PELION, SC - Leadership starts with a desire to improve the lives around you, transform the work you do, and elevate the industry you serve. Fresh produce is defined by that kind of leadership, and carrying it forward is the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) community and its Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA).
Celebrating another year-long program built on conscious leadership ideals, the Academy counts Christine Jackson, Director of Sales and Marketing at WP Rawl, among its 2026 class. She joins me to share her experience and where the program hits home.
"I believe the future of produce leadership is about being willing to adapt while staying true to the values our industry was built on. We need leaders who listen to their teams, embrace new ideas and technology, and are willing to work together to address challenges our industry faces like labor, changing consumer needs, and sustainability," Christine begins. "Being part of NGLA was such an amazing experience!"
Throughout the year, participants gain fresh insights, sharpen leadership skills, and learn to meet industry challenges with a growth mindset. The Academy runs on monthly two-hour virtual sessions and up to three in-person sessions, each built around content relevant to where participants are headed in their careers.
"One of the biggest lessons I learned is that we all have different strengths and weaknesses, and that's okay. Doing a deep dive into The Working Genius helped me better understand where I naturally thrive, where I may struggle, and how important it is to have people around you who help bridge those gaps," Christine reflects. "Good leadership isn't about being great at everything. It's about knowing what you bring to the table, recognizing what others bring, and working together to get the best result."
As Christine shares, the program opens space for reflection and, just as much, for connection with those chasing the same goals.
"I've learned a lot about myself, and I have grown as a leader, but it's the relationships I've made that have probably meant the most to me," she says. "I've formed lasting friendships and now have a special group of people I can call when something comes up, whether I need advice, a different perspective, or just someone to bounce ideas off of. Having that kind of support from people who understand the produce industry is truly invaluable."
Leadership is not a title you receive. It is a practice you choose, again and again. And in Christine and her fellow 2026 class members, fresh produce has a next generation choosing it now.
Companies in this Story
WP Rawl
In the early 1920’s, the late Walter and Ernestine Rawl started a local business known as the Walter P. Rawl Farm selling…
