What led you to get your bachelor’s in agronomy and master’s in soil fertility?  
I have been involved with agriculture my whole life but didn’t chose that as my initial career path. In my first year of college, I was pursuing a degree in civil engineering. After a semester of soil science class, I became fascinated with all of the science related to soil and crops and reflected on all of my experiences on our own farm. It just felt natural and right to be discussing and learning about agronomy. An opportunity to work for ag extension and soil fertility research department made me realize that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in soil science and become an educator within the industry. My graduate program allowed for more advanced training and research experiences in the fields of crop science, soil chemistry, soil and water conservation, and nutrient cycling in the environment. 

When I reflect back on my college experiences and my goals of contributing to agriculture and crop nutrition, my role at Mosaic is the ideal fit. 

What is your role in working with customers?   
My primary role is to provide agronomic technical support and performance product support to our sales team and customers. My job is to help them find the right Mosaic product, or combination of products, that help them achieve their yield and economical goals. My previous role as Sr. Agronomist for Western North America involved traveling to retail customer locations in Western North America to conduct performance product training to increase sales and product stewardship.  

I thoroughly enjoy customer interaction, learning, and education. I am constantly learning from our retailer customers and their growers. I hope that I can offer them some additional insight to make their farms more productive! My goal is to provide some formal training in soil chemistry, crop physiology and nutrient uptake, combine it with some of my own farming experiences, and foster a discussion that makes people realize the power of our performance products. Over time, these discussions that provide both learning and training opportunities to me have helped me to grow in my role and become more knowledgeable in various crops and crop nutrition.  

What is your favorite thing about your work? 
My role allows me to work cross-functionally with many departments within Mosaic and I really enjoy that aspect. But I find customer interaction and support the most enjoyable. I like working with customers to explore different ways that Mosaic performance products can fit into their local cropping system and empowering them to think about how they can be a better agronomist – a better resource for the grower that they work with and enable that grower to have more yield – year in and year out.  But also, how do they do that in an environmentally friendly manner so that there's not any leaching of nutrients or runoff into a waterway.  

Have you seen any interesting changes in the industry over these last few years? 
There has be a healthy shift to focus on the 4R’s and Nutrient Stewardship – Right source, Right rate, the Right time, and the Right place – are the four different R’s that we talk about during our trainings. Long-standing customers of our performance product portfolio are looking at different times of application and different placement methods that best utilize the nutrient offerings. There's a lot of new, innovative approaches that retailers and growers are taking to make sure those nutrients stay on the field and get taken up by the crop and aren’t lost in other areas. We are very proud that MicroEssentials® has recently received an Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer (EEF) designation as defined by the Association of American Plant Food Controls Officials. This was a long awaited and much deserved designation for this product.  

How does the work you do contribute to the global food supply chain?  
I am very passionate about our mission statement. I eat, sleep and breathe it - we help the world grow the food it needs. 

We need to keep advancing crop nutrition forward, and it's an absolute requirement to keep humankind moving forward. Traveling have allowed me to witness soils that are highly weathered or have been mined of much-needed crop nutrients. We don’t often see this in North America, but witnessing crops and humans starved of nutrition in other geographies builds a passion and energy that can’t be replicated!  

The use of our existing products along with the development of new products for advanced crop nutrition is so critical, regardless of the ebbs and flows that we see with supply and demand. Mosaic has a responsibility as a leader in crop nutrition to strive toward our mission every day so that we can provide global solutions to growers around the world.  

Curt has worked at Mosaic since 2012. His primary role is to provide technical support to retail customers on crop nutrition and Mosaic performance products. He works closely with sales, marketing and the new product development team on product growth and new product launches. Curt earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and master’s in soil fertility.  

Kaylee Hayko graduated in 2020 from the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems Engineering. As an undergraduate, she took part in two work terms with Mosaic and upon the completion of her second work term, was offered a permanent position upon graduation.

