From the Ground Up {Part I}: The Job That Changed Everything—My Time at Monsanto

I reflect on my transformative experiences working at Monsanto's Hawaiian farms, highlighting the unique blend of diverse landscapes, complex agricultural practices, and the leadership of Phil Lansman, which left an indelible mark on my professional growth and philosophy.

Read the Introduction to 'From the Ground Up'

Read Part II

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This first-in-the-series is dedicated to Phil Lansman, who is among the most influential leaders I've had the privilege to work with. His unique blend of curiosity, integrity, and down-to-earth leadership has left an indelible mark on my professional journey.

Please find and read the dedication at the end of this article.

When I first set foot on Monsanto's Hawaiian farms, I found myself enveloped in a landscape rich with contrast and complexity, echoing the diverse work ahead. The farms, each sprawling over about 2,500 acres, formed a tapestry of topographical artwork nestled against the foothills of the Waianae mountains on the island of Oahu. Two of the locations that became my workplaces were affectionately referred to as the "upper" and "lower" farms. The upper farm lay wedged between a dilapidated golf course, somewhat of the sheep that lost its flock, and a bustling U.S. Army military installation, whereas the lower one doubled as the Hawaiian headquarters.

These farms were not isolated islands of modern agriculture; they were part of a mosaic of lands steeped in Hawaii's agricultural history. Sugarcane and pineapple fields had dominated these soils for over a century. The neighborhood was an eclectic mix of Monsanto's technologically-driven farming and local subsistence farming, where foreign-born and local farmers cultivated their plots of land.

The environmental conditions in which we operated were as heterogeneous as the socio-economic context of the farms. The Waianae mountains framed an idyllic backdrop, their slopes extending down to meet lands of iron-rich, red soil. This beauty had its complications whereby the soil's color was a vivid indicator of its varied composition and nutritional content. Therefore, each patch of land required specialized attention and strategy, acre by acre.

Dirt roads crisscrossed the land, evolving over time into the farm's "freeways," each with its own origin story. I’d take great pride in initiating some of these trails, watching it transform from a humble path to a main thoroughfare of the farm. Found sporadically along these dirt freeways were a host of pumps, exposed irrigation pipes, filtration systems, and a menagerie of tractors, each trailed by specialized implements. One could observe corn fields ranging from 1 to 10 acres, busy with crews and technicians engaged in planting, soil sampling, irrigating, and scouting.

Far in the distance, the silhouettes of Pearl Harbor and the Honolulu skyline punctuated the horizon, while the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean framed the southern edge of this vivid scene. Guinea grass, spreading like an expansive, stubborn carpet, covers every square inch of the farm. Its shoots stretch upwards, reaching lengths of 10 feet, leaning onto their neighbors to form a thick, tangled mat over the terrain. A familiar sight emerges—a large, PTO-powered bush hog mower, dragged and powered by a green John Deere dual rear wheel tractor, acts like a robot on a mission, grooming the land of the rapidly growing pest.

And so began my journey at Monsanto, where every day was a challenge and an opportunity, framed by this rich land, history, and community.

Why Write This?

My professional journey has been diverse, encompassing roles in sectors like the military, sales, petroleum, biotech, healthcare, agriculture, and engineering. These varied experiences have shaped me, equipping me with a multifaceted perspective that I bring into my current roles. Today, I wear multiple hats: founder and CEO of Stewards of Excellence (STEXCO) and other organizations, Lead Consultant for Islands Healthcare, Operations Manager for a therapy and wellness clinic, and Junior Engineer in a civil engineering firm. My formal education, including a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, provides the methodological backbone for my work.

So why emphasize this diverse background? Monsanto acted as a crucible where the many threads of my professional tapestry met and melded. This agricultural chapter was not just another job; it crystallized many of the skills and values I had picked up across various sectors into a unified, coherent professional philosophy. It taught me to integrate these diverse skills into a singular approach to problem-solving and leadership, which I now bring to all my current roles.

