This is Masha: Distinguished Industry Leader at Bayer Crop Sciences.

Introduction

Hmmm, where do I begin? This was the hardest episode to write because I had to tap into all my journalistic expertise (or lack thereof) to maintain an objective standpoint. You may wonder why. Masha has impacted my life in so many ways that even during the interview, I felt she was underselling herself and being overly humble in highlighting her achievements. I have always been inspired by Masha's passion, work ethic, kind heart, and determination. I always thought of her as having superpowers based on how flawlessly she does her job, standing in her high-heeled shoes, never breaking a sweat, and always wearing a warm and welcoming smile. When I faced significant challenges in my first year of grad school, Masha was one of the strong support systems that never stopped checking in, following up, and worrying about me. That is a whole story for another article, which I hope to find the courage to write someday.

Additionally, it is important to mention that Masha is the reason you have enjoyed the previous seven episodes of this series. When the idea of writing these articles came to me a few months back, while at Bayer for the “Bring them in” event, I shared it with her, and in her usual “everything is achievable” mindset, she responded: “Brilliant idea, go for it! What’s the worst thing that will happen if you ask the Bayer leaders for an interview?” That singular vote of support was what gave me the confidence to proceed.

So, don’t forget to thank Masha. Alright, I'll get professional now!

Masha Trenhaile: A Career Journey of Versatility and Passion

Early Life and Education

Masha moved from the Soviet Union to the United States at 13 under very difficult circumstances. Despite the cultural shock and language barriers, she completed middle and high school in Oklahoma and, seeking to distance herself from familiar surroundings, applied to universities as far away as Hawaii and Alaska. Ultimately, she chose the East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, where she began her higher education journey.

At the East Central University, Masha earned dual Bachelor's degrees in Mass Communications (BS) and Fine Arts (BA), graduating with honors in 2000. Her concentrations were in Advertising and Public Relations. Seeking to further her education, she pursued her Master of Science in Advertising from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which was the number-one advertising program in the country at the time. While there, she served as a Teaching Assistant in Advertising, Creative Strategies, and Tactics and graduated in 2002.

A Dynamic and Fulfilling Career

Since graduating, Masha has held various roles across different industries, showcasing her versatility and expertise in leadership, helping others flourish, and personal growth. Highlighting some of the dynamic roles she had had in the past, she shared:

“My first job was as a marketing specialist at a publishing company for a few years. Afterward, I became an online marketing specialist for the second-largest online shoe retail store. I then had an opportunity to move to Fox Development Corporation, where I was involved in the construction and development of the Research Park at the University of Illinois. That role also allowed me the opportunity to meet and interact with top political leaders such as presidents, senators, speakers of the house, startups, and senior leaders in Fortune 500 companies. Now, when I sit at the Bayer Innovation Center and look out the window, I can see the vibrant ecosystem I have helped create on the University of Illinois campus.”

After her successful stint in construction and development, Masha transitioned to leading the Abbvie Innovation Center at the University of Illinois. Under her leadership, the center became the largest and most successful innovation center in the research park. Masha's exceptional work was recognized with the prestigious President’s Award, the highest accolade one can achieve.

“After winning the President’s Award, a significant achievement, I reflected to myself, "Once you win the top award, there's nowhere to go but down," I realized it was time to move on. This change came just before COVID-19, allowing me to focus on my consulting firm, specializing in business development and marketing from a real estate perspective”.

 The Choice of an Industry Career

Based on her background and preference for a fast-paced environment, Masha knew she was going the industry path from the get-go. According to her:

“I have always known I would end up in the industry, as my background was designed for an industry job. While in grad school, I aspired to work in an advertising agency, but that path never materialized. However, I believe my various roles - from building the Research Park to running the Abbvie Innovation Center to now working in University Outreach for Bayer - have taught me much more than I could have learned in academia.” 

Current Role and Impact

Masha is the Head of University Strategy and Outreach at Bayer Crop Sciences. Describing her role:

“I love everything about my job. It's an evolving job. The diversity of tasks and the variety of people I work with make it perfect for me. I work with scientists, without being one; with faculty, without having to work at a university; and with students, who keep me feeling young.”

My job revolves around three pillars. The first pillar is working to elevate Bayer's reputation and showcase our contributions to the public. I focus on our relationships with universities, industry partners, academic partners, and organizations we benefit from…

…The second pillar is to actively partner with scientific organizations and universities to plan events, including conferences like the ones you've attended. I learn about the innovations emerging from different institutions and bring the knowledge back to the company. I also engage in discussions about the industry's future, including job perspectives and talent acquisition, as these issues impact the entire industry, not just Bayer. So, my job also involves support for a broader industry advancement beyond Bayer…

…The last pillar, which is most dear to my heart, is talent acquisition. I collaborate with faculty, universities, and students, whom I often introduce to programs like the “B4U” and “Bring Them In.” These partnerships allow me to get to know the students on a deeper level, help them with their learning journeys, and build long-lasting relationships. By nurturing talent and guiding students on their journeys beyond graduation, I contribute to shaping the future of our industry.”

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Masha described some of the challenges she has faced in her 22 years career:

“One of the most challenging aspects of my career has been adjusting to new industries and overcoming imposter syndrome. I often found myself in rooms with senior scientists, struggling to understand some of the highly technical science concepts discussed. I was concerned that I wasn't the right person to represent the organization. However, my manager at the time reassured me that my unique perspective was precisely why I was hired - to ensure that we communicate our science in a way a broader audience can understand and relate to…

…Another challenge I have faced in my past jobs is dealing with individuals who have tried to question my work. I’ve used these experiences to my advantage, focusing on my unique skills and perspectives to overcome obstacles. My personal skills, including communication, compassion, and empathy, have been instrumental in forming meaningful relationships and driving my success through these hurdles.”

 Personal Philosophies and Interests

Masha is a heart-centered person who values human connections and believes the world would be better if we all listened to understand others' unique experiences and showed empathy. She cherishes spending time with her family, traveling to new places, and embracing the simple pleasures of nature. Passionate about salsa dancing, cooking, and enjoying good food, Masha finds joy in dancing, singing, and savoring life's precious moments.

 Conclusion

Masha Trenhaile's journey exemplifies the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Her diverse experiences across industries highlight the impact of genuine connections and heartfelt dedication.

Her favorite quote from the Little Prince, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye,” is a true reflection of her philosophy. Her career path to success is paved with empathy, determination, and the courage to be oneself.

As a closing remark, Masha offered this advice to aspiring/graduate students and early career professionals:

“Never forget who you are. As you pursue your education, it is important not to lose yourself.  Retain those unique qualities that make you special - these truly matter and set you apart from the crowd, machines, or robots. Work hard, foster meaningful relationships, and embrace collaboration/teamwork, but stay true to yourself and your principles. This approach will help you navigate your career purposefully to make a lasting impact.”