How is Mosaic enabling technology and encouraging innovation in your daily work?
The Automation Team was really formed for innovation. The team was primarily tasked with research and development projects, specifically autonomous steering of our 4-rotor mining machines and automating conveyor belt installation. By automating the miners and the conveyor belt assembly, you remove the need to have employees in positions of risk. I am happy to say that we have accomplished the goals we set out to achieve in both projects, along with a few others that have given more control and autonomy to our mining operation in Esterhazy. What we’ve developed is changing the way we mine. In 2019, our group got smaller and moved to the new K3 site in Esterhazy. We shifted from a primarily R&D group, to commissioning and maintenance at K3. We have been tasked with helping to commission the miners being built and the associated mining equipment.

The biggest thing that made that possible was leadership support. They supported building a team of subject matter experts that would work collaboratively with production and maintenance groups at the mine to develop something new. From the beginning, leadership knew there would be some challenges, downtime, and maybe even lost time to develop new equipment and implement new processes. But we all worked together to make sure that we were able to get back to operations quickly. Removing the pressure or anxiety of failure really fostered the ability to be innovative and create something new to better the company and the employees. 

What’s the best part of the work you do?
Working with my coworkers is the best part of my work. Whether it is other engineers, automation specialists, electricians, mechanics, operators, and managers, we all work together to identify and solve problems that come up. It is a great feeling to understand a problem or issue we are having, brainstorm a solution and implement that solution in a safe and timely matter. I work with a group of highly specialized people, so when we get stumped on an issue, it’s rare; but it is rewarding to be able to come to work and create solutions to overcome challenges with the team.    

How does Mosaic’s commitment to safety play into your day?
My role is very reflective of Mosaic’s commitment to safety. The Automation Team was formed to innovate new equipment and processes. The output of our group has led to a safer work environment by reducing unnecessary risk. 

What does ‘responsibility’ look like at Mosaic?
Responsibility is about being accountable. I come to work every day to do the best I can, but I'm mindful about everyone’s safety, how my work impacts our operations, and that we are all watching out for each other. I’m accountable to each and every coworker, and that’s being responsible. 

Mosaic has also created environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets. Saying you are going to do something is okay but having a plan with progress points is being accountable. I am First Nation and grew up on Cowesses FN and Ochapowace FN, which are near Esterhazy. Increasing Indigenous representation within the company is a great thing to see. I believe having a diverse workforce allows for different perspectives to help solve for the challenges we face. It is also an opportunity to learn from others and can only make us stronger as a company. 

In addition to increasing diversity at Mosaic, the ESG targets impact my home life too. My family and I are more conscientious of water consumption and unneeded energy usage. Mosaic making a commitment to better our environment is having a much broader impact – not only at the company but for each of its employees to think about how we can contribute too.

Is there anything else interesting about yourself, your work or Mosaic that you’d like to share or add?
Mosaic is a great place to work. As an employee you are not left on your own or left hanging. If you need to talk to someone about your work, there is always someone to talk to about it. When I have a problem or if anyone needs a hand with something, we’re always there for each other. We’re all very collaborative and so you always feel like you have the support you need to be successful.

Anthony started at Mosaic as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer in 2012 and now works on the Automation Team in Esterhazy.

How was your co-op experience with Mosaic? 
My time at Mosaic was unforgettable and really changed my mind on what I potentially wanted to do as a career. My first co-op term was at Belle Plaine. It was nice to be introduced to some of the concepts of chemical engineering that I hadn’t studied yet, specifically pump sizing, limitations with heat exchange limitation design, and in-depth analysis. I had really good mentorship too. Everyone I met there was eager to teach and very supportive. The experience was so fulfilling that I applied for another work term, which Mosaic selected me for again. This term was at Esterhazy working with the process engineering team. Process engineering entails the whole process from the underground ore and processing it into the final potash product sizes and compositions. I was able to apply things I was learning in the classroom directly in the field, like creating a sampling plan to spec cyclones and then executing it. Once again, everyone I worked with was great. It really speaks to the culture of Mosaic that no matter what site I work at, I am met with great people who are eager to teach and support each other to learn. 

I am grateful that leadership has seen the value of my work throughout my experiences at Mosaic. The fact that they continue to give me added responsibility and opportunities for advancement really shows that they want me to build a career at Mosaic. I don’t take that for granted. My supervisors have provided me with the skills I don’t know, and most essentially, feedback and coaching when you get things right or wrong. When you are learning, you are going to get things wrong, but helping to understand why and creating an environment to learn is priceless.

