Pictures of Leadership: Trailblazing Women on #TeamADM Share their Stories

Diversity & Inclusion

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 first edition of our series, meet some of the women who have risen to positions of power in our business, and learn more about the decisions they made, and the paths they forged to get where they are today.

Marilyne Boulaie, CFO Animal Nutrition and EMEAI

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

I joined ADM in October 2014. My first role was as the Oilseeds Business Unit controller and deputy EMEA chief financial officer (CFO), after which I progressed to the role of regional CFO. At the end of 2018, following the acquisition of Neovia that I had worked on, I became the global Animal Nutrition CFO in addition to having oversight of the EMEAI Finance team.

Which moment or what decision would you consider was career changing?

After just a few years of experience in financial controlling in two different consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, I joined the food and ag industry, where I was offered the challenging role of finance director and integration leader of the company’s newly acquired French business, with a plan to promote me after a year if I was successful. As I was able to complete all of my goals and since I was always looking for new challenges, wanting to learn new things and new businesses, to work with different people and experience different cultures, I was then offered various assignments across businesses and countries every two to three years. I was also lucky to have a very good mentor and role models to work for throughout all my years. They helped me develop as a leader, and overcome my perfectionism and reserve.

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

Keep your priorities clear for your family and work life. Always be yourself, open and honest. It’s also important to be aware of your strengths and continuously build upon them. Take the time to build up a network and relationships with the people who can coach and mentor you throughout your career. Growth does not only mean promotions - you can learn, develop a lot and also have a lot of fun and personal rewards through lateral moves in different businesses or functions.

Simta Gupta, VP Operations, ADM Investor Services

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

My career started as an analyst in investment banking directly from college. I remained in the banking sector for 3 years and then pivoted to the oil industry. During this time, I was very curious about how processes worked, and quickly realized the benefits of analyzing the various ways to perform a process, and choosing the best option to ensure maximum benefits to the team. In addition, I felt motivated to lead others in finding efficiencies, driving change and making a difference within the organization.

When I joined ADMIS in 2019 as VP of Operations, it was a great opportunity to help further grow the momentum for process improvements that were already in place. I work closely with the talented colleagues on our operations teams and ask them to share my commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. We never know what the day has in store—and that keeps me engaged, motivated and excited on a daily basis. I truly enjoy the work that I do, as well as the chance to inspire my teams to be innovative and constantly challenge the status quo to meet the needs of our evolving business.

In addition to my operational duties, I am also honored to chair ADMIS’ Diversity & Inclusion committee which aims to create and empower a diverse and inclusive culture for all colleagues. I also serve on the board for Women in Listed Derivatives; this has given me the opportunity to network with women in the industry that I would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.

Which moment or what decision would you consider was career changing?

When my husband and I decided to start a family, I knew that I also wanted to continue to grow my career at the same time. I networked with leadership and was open with management and my mentor about my career aspirations, and asked to be kept in mind for new roles that aligned with my goals. While I was on maternity leave, they reached out to me regarding a new management opportunity that sounded exciting, but also felt like it may be out of my reach. I remember preparing for my interview while my newborn slept and leaving him for the first time to visit the office for my interview during maternity leave. After the interview, I was offered my first management role—it was a proud moment to return to work with a promotion in a management position after being on leave. I’m confident that I was able to achieve my goals because I never lost sight of what I wanted to accomplish and remind myself often that advocating for yourself and expressing your goals is essential in achieving your desired results. My hope in sharing my story is to help inspire other women who don’t want to choose between a family or career – you can have both!

What tips would you give to women who are starting their careers or feel like they are stuck in the same place?

Have a vision, and make sure others are aware of what that vision is and what you want to accomplish in your career. Proactively work toward achieving the skills and experience needed to reach the next level. Have an ongoing dialogue with leaders around expectations in what’s required to achieve your next milestone. Ensure there is open communication and periodic check points between management and you to confirm you’re on track.