# 162 - Vital Leadership Lessons Learned on the Battlefield - with Paul Ainsworth, Lincoln Institute

Where have you learned leadership?

On the farm? In a day job? Inherited perhaps?

For most, NONE have learned the vital art and science of leadership.

It is a learned skill. One we can all commit to and master.

One we all need to be successful in life and business, and in succeeding in the pursuit of a family farm that can transcend generations…

It is a privilege to introduce Paul Ainsworth, Managing Partner of Lincoln Institute to you in this episode - one that speaks deeply to the heart of leadership, resilience, and the power of community.

Over 15 years, and after a decorated career in the Australian Army, Paul has helped shape leaders in the veterinary and agricultural industries. A graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon, Paul served as an Infantry Officer with international deployments across five foreign countries, culminating in a role as a military observer in the Middle East.

His leadership journey continued beyond the Army, first as the inaugural Director of ALDI Foods in Australia and then, as CEO and Board Chairman of Australia’s fastest-growing company in the energy sector.

Now, as the Founding Principal of the Lincoln Institute, Paul is dedicated to equipping veterinary and agricultural professionals with the leadership, management, and communication skills they need to thrive.

Leadership is more than just making decisions. It’s about connection. It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to step back. It’s about building a team that isn’t just technically strong but also aligned, empowered, and accountable.

Here Are Some of The Key Leadership Lessons from This Episode:

• How self-aware are you as a leader? How you think you come across isn’t always how you do. Where might there be a gap between your intent and your impact?

• Who’s in your corner? Isolation is the enemy—whether you’re a vet, a farmer, or a business owner. Who do you lean on? How are you building a strong support network?

• Are you pushing yourself and your team to grow? Real learning happens outside the comfort zone. Where are you playing it too safe?

• Are you empowering or micromanaging? Move from telling to coaching. Teach the standard, then trust your people to own it.

• Do your people know what’s expected—before there’s a problem? The best way to avoid hard conversations is to set clear expectations from the start.

• Are you creating clarity or confusion? Strong teams don’t need coddling—they need to know where they stand, what success looks like, and how to get there.

We are delighted that our FOA Platinum Mastermind & Alumni Members have access to the Lincoln Institute Emerging Leaders Programs. For more information about FOA’s programs and our connection with Lincoln, book a Complimentary Coaching Call here.

Paul and his team at Lincoln Institute have been working alongside farm owners, veterinarians, and business leaders for years—helping them not just lead, but lead well.

This is a conversation about what really makes a difference in leadership—the moments that test us, the decisions that define us.

A sincere thanks to Paul for joining us in this conversation. Your knowledge, wisdom and insights are so valuable and transferrable.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Hutchings and The Farm Owners Academy Team