Pictures of Leadership: #TeamADM in APAC

Part of how we help create a gender-equal world is by celebrating women’s achievement, raising awareness of bias and taking action for equality. During the month of March, we’re spotlighting women on #TeamADM who are shaping the future of agriculture and nutrition. In this third edition of our series, meet four of our colleagues working in the APAC region, and learn more about the decisions they made, and the paths they forged to get where they are today.

Mandy Kerr, Regulatory & Technical Compliance Manager

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

Over the years since I joined ADM in 207, the ANZ business has grown significantly. ANZ now provides tailored solutions for clients and I support this new business from a regulatory perspective with finished product nutritional panels, ingredient listing and on-pack claims.

I am also involved in the ANZ Flavours and Fragrance Association (FFAANZ) as Chair of the Technical Committee and also representing FFAANZ on the APAC IOFI Regional Working Group together with representatives from 7 other APAC associations. It’s a great privilege to represent ADM in this capacity.

Which moment or decision would you consider to be career changing?

My original career was as an analytical chemist working in a laboratory testing eucalyptus oil. I moved from there into Quality Control Management in the pet food industry and then into regulatory affairs in the flavour & fragrance industry. This was definitely a turning point as I found my true passion in regulatory affairs and never looked back!

What advice would you give to women who are starting their careers or who may feel stuck in the same place?

Keep learning and expanding your knowledge every day and be prepared to take on new opportunities that may arise.

Nicole Yo, Head of Flavor Creation APAC, Principal Flavorist

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

I joined ADM Singapore in July 2018 as Head of Flavour Creation SEA and I was promoted to Head of Flavor Creation APAC in May 2019. In my current role, I work very closely with the APAC leadership team to develop and drive the execution of ADM’s strategy. I also enjoy mentoring and interacting with my team, having the chance to inspire them to be innovative and challenging them to better themselves.

I am also honored to be a member of ADM APAC Diversity & Inclusion committee which aims to create and empower a diverse and inclusive culture for everyone.

Which moment or decision would you consider to be career changing?

My first job upon graduating was a creative assistant for Perfumers. While I was enjoying what I was doing, I found myself asking if this was how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I decided to explore what is my own limits. Not long after, I came across a recruitment advert for an apprentice flavorist program, and I knew at that instant, that was my calling. I went through many rounds of testing and interviews and from there, I embarked on the journey of flavor creation and has never looked back since.

What advice would you give to women who are starting their careers or who may feel stuck in the same place?

One of my favorite phrase was that said by PT Barnum: “Comfort is the enemy of progress.” Everyone likes to feel comfortable, but unbeknown to many, being comfortable also takes away our desire to improve and challenge ourselves. Only when we take the first step outside our comfort zone, we can truly see growth and progress taking place. No doubt, the idea of stepping out can be very daunting but the euphoria and sense of accomplishment when you achieve your goal is priceless. This is when you realized you are actually capable of more achieving more.

Masayo Hattori, HR Manager, Japan & HN S. Korea

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

I joined ADM in July 2015. In the beginning, my primary mission was completion of merger integration of WILD at our Japan office. That involved consolidating HR systems, benefit plans, programs, and policies for the newly-combined company. For the last 3-4 years, my role and responsibility were changed to two main roles, working closely with the APAC HR team to ensure appropriate HR support for business priorities in the region, and leading all HR goals and plans in alignment with local business strategies as a member of our local leadership team.

Which moment or decision would you consider to be career changing?

In the beginning of my career, I was looking for a job that suited me while working as personal assistant. I was luckily given an opportunity to get involved in payroll and benefits administration at my previous company. In finding out that I really liked that job and supporting people, and decided to acquire specialized knowledge and skills in HR. Over 20 years since then, I have built my career in HR and engaged in a wide range of HR activities in a global environment.

What advice would you give to women who are starting their careers or who may feel stuck in the same place?

Always have an inquiring mindset and enjoy the process of growing yourself, think how you can be a little better today than you were yesterday, the result will follow later.

Marian Xu, Operations Manager, China Global Trade

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

I joined ADM in July 2001 as a secretary, and one year later I was promoted to execution manager. During the nearly 20 years working in ADM, I have been keeping improving myself and have played an important role in Ag Services and Oilseeds business unit. Now I am an operation manager of our execution team in China, which is composed of 15 teammates.

Which moment or decision would you consider to be career changing?

My first job was responsible for operations in an international shipping line, and I was really interested in international commodity trading. In 2001, I made my first career decision to choose international agricultural trading line. I never regret to make the decision and I have been working hard in this industry for 20 years.

What advice would you give to women who are starting their careers or who may feel stuck in the same place?

Action is the ladder of success, the more actions you take, the higher you will climb. Go for it!