True leadership is measured not only by results, but by who you lift up along the way.
I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t just about vision or strategy — it’s also about recognizing the people who make things happen. That’s why I want to talk about someone who embodies that quiet, consistent excellence — someone who deserves a bit of spotlight herself.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the remarkable work of our Seed World United States editor, Aimee Nielson.
You know how sometimes you meet someone and, within minutes, you can tell they’re the real deal? That was Aimee. When she said she wanted to come on board, she didn’t just interview for a job. She wanted to know what was happening in the industry, what stories were worth telling, and, most importantly, who needed to be heard. She cared.
But don’t take it from me. Take it from Radicle Seed General Manager Lisa Branco, who recently nominated Aimee as an outstanding woman in the seed industry.
Lisa noted that Aimee is a fierce advocate for women in seed — a space where, for far too long, their voices haven’t been amplified enough. She’s made it her mission to change that. Whether she’s moderating a panel, capturing insights from an industry leader, or spotlighting a young professional who’s just finding her voice, Aimee approaches it all with warmth, curiosity, and an authenticity that’s rare, Lisa says.
“She’s the kind of person who is just as comfortable navigating a technical discussion on seed genetics as she is sharing coffee with a grower in the field. She listens deeply, asks the right questions, and isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and dig into a story until it’s told right.”
In leadership, giving credit isn’t optional. It’s essential. Too often, we’re so focused on moving the next project forward that we forget to stop and acknowledge the people who got us this far. Aimee’s one of those people.
So, here’s my ask for you this month: think about the Aimees in your organization. Who’s working tirelessly behind the scenes, making you and your team look good? Who’s creating space for others to shine? Find them. Thank them. And better yet, make sure the rest of the organization knows their name.
Because giving credit where credit is due doesn’t just make people feel good — it builds trust, strengthens culture, and reminds us that our success is always a team effort.
