There’s a generational shift happening. In less than eight years, a new generation will step up to replace the seven million people over 65 in Canada. Investing in young leaders is needed now more than ever.
Fortunately for the seed industry, the future’s in good hands.
Germination asked for nominations for 10 leaders in the industry who showcase a drive for bettering the global seed industry. These leaders come from a range of businesses — from multinationals to associations to independent companies. They all have one goal in common: leading the seed sector into the future.
These 10 Next-Gen Leaders were nominated by their managers, their peers, and different seed associations who saw their potential as up-and-coming leaders. Here’s the fifth.
Lauren Comin had a change in her job that has some similarities to her previous work for Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley, but involved learning about a whole new aspect of the industry. In May of 2022 she moved to Seeds Canada, and since then she’s been learning more every day.
“Learning about the various policies and needs of different crops can be challenging. It’s natural to feel like you’re in a bit of a learning curve, but it’s also an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills,” she says.
Her previous experience in the wheat and barley industry prepared her well for her current role, and she feels confident in her ability to navigate the politics and relationships within the seed industry, especially at a time when the seed sector is going through profound shifts like consolidations mergers and Seed Regulatory Modernization.
But if anyone can thrive in an environment like today’s seed industry, it’s her.
“There’s an old saying that wheat is 13.5% protein and 86.5% politics,” she says with a chuckle.
“Alberta Wheat is a pretty fast-paced organization and is constantly trying to add new programs and meet members’ needs. It’s almost like learning to drive downtown in rush hour during a snowstorm. So it’s kind of like, if you can drive there, you can drive anywhere.”
The almost 10 years she spent at Alberta Wheat gave her a great education and a great start to prepare herself for working in other sectors like seed.
“While I do need to sort of learn the ropes of the other crops and understand how they work, if you can sort of get your head wrapped around the politics and the relationships of wheat, then I feel like you can probably learn the ropes of pretty much any other sector,” she says.
Comin is known as someone who can prioritize relationship-building and encourage others to do the same. The complexity of the seed industry and the diverse range of organizations that Seeds Canada represents makes means it’s important to build strong relationships and find ways to balance their needs.
“The challenges we face today require a different approach to leadership, one that prioritizes building relationships, finding common ground, and working together towards new solutions,” she adds.
“It’s important to value the knowledge and experience of those who have come before us, but also to bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The next generation of leaders will play a critical role doing that, I think.”
