b'Sibanda is quick to point out that Robynnes reputation extends far beyond Canada: On African soil, she is known and knows everyonetheir capacity, their expertise, where they are best placed to serve. In Rome, she is a brand name. On the World Food Prize platform as well. And within the global research community. Her network is exceptional.Why is Robynne effective?Its her humility, Sibanda says. Her ability to embrace multicultural settings and truly understand the dynamics. She knows when to talk, when to watch, and when to lead.She also stresses Robynnes leadership style inside Emerging Ag: She attracts good talent, mentors them well, and treats them like family. When someone needs supportnot technical support, but personal supportshe drops every-thing. She cares.Robynne Anderson and her dad Bob in 2017 when she was inducted into the CanadianSibanda adds that technology has Agricultural Hall of Fame. amplified Robynnes reach, not diluted her authenticity:Once your brand is known, people can follow your work. Robynne is very active on LinkedIn, and technology has THE ANDERSON FAMILYS PLAYBOOK FOR INFLUENCING helped her communicate, expand into new areas, and stay visible. Its made our Take the three AndersonsBob, Chris, and5. Understand both sides. field more demanding, but also more connected.Robynneand you can see a pattern emerge: Robynne: You must know the contra-position 1. Start with something real. as well as your own. Why the Anderson Example Matters NowBob built credibility through work. Chris6. Dont silo agriculture. As global trust strategist Payn empha-through science. Robynne through policy. Instead of saying trust us, say: sizes, the people who move public under-2. Communicate calmly. Heres the soil data. standing today arent the loudestthey Heres the emissions math. are the most authentic.Being an influencer doesnt mean you haveHeres the food safety metrics. Sibanda agrees.to have a loud voice. Bob proved that for 50Heres why it works. Once you understand how complex years. and difficult farming is, you become a 3. Connect the dots to results. 7. Make friends. natural advocate. The real hard work is Robynne: Dont simply defend the tools youThe Andersons move through the worldon the soil. Only the tough cookies get it use. Explain the outcomes they lead to. quietly building allianceswith farmers, and theyre in it for the long haul.4. Collaborate relentlessly. policymakers, scientists, and consumers. In a time when AI-generated narra-Thats not old-school. Thats the newtives spread in seconds and fewer people Chris: Innovation succeeds throughcompetitive advantage in an era of distrust. understand what happens on a farm, ecosystems. You cant ever forget that. agriculture needs more leaders who operate like they do: curious, credible, groundedand genuinely invested in the people they work with.Because, as Bob Anderson says matter-of-factly: If something needs to be done, it has to be done by someone who cares enough to make it better. 14 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA JANUARY 2026'