In Monsanto's challenging and rewarding environment, I honed skills that have since become foundational to my professional life. Whether it was innovating to solve complex agricultural problems or being resilient in an unforgiving industry, the role I took on there amplified the principles that guide me in every professional challenge today.

In addition to challenging my creativity, Monsanto also put my resilience to the test. Learning to navigate high-stakes scenarios with composure and a clear mind, though having fallen a few times, has instilled in me a level of resilience that is invaluable in my current roles. When faced with challenges now, I often find myself reverting to the mindset and skills honed during that period, reminding me of the crucial importance of being adaptable and robust in any professional landscape.

Monsanto also added fuel to my passion for continuous improvement and personal development. It was a workplace where striving to be better wasn't just encouraged; it was expected.. This aligned seamlessly with my own drive to always be better, to never settle. I was constantly looking for ways to streamline processes, improve team performance, and enhance safety measures. The lessons I learned in these areas have been indispensable, becoming foundational elements in my approach to process improvement and team management in all of my subsequent ventures. I was not just doing a job; I was building a set of core competencies that I would carry with me throughout my career.

Moreover, the experience was transformative on a personal level. The people I met and worked with—farmers, scientists, managers, and laborers—brought diverse perspectives that enriched my own worldview. These relationships, based on mutual respect and the shared goal of sustainable & responsible agriculture, became an integral part of my professional network and contributed to my understanding of the value of collaborative teamwork.

With Gratitude & Appreciation

I must express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to have worked at Monsanto. I am well aware of the controversy that surrounds the company, particularly regarding its use of transgenic varieties of corn and pesticides. However, my personal experience in the fields, working closely with these products and the people behind them, stands as a testament to the overwhelmingly positive culture that existed in the company. From the field crews to the leadership, there was an ethos of responsibility and innovation that still thrives among the 20,000 or so employees who have moved on, either to Bayer Crop Science or other ventures.

It's worth clarifying that nothing in this series will share proprietary information. Rather, it focuses on the invaluable lessons and perspectives that have shaped me. I was granted considerable responsibility and autonomy in my role, which was empowering and led to positive changes within my purview. Challenges existed, but these were more a result of the expansive scope of a large organization than any ill-intent. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

Lastly, in the face of ongoing debates surrounding Monsanto's practices, I've learned the importance of respecting different viewpoints, particularly when they challenge my own perspectives. I don't claim to understand the intricate science behind gene manipulation or pesticide development, but I respect the experts in these fields and will let them speak on these matters. My role is to share what I know and have experienced firsthand, an account that no one can refute.

Therefore, to say that my time at Monsanto was formative would be an understatement. It was a defining chapter that provided intense personal and professional growth, irreplaceable insights, and profoundly influenced my professional ethos. This series aims to unpack these seminal lessons in detail, diving into the intricacies of process management, team dynamics, and the delicate balancing act of sustainability and risk in a large-scale agricultural operation.

The Start of an Amazing Partnership.

Navigating the maze of job hunting, I found myself at Monsanto's Kapolei office in Hawaii, an unforeseen twist in a career that had so far led me through the dizzying round-the-clock schedule of petroleum inspection at Petrospect in Honolulu. My role at there had been a demanding one, with me serving as the third-party mediator in multi-million-dollar oil transactions. If a call came at 2 AM, I had to be on-site within an hour, a routine manageable pre-fatherhood but untenable once my son, Jordan, entered the picture.

I was on the hunt for something stable, something far removed from unpredictable hours and middle-of-the-night emergencies. Having a young son who was starting to walk had made me realize the significance of work-life balance. Jordan was about seven months old, and every new step he took both literally and figuratively made me think of the steps I needed to take for our future. This urgency propelled me into a whirlwind job search, firing off applications in every direction, aiming more for speed than precision. Honestly, at that point, the nature of the job was a secondary concern. I had applied for nearly 50 jobs, waiting desperately for a callback, any callback.

