Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Peterson is an accomplished executive assistant and operations professional whose career has been built on a passion for supporting people, fostering collaboration, and helping organizations thrive. Beginning her professional journey as an administrative assistant, she steadily advanced into executive support roles and has spent the past decade serving as a trusted partner to senior leaders. After building extensive experience in the healthcare industry, supporting operational teams at Nebraska Medicine, Andrea embraced an opportunity to return to her roots in agriculture—a field that has always held a special place in her heart. Raised in rural Iowa, she was drawn to the industry’s values of hard work, community, and service. Today, Andrea serves as Executive Assistant supporting global operations in the agriculture sector, where she plays a critical role in connecting teams, streamlining communication, and supporting organizational success. Her responsibilities extend far beyond traditional executive support, encompassing leadership coordination, dealer onboarding, factory tours, employee engagement initiatives, and cross-functional event planning. Known for her adaptability and proactive approach, Andrea works closely with both operations and commercial teams, ensuring people have the resources and support they need to perform at their best. Her unique ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization has earned her a reputation as a trusted connector and a valued voice within the company. At the core of Andrea's leadership philosophy is a commitment to helping others feel supported, valued, and empowered. She takes great pride in spending time on the manufacturing floor, engaging directly with employees, learning the production process firsthand, and bringing those insights back to leadership. By bridging the gap between frontline teams and executive decision-makers, she helps ensure that every perspective is heard and considered. Guided by the values of honesty, empathy, and hard work, Andrea believes that influence often comes from behind the scenes through service, connection, and a genuine investment in the success of others. As a strong advocate for women in agriculture and leadership, she encourages others to embrace their authentic selves and confidently claim their seat at the table.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
A big part of my success comes from how I was raised. My parents taught me that being a girl didn't mean I couldn't do anything a man could do. My dad pushed me hard, and from a young age I learned that success comes from hard work and determination. I also pride myself on being stubbornly independent. If there's something I want to achieve, I'll find a way to make it happen. That combination of independence, persistence, and a strong work ethic have shaped who I am and contributed greatly to my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is simple: don't be afraid of failure. Every failure and every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better. Challenges teach resilience, and resilience is what helps you bounce back stronger the next time.
Recently, I shared a post on LinkedIn about influence, and it sparked a meaningful conversation that really made me reflect on my own career journey. We talked about how influence isn't measured solely by the titles we hold or the accomplishments listed on our resumes. True influence is measured by the lives we impact, the people we help develop, and the opportunities we create for others.
That conversation was a powerful reminder that I don't need a big title to make a difference. I can still be influential by showing up, leading by example, mentoring others, and helping people succeed. To me, success isn't just about personal achievement—it's about the positive impact you leave on the people around you. That's a lesson I'll carry with me throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don't be afraid to break the glass ceiling. Be your authentic self and know that you deserve a seat at the table. Just because it's a male-dominated industry doesn't mean you don't belong here. There will be times when it feels challenging, but if you've put in the work, gained the knowledge, and earned your place, then you deserve to be there. Don't be afraid to take that seat, speak up, and use your voice. Your perspective matters, and confidence in yourself can open doors not only for you, but for the women who come after you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in agriculture right now is the uncertainty that comes with such a cyclical industry. There are good years, but there can also be very difficult years, and success often depends on your ability to weather those ups and downs. Agriculture requires resilience, grit, and determination. You have to be willing to stay committed even when conditions aren't ideal.
At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in our industry because I truly believe in the mission that agriculture feeds the world. The people involved in agriculture are passionate, hardworking, and dedicated to something bigger than themselves. While the challenges can be significant, they also build character and create opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term success. You have to have what it takes to stay the course, but the impact and purpose behind the work make it incredibly rewarding.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are honesty, empathy, and hard work.
I value honesty because I believe growth comes from open and honest feedback—whether it's constructive criticism or positive reinforcement. If we're not willing to have those conversations, we're limiting our ability to learn and improve. As leaders and influential people, I believe it's our responsibility to create an environment where honest communication is encouraged and respected.
I also value empathy. It's important to understand and relate to people on all levels. Everyone comes to work carrying different challenges, experiences, and emotions, and effective leadership requires meeting people where they are. Being able to listen, empathize, and understand what someone may be experiencing on any given day helps build stronger relationships and stronger teams.
Finally, I value hard work. I firmly believe in leading by example and working alongside my team. I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves, get my hands dirty, and do whatever needs to be done. I'll never consider myself too good to jump in and help someone else. I believe respect is earned through action, and hard work has always been one of the core principles that guides both my career and my life.
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