What does “responsibility” look like at Mosaic?
It is important for everyone, whether a business or an individual, to strive to do better when it comes to being considerate citizens. Whatever we knew 20 or 30 years ago might have changed because we have more experience or more research on a topic. I appreciate that Mosaic is constantly evaluating where they stand and what efforts need to be made, like with the implementation of our environmental, social, and governance targets. Diversity and inclusion is something that is dear to my heart. As a black woman working in the mining industry, women aren’t as a common. However, the younger engineering cohort is gender diverse. It’s been very good to see that Mosaic is making active steps to make its workforce representative of the communities they operate in. It makes sense too, studies have shown difficult problems are solved by diverse perspectives. I also appreciate that Mosaic works hard at creating actionable ways to improve. It is great to be a part of a company where the right things are being done.

How does working at Mosaic align with your personal passions or beliefs?
One of the reasons I decided to apply to Mosaic after my co-op work terms is because of our mission (to help the world grow the food it needs). I wake up every day and know that I’m doing my part, oftentimes that just means showing up and doing my job well. I was born in Gambia, Africa, which is a developing country, so I haven’t just heard of food insecurity, I’ve seen it. I have seen how having sufficient food makes a difference for people and their communities. I recognize the privilege I have in making the world better and I’m proud of the work we do. I’m also proud that Mosaic recognizes its impact and gives back to the communities where they operate to help organizations financially that are working toward ending food insecurity. 

If you could give advice to someone looking to work at Mosaic, what would it be? 
You can come to Mosaic as you are and you will be valued. You will be appreciated and supported to reach your full potential. 

Bintou first joined Mosaic as part of the co-op program in 2015. She has since become a full-time employee as part of the K1 Surface Team.

In your opinion, how important is safety for the work we perform at Mosaic?
It is my job to show people the technical aspects of safety – rules, policies, procedures, etc., so that they really understand how important safety is. More than just rules though, we work on building a culture of safety. That way, everyone begins to understand that safety is critical, and that it is not only everyone's duty, but it must also be something that everyone believes in and has as a top priority.

For those considering working at Mosaic, what would you say regarding safety at Mosaic?
You will be part of a team committed to ensuring a safe workplace for everyone. Mosaic is always evaluating potential risk so that we can improve internal standards, always have the best and right tool available, and are providing the highest-level of training. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and we all take that seriously. 
 
What does “responsibility” look like at Mosaic? 
We encourage each employee to reflect on their own responsibility for safety as much as others. Mosaic values employee wellbeing, regardless of where you are.

Giselle has worked at Mosaic Fertilizantes in Araxá as a specialist in occupational safety for more than 13 years. She is also a private firefighter, rescue and first aid specialist, and instructor in safety training courses.

What are some of the efforts you have seen already, or are important for the company to do, to attract a strong workforce wanting to work in a more innovative and technological space? 
I started working at Mosaic in 2007, just out of college. While I was in school, a representative from one of the local government agencies came to talk about environmental protections in the mining industry. The representative focused on the wetland reclamation that Mosaic does, and their role as an industry regulator. I thought the mining industry sounded interesting, and I was impressed by the scale on which Mosaic was doing land reclamation. The idea of working somewhere I could make a difference, and the opportunity to work for such an innovative company, is what led me to Mosaic.

When I first started at Mosaic, I spent most of my time using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze the reclamation projects I was tasked with managing. GIS takes a set of attributes and gives them a geographical reference. For example, Mosaic’s mitigation wetlands are shown on a map in GIS. I can view these wetlands and their attributes, such as when was it constructed, what type of wetland it is (forest or herbaceous), etc. This technology was relatively new when I started but continues to advance. When I started in the environmental field I used a cumbersome and hefty GPS unit for data collection in the field. These early GPS units were carried in the field in backpacks and weighed 20-25 lbs. They were used to collect GPS waypoints that could be uploaded back into our GIS software. Now, we have smart phones and drones to make data collection much easier. I just drop a pin wherever we are mapping and its done. Mosaic continues to push the industry, evolve with technology, and provide resources to support our efforts. 

