Taniell Nirvana Liepner

I’d attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to step into opportunities before feeling fully ready. I’ve always tried to stay open to learning, ask questions, and really understand the problems I’m working on. At the same time, I’ve been intentional about building strong relationships and following through, doing what I say I’ll do. That combination of curiosity and reliability has made a big difference.

My dad has a saying: “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” It may sound a bit direct, but it’s always stayed with me. It’s a reminder that if you want to grow, take on more, or be recognized for your value, you have to speak up and advocate for yourself. Historically, many women haven’t always felt empowered to do that; to confidently express their ideas, recognize their worth, and ask for what they deserve. That’s something I’ve become very mindful of, and I try to carry that mindset forward in how I show up professionally.

I’d say don’t wait until you feel fully ready, most people aren’t. Raise your hand for opportunities, ask questions, and put yourself in rooms where you can learn, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable at first. And just as importantly, stay curious. This space is evolving quickly, especially at the intersection of sustainability and agriculture, the people who do well are the ones who keep learning and asking better questions over time.

One of the biggest challenges right now is moving from ambition to measurable impact. Many companies have strong sustainability and regenerative agriculture goals, but they’re still figuring out how to actually measure what’s happening in the field. That challenge also creates a major opportunity. There’s a shift toward using real data, especially soil biology, to understand outcomes, not just practices. The companies that can do this well will be able to drive both environmental impact and better outcomes for farmers. There’s also a big opportunity in making these tools more accessible globally, so both large-scale and smallholder farmers can benefit.

I really value curiosity and purpose in my work, being able to continuously learn while contributing to something that has a positive impact. Integrity is also very important to me, especially in sustainability, where it’s critical that what we say aligns with what’s actually happening. In my personal life, I value balance, well-being, and connection, taking time to recharge and staying close to the people and things that matter most to me.