Balancing family and an unpredictable work schedule at Petrospect had grown unsustainable. I missed the nuances of Jordan's milestones, and the charm of midnight drives to desolate oil refineries had long since faded. Though it might have been exciting to climb towering fuel storage tanks or operate under the cover of darkness—conditions that presented their own mix of challenges and tranquility—my priorities had shifted. No longer could I entertain the unexpected 2 AM calls or relish the solitude of nighttime work. It was time for a change.

Monsanto had extended an invitation for an interview, and I jumped at the opportunity not really knowing what I was getting myself into. My previous job may have been drenched in oil and sea salt, but it had a camaraderie, an adventure tied to it that made it worthwhile, at least for a time.

One of the most memorable parts of that former life was catching taxi boats from Honolulu Harbor to reach the massive oil tankers anchored offshore. The taxi boat captains were a unique breed—well-compensated, cheerful, and possessing a deep affinity for the sea. As they navigated their boats, which could carry up to 30 people, they'd often take advantage of the open ocean to engage in some fishing. Once clear of the harbor, these seasoned sailors would set a rigged fishing pole at the rear of the boat, trolling for anything from small marlin to Papio and Ulua, species more commonly known as Jacks or Trevally.

Upon reaching the towering vessels, which were moored about two miles off the Kalaeloa shoreline, the atmosphere would undergo a subtle but noticeable change. These ships were strategically anchored parallel to the coast, serving as a natural barrier against incoming swells. This positioning made it easier and safer for our taxi boats to dock without jarring against the steel hulls of the tankers.

On one side of a moored ship, the sea floor descended to a depth of 80-90 feet, a region that was surprisingly clear. With sunlight streaming down into the water, you could see the various hues of the coral reef and the sandy pockets in between. Even large fish gliding in the crystal-clear depths were visible, offering a stunning underwater tableau. On the opposite side of the ship, the ocean floor dropped precipitously, plunging into hundreds of feet of an ominous, hypnotic deep blue. It was here on the shallower side that the taxi boat captains would unleash their damashii rigs, casting their lines straight down to the rich reef below. Within seconds, the rods would start to jiggle and quiver, signaling a catch of menpachi or Papio.

While the skills of these boat captains were certainly a spectacle to behold, the hospitality of the tanker ship's crew, predominantly Indian in my experience, was another kind of extraordinary. The captains of these vast ships would often give me personal tours, proudly showing me the helm and diving deep into the operational nuances and idiosyncrasies of their maritime worlds—a fascination for me, being a former sailor myself. The crew would invite me to join them in their galley for meals, treating me to an array of traditional dishes, teeming with jasmine rice, and ending with delectable Indian desserts.

Walking into the small Monsanto office, I met Phil Lansman for the first time, the man who would interview me. Over the next 45 minutes or so, our conversation took on an unexpected direction. Phil seemed deeply interested in my experience as a U.S. Navy "Nuke," a member of the team responsible for operating the nuclear reactor on a US fast-attack submarine. The focus was hardly on Monsanto or even the specifics of the job I was applying for, but rather on my unique skill set. He seemed to not have any interest in asking me about my skills and how it could apply in the prospective role at Monsanto.

Oddly enough, I hadn't quite grasped the core nature of Monsanto's business even on the day of the interview. A cursory look online hadn't provided a clear picture, but in hindsight, it's almost fortuitous that I remained in the dark. Having spent my juvenile years knee-deep in the muddy fields of a Louisiana rice farm, the last thing I ever wanted was to return to agriculture. Had I realized Monsanto's farming focus, I might have opted out of the interview altogether. It was a bizarre twist of fate unknowingly wandering back into a sector I had earnestly decided to escape from.

"Tell me about your time on the submarine," he inquired, his eyes widening with genuine curiosity.