Do you feel the company has given you opportunities to grow your career at Mosaic?
I had always kept an eye out for positions at Mosaic when I was first out of school. When a lab position became available, I applied for it immediately hoping to get my foot in the door. A recruiter reached out and said they thought I was a better fit as a reclamation ecologist and asked if I was interested in applying for that position instead. When they sent over the job description, it really was and is, exactly what I wanted to do. It was a combination of working with the regulatory agencies, which appealed to my interests in policy, and working in the field – everything from earth work to establishing entire wetland and upland ecosystems. It touched on all those things that when you are in school you say to yourself, “wouldn’t it be awesome to have a job like that one day.” It was very exciting and spoke to all my hopes and desires of what I wanted in a career. I was even more excited when I was the successful candidate and earned the position. 

Mosaic has really invested in me while I have been here. The company has encouraged me to continue my education and obtain critical certifications. Several years ago, I was sent to school to be certified to conduct prescribed burns, and most recently, I obtained my certification from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to become a commercial drone pilot. I have never stopped learning at Mosaic. I get to work on new and interesting projects every day and that is exactly what I wanted out of a career. 

How does working at Mosaic align with your personal passions or beliefs?
We live where we work. There has always been a culture at Mosaic that this is our backyard. We need to do the best job possible – not just because of policy, but because we want to be proud of our backyards. The best thing about my job is when I look at aerial photographs and can see the changes in the landscape that I helped to improve over time. I can see new tree lines, or because of improved hydrology, wetlands returning or forests booming for the same reason. Those are the kinds of things that you can toggle back in time and see the impact that you’ve made. It’s neat to know that not only am I making difference, but a visible difference. And to know that because of our reclamation work, we have parks like the Alafia River State Park, where our community can play and recreate with their families on the weekends. I’m proud of that. I feel like I’m helping create a legacy.

Eric has worked at Mosaic since 2007.

What does “Responsibility” look like at Mosaic?
I work with a wonderful team to ensure that we are working safely and continue to ensure environmental responsibility. In our area, there is a lot of mixed opinion of our industry so it’s important for us to stay involved with the community, be transparent about our efforts to improve our environmental focus and continuously improve in our efforts. I am proud of the work that we do; the contributions we make to the agriculture industry and investments we make in our communities.

What are some of the efforts you have seen already, or are important for the company to do to attract a strong workforce wanting to work in a more innovative and technological space? 
Our recent efforts with innovation and technology have made me optimistic about the future of Mosaic. I think the technology will catapult our ability to carry out our mission in a safer, more environmentally conscious, and cost-effective manner. The technology and industry changes in the coming years are exciting. Those who are starting their careers with an interest in working at one of our sites will have a lot of opportunities and growth in an industry working with innovative technology like automation and machine learning. Efficiencies and the improvements with innovation will ensure continued opportunities at Mosaic.    

Do you feel the company has given you opportunities to grow your career at Mosaic? 
The company has encouraged my career progression and has challenged me to grow through various technical training and leadership development programs. Mosaic supported my efforts to earn my MBA and Professional Engineering Certification, and I know many other colleagues who have also pursued continuing education while employed with Mosaic. I have had opportunities in both operations and engineering, as well as in mining and in the manufacturing side where we produce our finished fertilizer products. Being able to learn the different aspects of our business has improved my perspective on Mosaic’s business strategies.

Nicole is a Sr. Manager - Process Engineering and has worked at Mosaic for more than 12 years. 

What does “Responsibility” look like at Mosaic?
As a reclamation ecologist, our team manages the stewardship of the land before, during and after we mine. Our goal is to reclaim and preserve the area for generations to come and walk away knowing that the years of knowledge, time, and effort invested is going to result in the natural habitat being able to sustain itself without our intervention again. Mosaic is always looking 10 steps ahead –  we have to. Mosaic knows that being sustainable is the right thing to do, that is why I love my job so much. They make it easy for me when they make reclamation a priority.

Do you think the work you do helps enable global food production?
My family was really involved in agriculture when I was growing up - we had orange groves, hay fields, and a cattle ranch. I grew up helping on our lands and using fertilizers. To be able to look back now and say, “I know where that comes from,” it makes the circle whole. I have seen what our products contribute to. I’m proud to be part of a company that not only prioritizes business, but also community support and my work in reclamation. Mosaic leads by example.

