b'TOP 15 MANAGEMENT MAVERICKS OF NORTH AMERICAUNITED STATESKERI CARSTENS(on the cover), CEO, Jord BioScience MIKE DILLION Vice President, Corteva Oil Seeds PortfolioAttributes: Innovative, Empathetic,Attributes: Customer-focused, Inclusive, Visionary, Decisive, Inclusive Forward-looking, Transparent, IntegrityNominators said: Keris leadership drivesNominators said: Mike leads in a way that transformative change. She leads innova- upskills his entire team, always does whats tive practices and technologies, managingright and he genuinely cares about the significant cultural shifts and implement- well-being of all. He commits to customer ing sustainable growth and competitive advantage strategies.satisfaction, ethical leadership and team development. When She champions open communication, continuous learning andintroducing new ideas, he takes the time to explain the why. professional development, She is committed to diversity and sus- He is respectful, inclusive and transparent. He connects with tainability. Keri takes calculated risks to accelerate success. Sheindividuals at all levels. Mike is a servant leader who is known as prioritizes a highly collaborative working environment.The Bean Guy who works with The Fun Crop. Mike ensures that new team members understand their value to customers. More About Keri: She prioritizes safe, globally sustainableHe leads thought-provoking discussions with integrity, seeking solutions for farmers. Before Jord, Keri led global regulatorydiverse perspectives and input. He directed the strategy for the strategy for Corteva. She served on the leadership team forlaunch of the #1 soybean HT trait in the United States.seed-applied technologies and biologicals with key roles in regulatory science and program management. She chaired theMore About Mike: He works closely with commercial regional ASTA Seed Treatment and Environment Committee, steeredbusiness teams, prioritizes research and development for the Honey Bee Health Coalition and Entomological Society ofgermplasm and traits and with supply production/supply chain America. She mentors Iowa State University graduate studentscoordination. He is a member of Cortevas Seed Business Unit and co-teaches regulatory toxicology and pesticides courses.Leadership Team. Mike earned a bachelors degree in agricul-Keri earned a bachelors degree in biology and education fromtural studies and a masters degree in agriculture. Before joining Wartburg College, and a masters and Ph.D. in toxicology andPioneer, Mike was an agronomy salesman, managed a multi-site entomology from ISU. She and her family enjoy their small farm. retail fertilizer facility, and served as a U.S. Army Infantry officer.NATHEN DEPPEGeneral Manager, Incotec MIKE GRAHAMHead of Breeding, Bayer Crop Science DivisionAttributes: Engaging, Compassionate,Attributes: Transformational, Empathetic, Enabling, Trailblazing, Encouraging Committed, Resilient, Compassionate, InspiringNominators said: Nathen is a trailblazing leader with a non-traditional approach thatNominators said: Mikes commitment to unites people around the company mis- people consistently focuses on unlocking sion. His rallies and engages employees tomaximum potential. He is a humble and foster a cohesive and motivated workforce. Nathen brings posi- empathetic leader who encourages innovative thinking. He is tivity into every situation and ensures that everyone feels part ofpassionate about people-centric strategies. Mike sets strategy the greater mission. He keeps morale high and keeps employeesby starting with a clear vision, mission and North Star objec-productive and focused on success. He makes employees feeltives. His high energy and speed are contagious. Mikes Team of valued and motivated. Nathens unique leadership style allowsTeams culture globally connects teams with a shared purpose, him to lead at a high level while also delving into the details. Heradically increasing diversity in gender, skills and talents. He provides tailored feedback and resources. reads and researches new ways of working and challenges the organization to think differently and more creatively about solv-More about Nathen: He sets strategy for the Incotec Northing key challenges.America team. He also provides insights for Croda North America. A third-generation farmer, Nathen watched his fatherMore about Mike: He oversees Bayers plant genetics and adopt new technologies and practices that support conserva- breeding program, leading a global team to develop seeds with tion without sacrificing farm profitability. He dedicates his life andbetter genetics for farmers. Mike joined Bayer in 2018 after 25 career to agriculture. He grew up on a farm and studied agricul- years at Monsanto. He earned a bachelors degree in agronomy ture at Iowa State University. He enjoys collaborating on seedfrom the University of Minnesota, a masters degree in plant innovations to feed a growing population. Nathen enjoys familybreeding from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. in plant times gardening, raising livestock, swimming, fishing and hunting. breeding from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.8/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2024'