b"KETTY NILSSONThe Industry is PRESIDENT, NOROGARD @NorogardABketty@norogard.comEvolving. Are You? norogard.comFOR ANY ORGANIZATION,itsand technology to improve the effec- Four Global Business most important asset hands down istiveness and efficiency of operations.Lessons Learnedits people. Developing on the skillsInvesting in their people should have that make those people so importantthe same benefits. The continued is equally as critical to the success ofeducation programs weve designedAS I WRITE THIS IMpreparing for a trip to the organization. focus on business topics tailored toSouth Korea. No matter which country Im in or Even when you are comfortablethe food and agribusiness industry.the continent Im on, I learn something. Im not in your day to day routine, your skillsTeams will always need leaders, andthe first person to become wiser by traveling. provide valuebut can they provideby equipping yourself with new com- Countless others before me have realized how more? Think about it: its likely thatpetencies that give you the abilitytravelling enriches a person.you stop and think about where youto translate education into businessI decided to compile some great quotes about want to be in your career in the nextresults, you will surely position your- travelling that illustrate exactly how I feel about three, five or 10 years, but do youself to be next in line. global business traveland provide a little com-ever stop to consider the path youIn collaboration with the Americanmentary on how these quotes encapsulate per-are taking to get there? If the planSeed Trade Association (ASTA), ourfectly the business lessons I have learned through doesnt include professional develop- Center offers the ASTA Managementvisiting foreign lands.ment, it is lacking a key factor.Academy. Whether you're an experi- Travel makes one modest. You see what a That means you should never stopenced decision-maker or new to thetiny place you occupy in the world. French novel-learning. By taking part in professionalindustry, broadening your generalist Gustave Flaubert said this. I am only one of development programs, you posi- management abilities is essential.billions of people on this planet, all with their own tion yourself to excel in your role andOver 1,300 participants have usedmission in life. The more people I surround myself anticipate opportunities and obstaclesthe academy for an in-depth lookwith, the more I learn. Nothing makes you better at aheada sought-after trait in theat current issues critical to the seedbusiness than learning from othersbe it learning current seed industry with disrup- industry and practical application ofabout their failures or successes.tions happening at a rapid-fire rate.management concepts vital to theHe who would travel happily must travel Increased consumer demand for trans- long-term success of seed firms. Withlight. This line from French poet Antoine de St. parency, farmer investment in innova- content including marketing man- Exupery illustrates the mobile seed treating busi-tions that promise a large payoff andagement, organizational leadership,ness perfectly. Its human nature to want to travel mergers and acquisitions are rockingfinancial management and more,light and easily. My business is all about making the seed industry boat. The market- were working hard to show how thework easier for people. Its human nature to want place is evolving, and your capabilitiesmarket is changing and how you canto make things easier, not harder. Make peoples need to be able to keep pace. be in front of the curve.lives easier, and youll be successful in business.At the Purdue University CenterThink youre ready to challengeBetter to see something once than hear for Food and Agricultural Business,yourself? Find information and regis- about it a thousand times. This Asian proverb we see firms investing in resourcestration forms for the 2020 programsums it up nicelyyou dont become a trusted on March 2-6 in West Lafayette, IN at:expert unless youve literally been out in the field agribusiness.purdue.edu/asta. getting dirty. Wherever I go, I am never afraid to get my hands dirty showing them how our equip-ment can benefit their own business.If you reject the food, ignore the customs, MICHAEL GUNDERSON fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home. American author James DIRECTOR AND PROFESSOR, PURDUE UNIVERSITYMichener was spot on with this one. Your business CENTER FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSwill never be successful if you dont take time to@DocGundymgunders@purdue.edulearn from others. My company caters to people in agribusiness.purdue.edu all kinds of climates treating all kinds of seed. At the end of the day, we are all the samejust trying to earn a living and make our lives better. Have some fun travel quotes of your own youd like to share? Email me!52/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2019"