39. Barbara Meza - Director of Human Resources at Taylor Farms, confidence, community, and connections for success

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Barbara Meza, Director of Human Resources at Taylor Farms and Taylor Harvesting, to talk about her inspiring journey in agriculture and leadership.

Barbara opens up about starting her career at Ocean Mist Farms to help support her family and how that role unexpectedly turned into a lifelong passion—especially after becoming a single mother. She candidly discusses overcoming self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the power of programs like the Women Ag Academy in building her confidence and sense of community.

Through stories of mentorship, personal growth, and resilience, Barbara shares the pivotal moments that shaped her—like being entrusted with building an HR department and learning to reframe even the most tedious work tasks with deeper purpose. 

She also opened up about being raised by a strong single mother, facing painful judgment from family, and using that adversity to push herself further. Her mother—who also worked in ag—instilled in her a deep sense of professionalism, integrity, and compassion. It was powerful to hear how those early lessons continue to shape her leadership today.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth comes from discomfort, confidence is often seen before it’s felt, and when women support women, amazing things happen.

Barbara Meza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-meza-phr-87064250/

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/

Episode Contributors - Barbara Meza, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us