b"How to Become an Effective CEO of Your Career By: Compiled by staffS ed World U.S.esat down with Jovan Djordjevic, director of education at UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center (SBC) and co-founder of Murray River Seeds, to talk about why continuing education is worth the investment, no matter what part of the seed value chain you call home.SW: Youre a plant breeder first and foremost, as well as a busi-ness owner and an entrepreneur. Tell me about how you first got connected to continuing education? Djordjevic: When I served as the global R&D and strategic crop lead for Bayer and BASF, much of my work involved leading teams, and I reached a point where I was eager to develop our internal talent further. While we had considerable potential within theThe UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Centre (SBC)s aim is to support continuing education across the seed value chain. company, we lacked the structured time for professional educa-tion. What we required was a program tailored specifically toSW: Why should someone consider participating in the UC Davis building capacity within the seed industry. Then, the UC DavisPlant Breeding Academy or one or more of the short courses? Seed Biotechnology Centre (SBC) emerged and, seeing its value toDjordjevic: You're the CEO of your career. When you're busy, the industry, I got involved. remember to look where you're going. Why wouldn't you invest in yourself? Continuing education holds incredible value for both SW: The SBC started by offering an intensive two-year programprofessional and personal growth. It's amazing what this kind of called the UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy, which to date hasprofessional development can do for company businesses, too.graduated more than 400 students. The SBC also offers short courses geared towards a much broader cross-section of theSW: Let's talk about the partnership between UC Davis and Seed seed value chain, correct?World Group. Together, we are offering new SBC students a 20% Djordjevic: We heard from the industry that, while having a flag- enrollment discount off all short courses. What does this kind ship UC Davis Plant Breeding Academy is great, there are numer- partnership offer the industry? ous other needs within the seed industry for staff development.Djordjevic: First, I must commend Seed World Groups vision This includes areas such as seed production, operations, market- for partnering with us to strengthen our seed industry through ing, sales, finance, etc. Our Seed Business 101, a one-week course,education. was established approximately 15 years ago to address theseWe have a big challenge ahead of us. We need to innovate and needs. Today, the SBC offers nearly 15 short classes, available bothcontinuously develop new and improved varieties, year after year, in person and online. to feed a fast-growing human population. Additionally, we must address the climate challenge and, consequently, reduce environ-SW: A lot of people mistakenly assume that educational coursesmental impact. We believe that a big part of the solutionone in through UC Davis SBC must be geared towards experiencedwhich we can directly contributelies in continuing education. plant breeding professionals. Who actually signs up for yourThe SBC represents a collective industry-wide commitment to on-courses?going education and, most importantly, to fostering innovation.Djordjevic: Id say that one in five people in our courses is a plant breeding professional. The seed industry involves a wide array ofWHERE other functions: seed production, marketing, intellectual proper- ON THE WEBty and regulatory affairs, administration, and more. Our courses arent solely intensive plant breeding deep dives; we offer a rangeIf you are interested in learning more about seed-specific continuing education through the SBC,of topics to cater to all levels of the seed industry, from seed biol- visit https://sbc.ucdavis.edu/educational-coursesogy and quality to leadership programs for breeders and scien- To sign up for a short course and access the 20% discount available exclusively throughtists, to innovation and strategy, seed production, and beyond. Seed World Group, email sbc@ucdavis.edu.JUNE 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /21"