Q&A With Jackie Applegate, Bayer President of North America Crop Science

Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wright State University; Master’s degree from Rockhurst College; Doctorate in organic chemistry from Iowa State University

Career Journey: Applegate began her journey in 1992 as the only female chemist at a Bayer manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Mo. Since then, she’s held a variety of global roles. Currently she’s responsible for the largest business unit in the region.   

Valuable book: “21 Laws of Irrefutable Leadership” by John C. Maxwell 

  
Where is the Bayer North America business headed?

We should never forget North America is an essential food producer and exporter for the world. When we look at our reserves, they are not where they used to be — every increased yield farmers can get is essential. We have a responsibility to not only feed our own country but also to help others.

How do you work collaboratively?

At Bayer, we work together as one team and are fully integrated. We focus on the customer experience, the retail partner experience and the employee experience. We often ask: How are we working collaboratively across every function? Only by working in unison can we solve the greatest problems of the farmer.

How can leaders build culture within their teams?

When I was put in charge of the change and culture workstream during the Monsanto/Bayer integration, I learned three valuable behaviors build a strong culture: 

• Clarity: Leaders need to be clear about their organization’s mission and purpose and what they expect from themselves and others.
• Heart: Good leaders show empathy and compassion, which is so important to creating an atmosphere of trust and respect. When people know you are genuinely concerned for their well-being, it fosters an environment in which interactions become open, honest and trusting.
• Integrity: Good leaders do the right thing, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable.

  
What is a valuable piece of leadership advice?

You must stand up and have a voice. When you have a voice and you exercise it, you have the power to do great things for your industry, your team and your family.  

Leadership Philosophy

At Top Producer Summit, Applegate shared the importance of OPTICS in leadership: 

• OPENNESS: When you are open to new things, you create a world of collaboration, connection and creativity.
• PURPOSE: As leaders, we need to be engaging, inspiring and motivating people about why they add value to what they do. 
• TRUST: Some people give trust and some people have to earn it — this determines how you connect with people.
• IMAGINATION: “Imagination is more important than knowledge (knowledge is limited).” This quote by Albert Einstein shows how imagination encircles the world. 
• CUSTOMER-CENTRICITY: Always ask: “Does this add value for a customer?”
• SOFT SKILLS: Technical skills may get you to the top, but soft skills are the difference between success and failure. You influence people by how you make them feel. 

 Read more stories from the 2023 Top Producer Summit:

Preventative Maintenance for Your People: How to Reduce Turnover and Boost Morale

How to Run An Innovation Sprint on Your Farm

Nominate Outstanding Farmers for Awards from Top Producer

Take Time to Celebrate Accomplishments

5 Business Principles That Define Success

Farming Boom or Bust in the Decade Ahead? How to Manage Price Cycles

Be Inspired by Five Remarkable Farm Operations

Ideas Big and Small: Create a Culture of Creativity on Your Farm