why compromise, collaboration, and empathy are essential in strong leadership

Building Brands That Last With Jillian Murphy

This week on Leaders of the West, Mentor March officially kicks off with Jillian Murphy, a sales strategist and former food and beverage distribution executive who helped launch brands like Boom Chicka Pop, PopCorners, and Health-Ade Kombucha.

Jillian opens up about her journey from corporate sales to building her own multi-seven-figure consulting business. She shares what it truly takes for products to stand out in retail, scale successfully, and connect with the right customers.

In the episode, Jillian chats:

• How she transitioned from corporate sales into building her own multi-seven-figure consulting business
• What it really takes for products to stand out and scale in retail
• Simplifying business growth
• The importance of relationship capital
• Why entrepreneurs need to focus on the right audience instead of trying to sell to everyone

Connect with Jillian:

• Follow on Instagram @thejillianmurphy
• Listen to her podcast The Jillian Murphy Show  

More About Leaders Of The West

Leaders Of The West is a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. 

Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave. 

These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. 

In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. 

Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you.

You’ll find new episodes every week. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss a show!