I walked him through my experiences, explaining that I was an Engineering Laboratory Technician, or ELT. My responsibilities were extensive, managing both the radiological and chemical controls for all fluid systems related to the submarine's primary and secondary cooling systems. I explained the intricacies, as well as detailing my extended duties as a nuclear mechanic.

As my story unraveled, Phil's expression shifted from incredulity to awe. Each detail I shared seemed to captivate him even more. My role as an Engineering Laboratory Technician on a U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine was clearly a novel topic for him. I was stationed on the USS Honolulu SSN 718, based in Hawaii. This particular submarine was the last in its Los Angeles-class to have Fairwater planes, those large 'wings' on the conning tower. But my experience was more than just technical; I described my deployment in the Western Pacific, traveling through the vast Pacific Ocean to make port calls in Japan, Singapore, and Guam.

I also shared a particularly significant disappointment, the port call in Sydney, Australia that we had all looked forward to but which never came to pass. In the U.S. Navy, Sydney is renowned as a much-anticipated port call. It's a place where Australian women are known to have a soft spot for American sailors. But nature had other plans for us. Twice, after departing from Guam, we were forced to change course due to unpredictable typhoons. Both times, we had to return to Guam, missing out on what could have been a high point of our deployment. Phil seemed even more intrigued by these twists in my story,

The atmosphere Phil facilitated was anything but formal, and this certainly surprised me. I'm an introvert by nature, and at that time in my life, I was still easily anxious around new people. Phil, however, had a gift for making the uncomfortable comfortable; his easy-going demeanor was remarkably calming.

Finally, Phil paused, as though he were visibly collecting his thoughts. It felt like he was mentally shifting gears, coming to terms with the fact that our conversation had strayed so far from the expected interview framework that he hadn't touched upon my potential role at Monsanto. After a moment, which seemed like a short internal deliberation, he looked up. His eyes were wide, alight with massive inquisitiveness.

'Have you ever worked in agriculture?' he asked.

The question seemed intentionally posed, as if he had ultimately decided, 'Well, I may as well ask him something about agriculture while we're here.'

The question blindsided me, forcing me to shift my mental gears just like Phil had. For a brief moment, I'd almost forgotten—or perhaps purposefully buried—the memory of my upbringing. After a moment's reflection, I replied, "Yes sir. I actually grew up on a rice farm in southern Louisiana."

Phil threw himself back in his chair, stunned, and then leaned forward again, his face breaking into an enormous grin accompanied by a boisterous, scraggly laugh. He looked as if he'd hit the jackpot. Though he didn't say it out loud, every non-verbal cue screamed that I had the job.

In retrospect, it seemed Phil had no reason not to hire me. He had managed to discover so much about my past experience, expertise, and character in a single, unorthodox interview. One that never focused on Monsanto, or even the specifics of the job I was applying for. Instead, we had taken a deep dive into a mutual understanding of who I was and what I brought to the table. And that was far more telling than any standard set of interview questions ever could be.

What I'd eventually learn was that Phil Lansman defied the typical Monsanto managerial mold. Most people adhering to the dress code at Monsanto wore long pants, especially if they had a role involving the fields. But not Phil. His uniform consisted of shorts, a polo shirt, and steel-toed boots with white crew socks pulled up high. He rarely went to the fields, a subtle testament to the profound trust he placed in his team's abilities.

Rumors circulated that Phil didn't have a college degree, a tidbit that only added to his mystique. Some said he'd been grandfathered into his managerial role; others suspected he had been given an exception due to his undeniable skills as a leader. While the truth remains unknown to me, one thing was certain: the man knew how to lead and nothing else mattered. A cloud of varying perceptions about him lingered among other managers. They had their versions of who Phil was, but none matched the sterling leader I had come to know.

