Corby Kummer, the founding executive director of Food and Society at the Aspen Institute, shares his journey of leadership and the transformative power of community. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and perseverance, recounting how a fellow leader faced repeated setbacks in advocating for sustainable food purchasing. Despite the discouragement, she persisted, ultimately winning her board’s support. Coby highlights that trust and dialogue are the cornerstones of effective leadership, as demonstrated by the deep connections formed among the Food Leaders Fellows during their annual retreat. With a blend of humor and wisdom, he reminds us that even seasoned leaders grapple with doubt, but it’s the willingness to keep pushing forward that truly defines success.