What attracted you to Mosaic as an employer?
I grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada where Mosaic is a well-known company. When I started to look for university co-op work term opportunities, Mosaic was a top choice just based on the company's strong reputation. My first work term with Mosaic was split between the main office in Regina and on-site work in Colonsay. My second work term was at K1 in Esterhazy. These two work terms were extremely beneficial to my growth as an engineer. I soon realized that there are a vast number of opportunities available in this industry and specifically at Mosaic. I immediately knew that I wanted to be a permanent part of the Mosaic team. Mosaic offers something new and interesting every single day. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of a team that develops and implements new technology and innovative equipment which improves worker safety and processes. I really like being on my toes and experience new things every day. From that first work term to now, everyone at Mosaic has been so welcoming and helpful.

How did your role as a Mosaic co-op student prepare you for your current position at Mosaic?
What I have found to be the most beneficial to prepare me for my current position at Mosaic is that I have been exposed to a variety of experiences. My two work terms offered many opportunities to learn more about the company from a business standpoint and to practically apply the theoretical knowledge I gained in university. I have been able to meet so many people, learn industry best practices, and also apply Mosaic protocols. The transition from co-op student to my current position was seamless due to the fact that I didn’t have to start from scratch. I had already established many connections and was familiar with the company's procedures. 

What is one thing you’ve really enjoyed about your work so far?
As a Mosaic employee, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience several different roles. This diversity of opportunity has introduced me to many aspects of the Mosaic operation including underground production and maintenance, inflow management, and surface maintenance. I take every day as a new adventure and benefit professionally from each and every experience.

What makes you proud to work for Mosaic?
Mosaic’s highest priority is safety. I have seen first-hand the extraordinary efforts that Mosaic, and its employees display everyday living this value. Mosaic not only helps the world grow the food it needs but is a leader in safety. I am proud to work for a company that prioritizes my safety and wellbeing as well as the environment. Being able to participate in the risk reduction program or various health and safety campaigns provides me with an opportunity to improve my workplace and to have an impact and voice in how safety is practiced at Mosaic. Being a woman in a male dominant field of work, Mosaic has shown their commitment to inclusion and diversity and is strongly working towards removing all barriers for all its employees. I am thankful that there are so many wonderful role models at Mosaic that I can reach out to as I build the foundations for my engineering career.

What advice would you give future engineering students who are working as a co-op student at Mosaic?
My advice to future engineering students is to never say no to any opportunity that is presented to you. Try your best to learn as many things as you can during your work term and don't be afraid to ask questions as this will help shape you as a future employee.

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. 

Bruce Bodine was named President of The Mosaic Company and became a member of the board of directors in August 2023 and Chief Executive Officer in January 2024. Bodine previously served as Mosaic’s Senior Vice President—North America since April 2020 and began leading enterprise operations in 2022. Prior to that, 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 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on November 1, 2023 after serving as the company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 2018. In this role, Freeland leads Mosaic’s Strategy and Growth, Finance and Information Technology organizations.

Prior to joining the 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.

Corrine Ricard was named Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy in January 2024. Ricard previously led Mosaic’s South America business as Senior Vice President – Mosaic Fertilizantes, where she helped the business achieve its growth strategy and expand its geographic footprint. She has also held leadership positions at Mosaic including Senior Vice President – Commercial and Supply Chain, Senior Vice President of Human Resources – Vice President – International Sales and Distribution, Vice President – Business Development and Vice President – Supply Chain and Risk Management. Prior to Mosaic, Ricard worked for Cargill in various roles including risk management, supply chain, treasury and commodity trading. Ricard has 35 years of agriculture experience.

Ricard serves on the board of directors for Canpotex Limited, the Canadian potash marketing association, and Carlisle Companies, a publicly traded company. Ricard previously served on the board of directors for the Ma’aden Wa’ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company, a phosphate production joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; DayBreak Foods, a privately held company; and the Freshwater Society, an environmental non-profit organization.

Ricard earned her bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of Minnesota, an MBA in strategic planning from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Yijun “Jenny” Wang was named Executive Vice President, Commercial, in January 2024. In this new role, Wang will lead enterprise-wide commercial organizations and the recently formed Mosaic Biosciences, in addition to maintaining leadership of Global Strategic Marketing. She has responsibility for global sales, marketing, product management, new product research and development, and oversees market and strategic analysis. She also leads Mosaic’s international distribution businesses in Brazil, Paraguay, China and India.