Phil was the embodiment of tough love, and you couldn't help but feel a great sense of pride to be on his team. In a corporate culture where managers often maintained a certain decorum, Phil was refreshingly different. He never panicked, never blew situations out of proportion, and certainly never raised his voice in a negative tone during conflicts. If he smelled bullshit, he called it out right then and there—no beating around the bush. If something didn't make sense or smelled "funky," as he'd often say, he wouldn't hesitate to question it.

The world of management could be a maze of red tape and convoluted leadership styles, but Phil was a straight shooter who knew exactly who he was and what he stood for. And that was something to be admired, even if gone unsaid.

Immediately after having my interview with Phil, I had a second interview, now with Tom Scagnoli, who was the Foundation Lead at the time. While the ambiance in Tom's office was different than that with Phil, it was equally welcoming. Tom was more conventional in his questioning but had this constant, warm smile that seemed to never fade. Whether it was because of me or simply his disposition, I couldn't tell. As I'd later find out, Tom was just one of those people who radiated positivity, a 'happy-go-lucky' guy whose genuine nature I would come to appreciate, even though I’d never work under his direct leadership.

It was like Tom's smile was a good omen, a precursor to the phone call I received not long after, offering me the job. I officially started on August 11, 2008, a date that marks a watershed moment in my life. Not only was it the inception of a significant professional chapter, but it was also the year that would bring significant personal upheaval. A few months into my new role, I lost my father, an event that shook my world and imparted an acute sense of life's fragility and unpredictability.

Starting a new job under Phil Lansman's leadership at Monsanto, while grappling with the loss of a parent, made 2008 a year of complex emotions. Yet, the supportive environment I found in my new workplace, embodied by people like Phil and Tom, helped to make it a formative year for me. Here I was, transitioning from petroleum inspectorships and military service, finding an unexpected but fitting new path in agriculture—a field I had consciously shunned in my younger years. Life, as they say, comes full circle, and 2008 was the year that made this abundantly clear to me.

My experiences from that year, from the informal conversations that shaped my interviews to the personal trials and the start of a rewarding new job, set the stage for a transformative journey. I was now part of a team, a community, that would prove to be instrumental in both my professional and personal growth. It's funny how certain years imprint themselves on our memories, shaping us in ways we can never fully articulate. But one thing was certain, thanks to people like Phil and Tom, I was in for an amazing partnership, and I couldn't be more grateful.

?In Conclusion

In the intricate fabric of one's career, there are defining threads that stand out—interviews that feel more like intriguing conversations, leaders who mold you without you even realizing it, and life-altering years that carve deep impressions. My journey at Monsanto started with such elements. A candid interview with Phil Lansman and a heartwarming one with Tom Scagnoli were not just stepping stones into the organization; they were previews into the culture and the characters that would shape my years there.

While interviews are generally seen as scrutinies, my first encounters with Monsanto taught me that they could be as much about mutual exploration as they are about vetting. Phil and Tom weren't just evaluating me; they were unveiling the layers of the workplace I was about to enter. It's a lesson in humility and humanity that I've carried with me: the best professional relationships are those that are, at their core, deeply human.

In a year that was strewn with both triumph and tragedy, the start of my time at Monsanto was a beacon. Losing my father a few months into the job threw me into an emotional whirlpool, but the supportive environment I'd stepped into helped anchor me. It's a testament to the kind of leadership and community I joined—a safety net of sorts that holds you up in times of personal turbulence.

As we prepare to dive into Part II of this journey, where I begin to unpack the wealth of lessons and experiences that followed, it's worth noting that beginnings set the tone for what's to come. My initiation into Monsanto was more than just a series of fortunate events; it was a prelude to a symphony of growth, challenges, and unending learning. And every good story—and symphony—has its unforgettable first notes. Here's to the unfolding melody.

Dedication

This narrative is dedicated to Phil Lansman , a boss who was so much more than just a manager. Your keen eye for talent and genuine curiosity helped shape not just my career but also how I view leadership. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your guidance; it's an experience that I still draw upon today. Thank you Phil.

