b'2023 TOP 10 NEXT GEN LEADERSAustin Fricker2023s Future Leader of the Seed IndustryIn Austin Frickers life, one thing has continuously driven him forward: the desire to keep learning and expanding his own personal and professional knowledge. That passion has had far-reaching impacts on his professional life. Fricker is the third generation of his family to work at Pure Seed. Today, hes vice president and production manager. However, Fricker has been actively involved in the family business and farm since he was 13 years old, which is around the time he knew that working for the family business was what he wanted to pursue as his career. After college and graduate school, Fricker says he realized there was so much he could learn on the farm. That realization has only grown the longer hes been in the business.As the years went on, I realized I had a lot to learn about: the seasonal activities, breeding strategies, personnel management, business strategies, budgeting, and so many more things, he says. The first couple years felt like drinking from a firehose and I quickly realized you cant learn everything you need to know in a classroom or on a farm.As he continued to learn through working and by getting involved with different industry organizations and conferences, the confidence began to buildand he still believes he learns something new every day. As my knowledge and understanding grows, I can take on more roles and responsibilities which in turn helps build my confidence and incentivizes me to learn more, Fricker says.One piece of advice Fricker has for new leaders in the industry? Be brave about taking the plunge into something new. 24/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023'