This year saw the successful launch of the Leaders’ Lunch Club, a new initiative from De Lacy Executive Recruitment in partnership with Traction. Designed to bring together senior figures from across the agricultural sector, the event has quickly established itself as a valued fixture in the industry calendar. The concept was developed by Grace Nugent, Managing Director at De Lacy Executive, and Chris Manley, Founder of Traction. Both recognised the unique pressures that come with leadership— loneliness, imposter syndrome, and the weight of responsibility—and saw the need for a space where leaders could connect, reflect, and support one another. A Space for Meaningful Dialogue Two events have taken place so far, in April and October, both hosted in Worcester. Each gathering brought together a diverse group of leaders from across agriculture—individuals who might not typically meet at sectorspecific events such as Dairy-Tech or Cereals. Attendees included senior professionals from organisations such as Dyson Farming, Cargill, Farmer’s Weekly, KFC UK & Ireland, Danish Crown, and the Oxford Farming Conference, among others. The mix of backgrounds and expertise created a rich environment for discussion and collaboration. The format is deliberately simple: a morning speaker session followed by an open forum in the afternoon. At the April event, Richard Ferguson of Kili Consulting encouraged attendees to reflect on personal leadership and strategic direction. In October, Rachael Hurdman, a DISC practitioner, led an energising and interactive session that proved to be a standout moment for many. She introduced the DISC behavioural assessment tool, which helps leaders understand how their teams communicate, work, and interact—providing a shared language to navigate personality differences and unlock individual potential. Rachael took the session a step further by dividing attendees into groups based on their dominant DISC personality types. This gave participants the opportunity to explore their strengths and challenges in a safe, supportive setting. Each group discussed what they excel at, where they struggle, and how their behavioural traits influence team dynamics. These insights were then shared back with the wider group, sparking a wave of mutual understanding and appreciation for diverse working styles. LEADERS’ LUNCH CLUB: Cultivating Connection in Agricultural Leadership “ I’m so proud our idea became reality and exceeded expectations. Remember—you’re not alone. Be yourself, and it’s okay to lead with vulnerability. ” Grace Nugent Managing Director of De Lacy Executive “ I’m delighted with the success of our inaugural Leadership Lunch Club—amazing collaboration, vibrant discussion, and huge potential to drive positive, collaborative change across the sector. ” Chris Manley Founder of Traction
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