Do you work at Mosaic because the company’s mission aligns with your passion/mission?
Being raised on a ranch, it was bred in me to do something in agriculture. I didn’t know that Mosaic had anything to do with reclamation until I took an internship and learned how important it is to our industry. Mosaic is a company I can grow in. Just like reclamation, I can work my way from the ground up. I live with my husband and our children near where I was raised, and I want our children to stay and live in this community. We have areas of reclamation all around us that I worked on. To be able to say to my children that I was able to reclaim our community means a lot to me. Hopefully someone else won’t be able to notice that the land was reclaimed. But, I want my kids to know that my work is making sure that the land around us will be reclaimed for years to come and that I’m working to create something that they can enjoy and appreciate.

If you could give advice to someone looking to work at Mosaic, what would it be?
You always have support and encouragement, whether it is from your own team or the company. Everyone here works together without ego or competitiveness. I never feel alone or that I’m working on something by myself. At Mosaic, you have a team that is behind you, and that is important to me.

Originally from Hardee County, Florida, Ashlee earned her bachelor’s degree from Warner University in Biology and a master’s degree from the University of Florida in Restoration Ecology. She has worked at Mosaic since 2013.

Bruce Bodine was named Senior Vice President—North America in April 2020. In this role, Bodine leads our North America business unit, which is comprised of two business segments, potash and phosphates. Previously, Bodine led the Phosphates business unit as Senior Vice President—Phosphates, and the Potash business unit as Senior Vice President—Potash

Bodine began his career with Mosaic in 1999 as part of a predecessor company, holding engineering leadership and plant management positions in the Phosphates business segment before taking on the role of Vice President—Operations for Mosaic’s Esterhazy and Colonsay potash production facilities. Bodine also served as Vice President—Supply Chain, responsible for the movement of raw materials and finished production, and strategic sourcing activities for Mosaic’s North American phosphate and potash segments; additionally, he oversaw fertilizer production in South America and China. Bodine serves on the board of directors for the Miski Mayo mining company, a joint venture which Mosaic is the operating partner.

Bodine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Clint Freeland was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in June 2018.

Prior to joining Mosaic, Freeland served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dynegy Inc. from July 2011 until Dynegy’s merger with Vistra Energy Corp. in April 2018. He was responsible for Dynegy’s financial affairs, including finance and accounting, treasury, tax and banking and credit agency relationships. Prior to joining Dynegy, Freeland held positions as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Senior Vice President—Strategy and Financial Structure at NRG Energy. Earlier in his career he worked for Enron Corporation, Coral Energy and ABN AMRO Bank.

Freeland holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of the South and a master of business administration in finance from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.

Karen Swager was named Senior Vice President—Supply Chain in April 2020. In this role, Swager is responsible for the movement of raw materials and finished production, and strategic sourcing activities, as well as leading the Environment, Health and Safety organization. Previously, Swager held various leadership positions at Mosaic including Senior Vice President—Potash, Vice President, Minerals—Phosphates, Vice President, Mining Operations—Phosphates, and General Manager. She also led the mine planning and strategy group for the Phosphates business.

Swager is a licensed professional engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering and a master of science in metallurgical engineering from Michigan Technological University, where she is a member of the Department of Chemical Engineering’s Distinguished Academy. In addition, Swager holds an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.

Ben Pratt was named Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs in April 2020. Previously, Pratt held the position of VP—Corporate Public Affairs, leading corporate communications and U.S. Federal Government relations, as well as Mosaic's corporate social responsibility activities. In addition, he serves as Owner's Representative to Streamsong Resort.

Prior to joining Mosaic in February 2012, Pratt was SVP, Corporate Communications at Ameriprise Financial, Inc., in Minneapolis. Earlier in his career, he worked in a variety of communications and investor relations capacities at The PNC Financial Services Group in Pittsburgh, and at Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, both in New York.

Pratt is a graduate of Duke University.

Rick McLellan was named Senior Vice President—Commercial for The Mosaic Company in November 2019. Previously he held several roles for the company, including Senior Vice President of Mosaic Fertilizantes, Senior Vice President of Commercial, Vice President of North American Sales and Country Manager for Brazil. Before serving as Country Manager, McLellan had leadership responsibility for fertilizer distribution, import and production in Brazil.

Prior to the formation of Mosaic, McLellan held various roles in Cargill, Inc.'s Canadian and U.S. operations, including grain, retail and wholesale fertilizer distribution. McLellan began his career in Ontario, Canada, with American Cyanamid in 1978. McLellan serves on the board of directors for the Brazilian Mining Association (Instituto Brasileiro de Mineração – IBRAM).

McLellan is a graduate of Brock University, St. Catharine's, Ontario.