Previously, Wang held the positions of Senior Vice President — Global Strategic Marketing; Senior Vice President — Global Strategic Marketing, Head of China and India; Vice President — Global Strategic Marketing; Vice President — Global Product Management and International Distribution; and Vice President — Product Management. Since January 2020, Wang has served on the Board of Directors at Canpotex. 

Wang joined Mosaic in 2011 as the Country Head for China. Prior to Mosaic, Wang held various leadership roles in Sales and Marketing, Strategy and Business Development, Global Product Management, and as Country Managing Director at Syngenta for 16 years in China, Vietnam and its global headquarters in Switzerland. 

Wang earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Sun Yat-sen University and a Master of Biology degree from South China Agriculture University. She graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

In your opinion, how important is the Inclusion and Diversity for the work we perform at Mosaic?
Diversity is critical to any company, just as it is to society. Diversity allows us to experience different perspectives than our own and provides the opportunity to learn about new things that help us become better individuals and professionals. It is important to focus on diversity, Mosaic makes it a priority which is especially important as we operate in so many different countries.

How has Mosaic provided you the tools to do your job well and safely? 
Having a disability, Mosaic has always supported me and tried to create an environment in which I felt comfortable. Accessibility has always been an open topic and easy to discuss with my team. More than that, the company has allowed me to take control of my career, given me the necessary tools to make me feel part of the team, and offered me the same opportunities as anyone else.

Rogério has worked for Mosaic for 16 years in various roles, first within the IT department, then marketing, and is currently part of the public affairs team. He graduated from Faculdade Cásper Líbero and the Universidade Anhanguera with a focus in communications and marketing.

Who has been the most influential in helping to grow your career at Mosaic?
I have been influenced by so many people in my 7+ years at Mosaic. I’ve worked alongside some amazing women – peers and leaders whom I admire – who are really contributing to Mosaic’s success. I’ve learned from them how to communicate and strategize and persist despite the constraints that come our way. And my first boss, Neil Beckingham, helped me find my footing in sustainability. It is thanks to him that I am so optimistic about the many ways Mosaic can improve performance and contribute positively to society. 

What’s the best part of the work you do?
Hands down, the best part about the work I do is having the benefit of a broad, global view of issues affecting Mosaic and our diverse stakeholders. It is such a gift to have perspective of seeing what a company like Mosaic can do to make a difference. We are a fertilizer company, yes, and in a lot of ways our success is measured by our production of tonnes that are sold to customers in 40 countries around the globe, but we are more than that: we have a tangible impact on global food security; we contribute to the vitality of the communities where we have operations; we are good stewards of resources; we share agronomic best practices; and we safely employ +12,000 people around the world. Our mission and our work are critically important, and I am reminded of that in my daily interactions with our stakeholders. 

What does environmental, social, and governance mean to Mosaic?
Mosaic’s ESG targets were carefully and purposefully developed to achieve goals that make a positive impact on our employees, communities, environment, and the company. ESG may not be included in financial analysis, but they are factors that have a financial impact on our performance. When you think of ESG in those terms, it is easy to see why we should manage our greenhouse gas emissions; reduce our water use; address the wellbeing and engagement of our workforce; grow our diversity and inclusion; and contribute to the prosperity of our customers and the growers who use our products. All of these things have an impact on Mosaic’s ability to thrive as a company in the long-term.

Why is being responsible important to Mosaic?
Mosaic has earned recognition for its sustainability efforts for more than ten years, but our work is not done. Beyond the regulations, beyond what we “have to do” and beyond the ways we have performed in the past, are a set of expectations for how we conduct ourselves moving forward. Stakeholders ranging from employees and community members to NGOs and investors are relying on us to contribute positively to society and be responsible every day, at every step of the process. 

How does Mosaic show it values you and your work?
I feel valued at Mosaic because the company takes my safety seriously. I am empowered to make decisions and I am respected in my interactions with colleagues and leaders. 

Natali has worked at Mosaic since 2013 as a sustainability analyst. Currently, she is the Sustainability Manager, leading our sustainability reporting efforts and ESG strategy development.

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.