Rural By Choice | Jackie Mundt

In this engaging conversation, Jackie Mundt shares her journey from a successful career in agribusiness to returning to rural Kansas to continue her family's farming legacy. She discusses the challenges and rewards of living in a small community, the importance of community involvement, and her commitment to youth development. Jackie emphasizes the need for young leaders to return to rural areas and the value of setting boundaries in volunteer work. The conversation highlights the significance of building connections and investing in the next generation to ensure the vitality of rural communities. In this conversation, Lauren Moylan and Jackie Mundt discuss the importance of returning to rural communities, the opportunities available in these areas, and the significance of building strong partnerships for community development. They explore the challenges of work-life balance, the necessity of having hard conversations for growth, and the key areas that rural communities need to focus on for future development, including childcare, housing, and internet connectivity. The discussion emphasizes the value of collaboration, leadership, and the need for individuals to take initiative in their communities.

Links:

About Jackie⁠ - ⁠Jackie's Linkedin ⁠Follow us on Instagram! ⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, select the three dots next to the following button, and click the star that says “Rate show”) Takeaways Jackie Mundt has a diverse background in agriculture and communications. The decision to return to rural Kansas was driven by a desire to continue the farming legacy. Living in rural America is a conscious choice that can lead to a fulfilling life. Community involvement is essential for building connections and friendships. It's important to recognize and address the needs of the community. Setting boundaries in volunteer work is crucial for personal fulfillment. Investing in youth development is key to fostering future leaders. Encouraging young people to return to rural areas can revitalize communities. Overcoming stigmas about returning home is necessary for community growth. Rural communities need a variety of skilled individuals to thrive. Returning to rural communities is essential for their growth. There are numerous job opportunities in rural areas. Quality of life in rural communities can be very high. Building partnerships is crucial for community development. Work-life balance is achievable with the right support. Hard conversations are necessary for progress. Communities need to focus on childcare and housing. Internet connectivity is vital for attracting residents. Leadership in rural areas requires collaboration. The future of rural communities depends on proactive involvement. Chapters 00:00 A Powerhouse in Agriculture 05:02 Living a Life by Choice: Rural Philosophy 12:20 Seeing Needs and Taking Action in the Community 17:56 The Importance of Saying No: Setting Boundaries 23:03 Investing in the Next Generation: Youth Developm