Navigate the Series

Introduction to 'From the Ground Up': In this introductory piece to "From the Ground Up," hyperlinks are provided for easy navigation through each part of the series. The stage is set before we begin the journey where I offer unique perspectives from my time at Monsanto, a company frequently labeled as the most vilified in recent history. This guide aims to challenge assumptions and deepen the ongoing dialogue about this controversial institution, outlining the series' complexities and controversies.

Part II: In "From the Ground Up {Part II}: The Job That Changed Everything—My Time at Monsanto," I delve into my transformative stint at Monsanto's Pre-Foundation Corn Seed Nursery. From a synergistic partnership to life lessons in teamwork, community, and efficiency, this part uncovers how the experience at Pre-Foundation helped shaped my professional path and personal philosophies.

Sources

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To explore collaboration opportunities, please find my contact information below and reach out.

Contact Me

Whatever your industry, don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. For those in the healthcare industry, I collaborate with my partners and physicians at Islands Healthcare Consultants to offer industry-specific solutions and consultation. I can help you navigate the challenges, develop your strategic approach, and effectively initiate positive change in your organization. Together, we can foster an environment of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared ownership, setting the stage for enduring success.

Nate Griffin

Founder | Stewards of Excellence & AgriWorks Crop Solutions

Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

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More About the Author

I am a dedicated professional who has called the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, home Since 2004. Together with my beautiful partner Melanie, we have built a vibrant family with three amazing boys, loyal dog Bosley, a red ear slider turtle named Chompie, and a fish called Oscar.

With a diverse background spanning a variety of industries, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon. As the founder of Stewards of Excellence (STEXCO), an umbrella organization with three subsidiaries (AgriWorks Crop Solutions, Boka Media Company, and Stewards of Excellence Learning Group), I am committed to helping organizations optimize their performance and achieve excellence.

Leveraging a robust operational foundation, which includes a certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University and a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College, I have solidified my reputation as an expert in process improvement methodologies. Today, as a business owner and consultant in diverse sectors such as Engineering, Media, Healthcare, and Agriculture, I bring a unique blend of hands-on knowledge and strategic insight, emphasizing my comprehensive understanding of business and process enhancements.

My passion lies in facilitating process improvement projects, capturing and analyzing process data, and stimulating improvement ideas within teams. My skills and insights have made a lasting impact on the organizations I worked with, and I continue to seek opportunities to create positive change.

To connect with me and learn more about services, feel free to reach out through my contact information provided above. Discover how my wealth of experience, dedication to excellence, and passion for helping others can benefit your organization or team.

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If you're enjoying my LinkedIn content and find value in the insights I share, I'd be incredibly grateful if you'd consider showing your appreciation by buying me a coffee! It's a small token of support that goes a long way in helping me continue to create valuable content for our community. You can visit my Buy Me a Coffee page at buymeacoffee.com/nathanhawaii to make a contribution or to get in touch for a deeper conversation.

On the flip side, if you are or were a leader in a high-level position, I'd love to "buy you a coffee" in return. This could be a phone call, an interview, or even an in-person meet-up to exchange insights and experiences.

Thank you so much for your support, and I look forward to continuing our journey together!

Disclosure

Reluctantly, I pressed pause on my Rocket League match to pen this article. Even with the assistance of ChatGPT, which helped organize the structure and offer additional insights, the creative process still demands a considerable time investment. Rest assured, it's still me at the helm – armed with my knowledge, thoughts, certifications, and expertise. As AI technology shapes the future, I'm committed to demonstrating ethical stewardship by being transparent about its role in my work, hopefully setting a positive example for others. In this landscape, ChatGPT and similar platforms act more like trusty sidekicks than mere work delegates. By using this tech responsibly, we can collectively build a better workplace and social environment for everyone. Now, back to Rocket League!

Copyright Notice

? Nathaniel Griffin, 2023. All rights reserved.

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