Episode 293: Learning How to Be Approachable w/ Kristin Bonham

Tune in and learn from Kristin Bonham, Regional Vice President of North America for dsm-firmenich. Kristin shares her insights on the importance of diversity and leveraging individual strengths within a collective group effort. She emphasizes that while you can learn any business, the fundamental people skills are what truly set you apart. Listen to discover how being approachable can transform your leadership style and create a more inclusive, effective team environment.

Bio: Kristin Bonham is the Regional Vice President of Animal Nutrition and Health North America at dsm-firmenich, the leading innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty. Since joining in 2020, she and her team are responsible for providing vital vitamins and premixes to the animal industry. Beginning January 2024 in addition to her current role, Kristin will assume the leadership of Sales Excellence for ANH globally and will ensure customer-facing teams are equipped with the right capabilities for maximum impact in the market.

Prior to dsm-firmenich, Kristin was with Bayer Corporation, formerly Monsanto Company, for 25 years primarily in the commercial row crop business and animal divisions. Throughout her career, she held various marketing and sales positions with increasing responsibility such as Regional Business Manager, Regional Account Manager and Regional Business Director for the western and southern US. She is known for creating strong and authentic customer relationships throughout the animal agriculture, biotechnology and crop science industries. As a focused leader, she excels at creating motivated, high performing teams that effectively meet or exceed business goals. Kristin is passionate about empowering and mentoring the next generation of leaders in the workplace and serves as executive-sponsor of Women Inspired Network (WIN) at dsm-firmenich. Kristin is also very involved in her community serving as the President of the Board of Lay Ministry at Messiah Church in Weldon Springs Missouri.

Kristin is married to Vince for 25 years and has three children, Maggie a recent rocket scientist graduate (aerospace engineer) from University of Kansas, Vinnie her son is studying Business Management with an emphasis on Human Resources at the University of Missouri and her daughter, Karley, who will be a senior in high school and plans to attend Kansas State University and study in Agricultural Business.

Kristin obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Agricultural Communications/Journalism

Kristin’s Something Extra: “I think every leader needs to prioritize themself and give themselves a little grace.”

Guest Links:

– Lisa Nichols, Host
– Jenny Heal, Executive Producer
– Joe Szynkowski and Landon Burke, Marketing Support
– Portside Media, Podcast Engineer

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