New Cargill manager values relationships to build business

Factory managers have a certain image. That image is not Christy Venne.

Venne is easygoing, a good listener, and at 36 has already helped lead a major factory expansion for Cargill Corp. - in Brazil.

In October, Venne took over her latest assignment as general manager of Cargill Corn Milling in Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids is a major cog in a global food processing network operated by Minnesota-based Cargill, with two plants making products from soybeans and one from corn. Cargill Corn Milling is by far the largest, a sprawling modern complex along the Cedar River that churns out nearly 200 food ingredients from 110 truckloads of corn per day.

Venne realizes she's a long way from the palm forests of Uberlandia, Brazil, her view at this time last year.

But, she said, “I like it here. It's really beautiful - I could see eagles out my window last winter.”

Venne is on a steep learning curve as Cargill constantly strives to improve the plant, and her experience in Brazil has helped her with the adjustment.

“In cultural awareness training, they said in a nutshell: ‘In Brazil, out of a relationship may come business or work, whereas in the USA out of business may come a relationship.'?”

It turned out to be true, Venne said. She found that building strong relationships made for a better work environment and outcomes.

The challenging Brazil experience was a huge positive for Venne.

“I can say that after having lived in another country, I am more open-minded and truly value different perspectives and ways of doing things,”Venne said.

Venne often started her days in Brazil with a 6 a.m. Portuguese language lesson. She still required frequent help overcoming language and other barriers, but that too became a positive.

“I am more willing to ask for and accept help as a result of having to depend and rely so much on others,” she said.

Venne's management style reflects a strong belief that communication and learning must flow both ways.

“I ask for a lot of feedback and advice to gain insight and perspectives from others,” she said. “I like to create an inclusive environment where everyone can utilize their strengths, add value and have fun.”

Venne initially struggled with her roles in a male-dominated workplace and thought she needed to act “more like a man” to be accepted in her primary occupation as an engineer.

“I am not the stereotypical engineer, and I thought it was bad that I was different,” she said. Eventually, though, she became more comfortable leading from her strengths.

“When I realized that just being myself was what I needed to do - and what Cargill really valued and admired about me anyway - everything became easier,” she said.

Venne's workaday life revolves around keeping a pulse on the issues, concerns and priorities of the plant. She tries to ensure the plant team is prepared and ready to deal with those issues, so it is set up for success.

When confronting a decision, Venne believes the key is to begin by learning where the heart of the issue or problem lies, and which people are the key players or stakeholders in the situation.

“Many times, what people say or think is the problem may only be part of it - tip-of-the-iceberg-type stuff - Venne said, “especially when it comes to managing people and cultures.”

Venne said she also tries to understand what drives people because even when they aren't producing the desired results, they almost always have good intentions.

“Once you know the motivators, then you can figure out how to change the culture or situation to get the desired outcome,” she said.

As a communicator, Venne believes in the power of stories to help paint pictures of what is expected or needed. Once a plan has been communicated, Venne pays attention to the results and provides positive, consistent feedback.

She says it's always important as a leader to let team members know how much you care about them, customers and the business.

Although few 36-year-old women find themselves managing a such a large facility, Venne has been on the same track for a long time.

Venne learned about Cargill internships from a family friend and applied for one when she was a 19-year-old college student in South Dakota, studying chemical engineering.

That first Cargill internship gave Venne the confidence and motivation to continue pursuing toward her goals.

Venne also met her husband, Jason, who works for Cargill as an engineer at a different Cedar Rapids plant, during her internship 13 years ago in West Fargo, N.D.

Venne's advice to others seeking rapid career advancement is to continuously look for ways to grow and develop.

“Take responsibility for yourself, and don't wait for your boss or others to do it for you,” she said. “Be open with your manager about what your desires and career aspirations are.”

Factories still tend to be run primarily by men, but Cargill has shown it's comfort with women in high leadership positions.

The manager of the company's huge corn milling complex in Eddyville, for example, where Venne formerly worked, also is a woman, Kaye DeLange.

“They (Cargill) want a an inclusive environment where employees have the opportunity to share their perspective, can utilize their strengths and be able to make a positive impact,” Venne said.

Cargill Corn Milling

•  Location: 1710 16th St. SE, Cedar Rapids

•  History: Acquired by Cargill in 1967. It became Cargill's first corn milling operation

•  Employment: 253 direct employees, 80-plus contractor employees

•  Grind rate: 110,000 bushels per day

•  Products: More than 200 products, including corn syrup, industrial food grade starches and pet food ingredients