In the age of ChatGPT, Diary of a CEO podcasts and LinkedIn management gurus – what’s the role of the traditional mentorship for young professionals?

GrainCorp Quality Supervisor Nikki Fleming was recently chosen to participate in Grain Trade Australia’s ‘5 under 30’ program – a 12-month mentorship program designed to assist, guide and recognise future leaders in the grains industry.

Nikki hails from Warracknabeal, Victoria, and started her journey with GrainCorp at 16 as a harvest worker – alongside her father who also worked at GrainCorp’s Warracknabeal site.

After high school, Nikki moved to Geelong where she completed a Bachelor of Psychology at Deakin University – working at GrainCorp throughout university holidays.

Once Nikki graduated, she began working at GrainCorp’s Geelong terminal as a Bulk Grain Worker, before moving into a Quality Support Officer role where she was supported to progress to her current role, leading the team as a Quality Supervisor.

This is the second year of ‘5 under 30’ and Nikki has been paired with Grain Trade Australia’s CEO Pat O’Shannassy as her mentor.

“I was looking for a way to build my professional development, while also contributing to the future of the grains industry,” says Nikki.

“This program gives me the unique opportunity to not only benefit from the experience of having Pat as my mentor, but the chance to collaborate and learn from the four other participants.”

Nikki plans to focus on quality management and operational excellence in the years to come at GrainCorp, with the ultimate goal of landing a leadership position one day.

“Over the next five to ten years, I envision myself in a leadership role at GrainCorp and within the grains industry generally,” she says.

“I’m very eager to explore sustainability and technology integration in grain trading, both of which are crucial for the future of the sector.

“Ultimately, I’d like to influence industry standards and practices, contributing to a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain.

“The Australian grains industry is vast and multifaceted and navigating the different aspects can be difficult for people new to agriculture – I hope in the future to return the favour and become a mentor for emerging professionals.”

Nikki’s mentor Pat O’Shannassy, CEO of Grain Trade Australia, says GTA recognises the need to engage with the younger cohort in the industry.

“This is an annual program that was created to assist, guide and recognise future leaders in the industry, as well as increase involvement of younger generation of members in GTA activities,” Pat says.

“Nikki was selected from a very competitive field of candidates, which in itself is very exciting for the future of the grain industry.  We saw Nikki’s progression at Graincorp, and among other things, her willingness to take on higher responsibilities and engage with people as strong attributes.  I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Other ‘mentees’ in this year’s cohort are Shannon Bros’ Briley Monahan, AGT Foods Australia’s Isabelle McDouall, CHS Broadbent’s Kyla Davie and Viterra’s Matthew Price.

“I’m excited to grow my network across other agriculture businesses and foster professional relationships with the experienced mentors and young professionals in this program,” says Nikki.

“There are some parts to leadership that I think can only be learned by having conversations with people who’ve been in your shoes, so by having dedicated time to connect with both emerging and experienced leaders, I hope to grow personally and professionally.”