Meet Kathryn Doan

Kathryn Doan serves as AgCareers.com’s Director of Global Business Development & Technology and has been with the company for 15 years. Kathryn works out of a home office in Norwich, Ontario but visits the Guelph, Ontario office frequently.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis in your role with AgCareers.com?

Each and every day at AgCareers.com is unique and varied. My guiding principal each and every day is focused on ensuring AgCareers.com is a best in class, leader in digital job boards supporting all sectors of agriculture and food. My role continues to evolve over time. I have a focus on providing support to our Canadian team, as well as our Australian team and new international development that is in process. I enjoy identifying and focusing on the strategy and forward movement of our ever changing business as it relates to technology. As a member of the management team, working with my colleagues on strategy development and implementation, including business planning and project management complete how any given day is spent at AgCareers.com

One favorite activity that still continues to challenge and engage me in my role is that of business development and sharing our story of AgCareers.com and the benefits we bring to employers and job seekers. A recent project that I am excited to pursue is the opportunities in agribusiness and food production and how these opportunities can fit into the AgCareers.com and CareersInFood.com business lines in Canada.

What do you enjoy about working with AgCareers.com?

The best part of my job is learning about a satisfied employer or candidate that had success using our site and services to meet their career needs. I feel passionately about the role that AgCareers.com play in supporting North American and even global agriculture production. I am confident in the team of professionals at AgCareers.com that we share a common goal of serving and advising our clients.

What advice would you give to employers using AgCareers.com for the first time?

I hope employers realize that agriculture and food production is an expanding market with many opportunities for candidates. It is critical for employers to use our services and develop job postings that candidates will connect with and inquire further. Today, people are looking for challenging yet rewarding careers and the skills that people bring into agriculture may or may not fit the traditional model of agriculture education; so be prepared to open your mind to the broad skill set future candidates may bring to your business.

What is one of your favorite memories while working with AgCareers.com?

One of my favorite memories at AgCareers.com stems from my early days at the organization; we set challenges of increasing our market share some 13 years ago. Being part of a company that grows their business through satisfied employers, candidates, referrals back up by a sound brand has been an exciting part of being a long term team member of AgCareers.com. Each time I learn of a new employer to the site, triggers the memories of sharing our values and commitment to agriculture.

In your spare time, what do you like to do on the weekends?

My time outside of AgCareers.com is spent with my young family and husband at our family farm near Norwich, Ontario. Being a mother to three daughters under the age of 6 is never dull. My husband and I and our children operate a turkey and grain farm that we established over the last 9 years. I also enjoy volunteering in our community; I’m a member of our Norwich Chamber of Commerce as well as a parent representative at our local school on the parent council. I am a director on the OAFE (Ontario Agriculture Food Education) Board that promotes & develops agriculture curriculum in the classroom. I enjoy photography, gardening and cake decorating as hobbies!

What’s your favorite snack and name one thing you can’t live without while working?

I spend a great deal of time each day with a cup of coffee on my desk; if I am at the office it is likely Tim Hortons.

Favorite book & favorite movie?

My go-to book I have shared with many of my friends and colleagues is called Emotional Intelligence. It is a quick and easy read, and it also has a quiz to take which really applies to the skills and areas to focus on. Personally I love the movies Love Actually and The Fugitive!

Want more insight from Kathryn? Check out all of her blog posts on Talent Harvest.