Meet the Mentors - Michelle Panko
Meet Michelle Panko! One of our new additions to the Women in Ag mentors group and someone that has a lot of experience and advice for women in the industry!
What is the BEST mistake you have ever made in your career?
The best mistake I ever made in my career was accepting a term position with the Ministry of Agriculture, which required a four-hour daily commute from my farm southwest of Moose Jaw to Regina.
Initially, I thought I had made a huge mistake due to the lengthy commute. While I enjoyed my new job, I experienced self-doubt and felt guilty and worried that my kids, husband, and farm would suffer because I wasn’t as available to them.
However, I soon joined a carpool and made other necessary adjustments. Surprisingly, everyone adapted to the new routine. What seemed like a mistake at first turned out to be a pivotal decision that helped me secure a fulfilling career and grow a successful cattle operation. The additional employment income and agricultural knowledge gained from an extensive network of stakeholders and initiatives have been incredibly valuable.
This experience taught me that embracing challenges creates resilience and adaptability. I have no regrets, as this "mistake" ultimately led to significant personal and professional growth.
2. What have been your biggest “ah-ha” or learning moments throughout your career?
One of my biggest "aha" moments came early in my career when I realized the immense value of networking and building relationships.
Initially, I focused solely on hard work, education, competency, and outputs, without appreciating the importance of socializing or networking. This changed when I volunteered to sell tickets for a fundraising initiative within my workplace. My goal was to sell as many tickets as possible, which led me to make a conscious effort to get to know colleagues I had never spoken to before.
Through this experience, I discovered that I had been missing out on valuable opportunities to build relationships and make connections with people in other branches and offices. As I became more visible and engaged in the organization, opportunities for growth began to present themselves. This taught me that sometimes, it's the unplanned, casual interactions that open doors and create lasting professional relationships.
This realization has profoundly impacted my approach to career development, emphasizing the importance of networking alongside hard work and competency.
3. What external organizations have you been involved with that helped build success for you?
Several external organizations have played a pivotal role in my career success:
4-H: As both a 4-H member and parent, I have greatly benefited from the organization's emphasis on public speaking and the principle of 'learning to do by doing.' These experiences laid the early foundation for my career success and continue to influence my professional growth.
Toastmasters: Participating in a local Toastmasters club has significantly enhanced my public speaking and leadership skills, which are crucial for my professional development.
Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists: Maintaining my Professional Agrologist (PAg) designation through this institute has provided me with ongoing professional development opportunities and recognition in the field of agrology.
Agriculture in the Classroom (Sask): I strongly believe in their mission and support them through donations and volunteering. This involvement has allowed me to contribute to the education of future generations about agriculture, while also expanding my own knowledge and network.
Verified Beef Production Plus: Our cattle operation's certification has helped us adhere to industry standards and improve our practices, contributing to our reputation and success.
Industry Events: Regularly attending industry events has been invaluable for growing my networks, staying updated on industry trends, and expanding my learning and development.
4. What is your main tool in managing life while cultivating your career?
My main tool in managing life while cultivating my career is a commitment to continuous improvement and building strong relationships.
In my professional career, I actively seek out challenges that push me out of my comfort zone, which fosters growth and learning. Observing and learning from professionals I admire has also been instrumental in my development.
In my farming and ranching career, the relationships I've built with my neighbors have been crucial for our growth and opportunities. By taking care of our land and animals, paying bills on time, and maintaining honesty in all our dealings, we've built a solid reputation and achieved success.
5. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom you would like to offer Saskatchewan Women in Ag members? Consider: some members are just entering the workforce, others have been working for 5 years and there are also those who are 10+ years into their careers.
For those just entering the workforce:
Embrace Learning: Take every opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it's through formal education, on-the-job training, or observing experienced professionals, continuous learning is key to building a strong foundation for your career.
Network Early: Start building your network from day one. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues and mentors. Networking can open doors and provide valuable support and opportunities.
For those with 5 years of experience:
Seek Challenges: Don't shy away from challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. These experiences can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
Build Relationships: Focus on building strong, honest relationships with colleagues, clients, and industry peers. These connections can be instrumental in your career development and success.
For those with 10+ years of experience:
Share Your Knowledge: Mentorship is a powerful tool. Share your experiences and insights with those who are newer to the field. Your guidance can help shape the next generation of professionals.
Stay Adaptable: The industry is constantly evolving. Stay adaptable and open to new ideas and technologies. Continuous improvement and adaptability are crucial for long-term success.
General Advice for All:
Balance and Resilience: Managing life and career requires balance and resilience. Embrace challenges and make necessary adjustments to ensure both your personal and professional life thrive.
Integrity and Reputation: Maintain honesty and integrity in all your dealings. A strong reputation built on these values will serve you well throughout your career.
Community Involvement: Engage with your community and support initiatives that align with your values. This not only contributes to your personal growth but also strengthens your professional network.
6. Do you have any recommendations for books or podcast episodes you feel would be beneficial for our members?
For industry learning:
The Beef Cattle Health and Nutrition Podcast: A series of 49 podcasts was developed and produced and released on several podcast platforms. Dr. John Campbell served as the podcast host and each episode focused on a particular topic related to beef cattle health, nutrition, and management.
Farming’s In-law Factor, Elaine Froese & Dr. Megan McKenzie
Books For professional development:
Start with Why, Simon Sinek
Crucial Conversations, Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler
Nudge, Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
The EQ Edge, Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book
Getting to YES, Fisher, Ury and Patton
Farming’s In-law Factor, Elaine Froese & Dr. Megan McKenzie