The Energy Behind Leadership

What I Learned in Conversation with Jarrett Chambers ...

Jarrett Chambers, President of ATP Nutrition, shares many characteristics of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the molecule for which his company is named.

One is a fundamental component in biology.

The other a dynamic figure in the world of agricultural technology.

However, on closer inspection, their roles exhibit remarkable similarities.

ATP, the molecule, is essentially the energy currency of life. It is used by cells to perform work, from muscle contractions to nerve impulses. Its unique structure allows it to store and release energy effectively, making it a critical component in all living organisms.

Like its molecular counterpart, Jarrett Chambers, ATP's President, provides energy and direction for the company. He fuels innovation, drives progress, and ensures that the organization is always performing at its peak.

"I think what I recognized during my time with Exxon, which was working on ESN, the controlled-release fertilizer, is that although it was part of the largest company in the world at the time, we were in a very special little group. We were allowed to spread our wings and be incredibly creative, evolving a technology that was novel at the time. Polymer-coated fertilizer really didn't exist back then, showing you how far back this was.

We were on the cutting edge, developing and trying to sell this new product, figuring out how to introduce it to the market. It was a continuous team effort to create it. At that point, I didn't fully realize how entrepreneurial I was until our small, innovative business was incorporated into the larger corporate structure.

It then became very business-focused, very corporate, which is fine in its own right. However, I, along with virtually my entire group, quickly realized that this new organization wasn't the right fit for us. It was during this transition that I discovered the critical importance of company culture.

To me, a company's culture can be driven in one of three ways: it can be shareholder-driven, employee-driven, or customer-driven. Realizing my entrepreneurial spirit, I knew I wanted to foster an employee-driven culture. And to this day, everything we do prioritizes an employee-driven culture. It's truly exciting."

Chambers' holistic approach to agricultural issues mirrors the comprehensive function of ATP within the cell. Just as ATP supports a wide array of biological processes, Chambers emphasizes the importance of comprehensive solutions in agriculture.

"What you need to do is you need to get multiple points of people from different areas that bring different skills and then collect multiple pieces of information and then make your decision."

Just as ATP does not exist in isolation within the cell, Chambers argues that nitrogen should not be managed based on nitrogen alone. He suggests that the best way to harness the power of nitrogen is through proper placement, pricing, form, and ratio, much like the controlled and specific release of energy from ATP.

"On the topic of reducing nitrogen emissions, perhaps a goal we may hear about for 2030 or another future date. Is this achievable solely through nitrogen management? No, it's not. Seriously, if anyone thinks you can manage nitrogen by focusing solely on nitrogen, it's like saying we should eat popcorn 365 days a year. Just popcorn, nothing else. Of course, if we eat more or less popcorn, we're going to feel different, but without other foods, it's extremely limited. This approach is as monocultural and two-dimensional as it gets in science.

We need practical people in regulatory and legislative positions who understand the best ways to harness the power of nitrogen. Look at the Canadians' approach. They focus on placing it properly, timing it right, choosing the correct form, and getting the ratio right. All of this is based on what's going to drive productivity.

Experts know the nitrogen to sulfur ratio is critical. It's also well-known that too much nitrogen can trigger a copper deficiency. This makes you wonder, what if we increase our copper use along with the nitrogen? It's likely we would see a yield increase and possibly a decrease in emissions.

The issue is, we often think one-dimensionally, sometimes even two-dimensionally. We should be thinking three-dimensionally. The problem is sometimes the legislation is drafted with a one-dimensional approach, which leads us to react repeatedly. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, this doesn't benefit the grower in any way."

Furthermore, Chambers' relentless pursuit of knowledge and continuous learning aligns with the universal presence of ATP across all forms of life. He has spent years mastering the science and practical aspects of agriculture and the business processes needed for success. ATP, on the other hand, has been essential to life since the first cells appeared on Earth. Just as life has evolved over billions of years, Chambers continues to learn and adapt, ensuring that his company remains on the cutting edge of agricultural technology.

"I'm still having a lot of fun with what I do. Despite the fact that the business is getting bigger, I'm determined not to become that older, set-in-his-ways individual with fixed opinions. It's truly inspiring to be exposed to fresh perspectives, especially through my family. For example, my middle daughter is currently doing her graduate work. Keeping active and engaged with what you're doing is crucial.

Above all, I do what I do because I love it. It might sound cliché, but I don't pursue this for the money. The financial success is just a result that comes later. What drives me is passion. And what am I passionate about? I'm passionate about agriculture, about working with people who love agriculture as much as I do. These are critical aspects of my motivation.

Then there's the passion for the science behind it. The more I learn about plant physiology, the more I realize how metaphorically it mirrors human physiology. It's not directly transferable, but there are fascinating parallels. This understanding opens up countless ways to grow a crop. Each person needs to figure out the method that's right for them and apply it to grow the crop. This philosophy applies to business as well. You need to determine what kind of business model is right for you – whether it's shareholder-driven, customer-driven, or employee-driven."

Chambers merges the world of biology with the realm of business, bringing science to the field in the most practical and impactful ways.

"Agriculture is the practical application of science."

Whether it's the energy that powers life or Jarrett powering his companies, they are both critical in growing agricultural production!

For my entire conversation with Jarrett, check out growingthefuturepodcast.ca, or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts.