How do you see your business – a partner with farmers – going forward over the next quarter?
… 2/3rds of our fuel sales go to oilfield customers, so the downturn has been tough for us – but our customers are loyal because we deliver, we go when and where our customers need us. We are optimistic about growing our seed and chemicals business. Obviously trade issues are a concern to our members (i.e., canola, NAFTA – we have concerns about what our federal government is doing and we are already feeling some collateral damage.
And over the next five years?
… we’ve seen a lot of commercial mergers in the recent past (i.e., Agrium and Potash Corp) and expect retail line consolidation as people answer the question “how big do you have to be to compete?”. We expect to see JVs – always a challenge to look for the right relationships that give global reach in our industry. I expect we’ll see lots of technology influenced advances in food production. Autonomous vehicles/equipment, need for better rural broad-band, drones, and A.I. will help us insure more efficient and sustainable agriculture. Farmers and farming operations getting bigger …
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… I tend to fall back to my accounting skills – what’s the risk, what’s the benefit? I have a very strong gut and I have a good eye for talent.
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Carol Kitchen, and why do they do business with you, why have they hired you, over your competitors?
… a no B.S. attitude. Transparency and balance. I take the time to understand. I spend a lot of time thinking about customers and employees. I’m a huge fan of the golden rule.
How would you describe your leadership/management style?
… I ask tough questions. Putting the right people in roles and giving them accountability for results. I’m not a micro-manager. I believe we should check our ego at the door – I believe in the concept of positive intent, operating to the best of our ability for the organization. People in silos don’t fare well …
Work/life balance?
… There is no such thing – but it’s much better than it used to be! It’s constantly changing. I’m a very curious person …
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… the economy in Alberta. A.I. (i.e. driverless vehicles applications for agriculture), any disruptions which pose a risk for our business …
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… several – in my last semester at university, I did an internship with the Capital Development Board for the State of Illinois and learned so much that has been valuable for me; being promoted to a senior officer role at Land O’Lakes – my boss Fernando Palacios created my role, gave me great guidance and took a chance on me; in my career moves and promotions I wasn’t always the best qualified – but I would take on tough assignments and worked hard at them.
For fun?
… travel (with husband and 14 yr. old son), we’re going to Africa this year. Through my career I’ve often combined a few extra days of personal time with foreign business trips so I’ve seen a lot of the world. It’s fun to take my family to places I’ve been on my own. I’ve got into photography – learning about night photography and enjoying the northern lights. Mostly though – family, travel and things kids like to do …
What do you read?
… books and devices; business books, currently Goliath’s Revenge, Kelly Hrudey’s new book. In fiction I like true crime …
Her ride?
… 2019 GMC Acadia.