Coffee-time with Rebecca Thompson: Distinguished Industry Leader at Bayer Crop Sciences

Introduction

Rebecca Thompson's career exemplifies the transformative power of passion, adaptability, and continuous learning. With a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's in Biochemistry, Rebecca might not have seemed a likely candidate for the head of North America Plant Breeding at Bayer | Crop Sciences Division. Yet, her journey is a remarkable example of how diverse experiences and a willingness to embrace change can shape a fulfilling career.

Educational Background and Career Path

Rebecca obtained her bachelor's degree in Biology and Master's degree in Biochemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, setting her on a path to becoming a biochemist. Reflecting on her career journey, she stated:

“I began my career at Monsanto as a biochemist, focusing on characterizing compounds for new herbicides and fungicides. It was my dream job, and I imagined staying in biochemistry throughout my career. However, as the company evolved, so did my interests. I transitioned into plant biotechnology and began working on discovering new genes and traits for crops. I was at the cutting edge of science for about ten years, blending my biochemistry background with genetics and fieldwork…

…Over time, I saw opportunities beyond the lab, contributing to technical strategy and leading collaborations. Eventually, I shifted to regulatory work, understanding the blend of science, strategy, and politics necessary to bring products to the market. The pandemic prompted me to reflect on my career, leading to my current role in organizational leadership. Now, I lead North America Plant Breeding, combining strategic and operational expertise with talent development. My career path has been an incredible journey, supported by mentorship and advocacy, and far different from what I envisioned 26 years ago when I just joined the company.”

Current Role and Impact

As the Head of North America Plant Breeding, Rebecca oversees the development of the best genetics and germplasm for five key row crops: corn, soy, cotton, canola, and wheat. Her team focuses on bringing the latest biotech traits to the market, primarily in the US and Canada.

Describing her Role, Rebecca added:

"I love my job because it puts me at the intersection of a robust R&D engine and the practical application of its innovations. We turn cutting-edge research into products that will be in the hands of our growers in a few years. We also receive feedback from growers about what works well and what challenges they face, which helps us refine our pipeline to provide them with top-quality seeds, traits, and germplasm every year."

 Describing her team, Rebecca added

“Our team in North America is incredibly diverse, consisting of product development scientists, breeders, plant health experts, and data analysts. We also have an extensive field-testing network to characterize all our products, and we manage seed production operations across the US, Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and now Costa Rica. This broad and diverse organization, with roughly 1,200 people across about 50 sites, allows us to advance our science rapidly.”

Reflecting on how she oversees such a diverse team:

“My leadership style is highly collaborative, valuing diverse expertise and viewpoints to make the best decisions. I strive to foster an inclusive environment where every team member’s perspective is valued. I am authentic and approachable and emphasize the importance of working together towards common goals. This empowers my team members to make informed decisions quickly and unlock our unique potential to navigate the complexities of plant breeding and successfully bring innovative products to market.”

Surmounting Challenges

Rebecca highlighted some of the challenges she had to deal with earlier in her career.

“In my 26-year career, I have raised two daughters, now 16 and 21, with my husband, who has a career of his own. Balancing a fulfilling career with family life was difficult, especially when the kids were younger. There is no special roadmap or formula for this balance. For me, the hardest part was learning to ask for help. Once I started seeking support from colleagues, peers, and managers, I realized it was okay to talk about these challenges. People are willing to help, but you must take charge of what you need and ask for it. I found immense support from my husband and family, and knowing I could rely on my colleagues made a big difference. This combination of personal and professional support was crucial in navigating my career and family life”.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Rebecca also spoke candidly about dealing with imposter syndrome earlier in her career, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. She emphasized the importance of advocacy and mentorship, which played a crucial role in her development.

Speaking on this, she noted:

“I struggled with what is now termed “imposter syndrome,” especially earlier in my career. When you look around the table and not see others who look like you, you question if you belong there. Fortunately, I always had at least one advocate who helped me feel like I belonged. That sense of belonging was incredibly important to help me adjust. Though it took a while, I have built my confidence over time with an understanding that I deserve to be there and have something valuable to contribute.”

Personal Philosophy and Interests

Outside work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and outdoor activities like running, biking, and hiking. A lifelong soccer fan, she follows the sport avidly. Reflecting on her journey, she feels grateful for the support and mentorship she received and aims to pass on that legacy to the younger generation.

 “I wish my daughters to have the confidence that took me many years to build. The self-narrative of 'I deserve to be here' is something I hope they develop from a young age,” she added.

Conclusion

Rebecca Thompson's story is a shining example of resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of great mentors and advocates. Her remarkable journey from a biochemist to a distinguished industry leader is an inspiration to anyone navigating their career path. Rebecca's experience illustrates that dreams are achievable with dedication, vision, and the support of a strong community. She embodies her favorite quote, "If you can dream it, you can do it," her story encourages us to set ambitious goals and pursue them with determination. Rebecca also firmly believes that while dreaming is important, it is crucial to discipline ourselves, set deadlines, and recognize the value of collaboration. "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much", she added.

As a concluding remark, Rebecca gave this advice for aspiring/graduate students and early career professionals:

“Stay curious and see beyond immediate tasks. Keep your head up and look broadly at what's around you. Learn to collaborate well with others, be strategic, and understand the growth drivers that will help you access different career paths.”