Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship in Ranching & Journey of Personal Growth Calli Thorne
Navigating Personal Growth, Business Success, and Family Life in a Modern Agricultural World
In today’s agricultural world, the idea of success is evolving. It’s no longer about sticking to traditional roles or methods, but about creating opportunities that align with personal values and the evolving needs of the industry. Calli Thorne’s journey is a shining example of what it means to embrace multiple opportunities while staying grounded in the core principles of ranching and family.
Raised in northwest North Dakota on a fifth-generation ranch, Calli’s connection to the land runs deep. She and her husband, CJ, have raised their family on the same land where she grew up, and together they have continued the ranching legacy with a strong focus on adaptability and growth. However, Calli’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the ranching world. In addition to raising cattle, she runs a leadership coaching business, speaks at events, and offers mental health first aid training.
One of Calli’s biggest pieces of advice to anyone, especially women, in agriculture is to embrace the idea that you don’t have to fit into one mold. Growing up, she often felt that women in agriculture were expected to fulfill certain roles—whether it was cooking for the crew or handling the books—roles that didn’t always align with her talents or passions. But instead of falling into those traditional patterns, Calli recognized her strengths and made space for herself to grow as an entrepreneur.
She’s quick to point out that just because something is expected of you doesn’t mean it has to be your role. For example, while many women in agriculture take on bookkeeping, Calli realized that this wasn’t where her strengths lay. Instead, she found ways to hire out tasks that weren’t fulfilling for her, creating more time to focus on what she truly loved—entrepreneurship and leadership. By hiring a bookkeeper, Calli freed herself to invest her time in things that she was truly passionate about, ultimately benefiting her business, her family, and her well-being.
“It’s about creating a life that works for you, not what’s expected of you.”
For Calli, entrepreneurship is about finding what lights you up and building a life around those passions. She says, “You have to figure out who you are and what you want in this world.” In a time when social media makes it easy to compare yourself to others, she encourages women in agriculture to slow down and reflect on their own values and priorities, rather than trying to keep up with what others are doing. Whether it’s running a ranch, building a side business, or navigating motherhood, Calli’s advice is clear: it’s about creating a life that works for you, not what’s expected of you.
In her work as a leadership coach and mental health first aid facilitator, Calli also focuses on the power of mindset and personal growth. She believes that mental toughness is key to success in any business, and just like physical fitness, it requires constant effort and dedication. Whether you’re dealing with a drought, market fluctuations, or personal challenges, the mindset you choose to adopt will determine how you handle those obstacles. Instead of succumbing to the stress of difficult situations, Calli encourages people to shift their perspective and find opportunity in adversity.
This shift in thinking has been especially important in agriculture, where mental health struggles are often overlooked. Calli uses her platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being, particularly in rural communities. She believes that it’s vital to recognize the signs of distress in others and have the courage to ask the tough questions, such as, “Are you really okay?” It’s not about fixing problems, but about offering a listening ear and creating a support system that allows people to open up and heal.
In addition to mindset, Calli stresses the importance of clear communication within family operations. When working with loved ones, it’s easy to fall into old patterns of miscommunication or take on too much without setting clear boundaries. Calli and her husband are committed to open dialogue and being intentional about how they divide responsibilities. For example, when she’s working from home, she sometimes hangs a sign on her door to let her family know she’s in a meeting. It’s the little things that help ensure everyone’s time and efforts are respected, both professionally and personally.
As for advice to the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs, Calli encourages them to be open-minded and willing to adapt. The future of farming and ranching will look different than it does today, and it’s important to stay flexible. Being a successful entrepreneur in agriculture isn’t about doing things the way they’ve always been done—it’s about embracing innovation, building a diverse set of skills, and finding new ways to create value.
In the end, Calli’s journey is about more than just business success—it’s about building a legacy of growth, resilience, and a life that reflects personal values. For anyone looking to carve their own path in agriculture, her story is a reminder that there’s no one right way to succeed, and that embracing your unique journey is the key to thriving in both business and life.
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