Our next Career Development Month spotlight features Olivia Butler, who proves that success in agriculture isn't limited to those with farming backgrounds. As an Internal Genetics Consultant celebrating her fifth anniversary with Cogent this December, Liv's story demonstrates how determination, adaptability, and strong people skills can lead to a thriving career in agricultural sales.
Bridging Industries: A Journey from Business to Agricultural Sales at Cogent Breeding
For Olivia Butler, the path to becoming an Internal Genetics Consultant at Cogent Breeding demonstrates how diverse career backgrounds can lead to success in agricultural sales. As she approaches her fifth anniversary this December, Liv's journey showcases how strong interpersonal skills and dedication to learning can bridge the gap between industries.
After completing her Business Studies apprenticeship and establishing herself in the insurance sector, Liv was drawn to the possibilities within agricultural sales. "Upon completion of my apprenticeship, I took an interest in sales and sought new challenges looking for more of a sales-based role within a completely new sector," she reflects. "The agricultural industry was one I had been interested in previously, and I looked forward to the challenge."
The transition from insurance to agriculture presented its own unique challenges. "With not being from an agricultural background myself, it's been a steep learning curve to understand the industry as a whole," Liv acknowledges. "There's so much to learn and the industry is constantly adapting, and I've had to learn to adapt with it and ensure I constantly keep myself up to date."
Liv's success in her role stems from her commitment to building lasting relationships with customers. "I love to chat and enjoy the daily interactions with my customers," she shares. "I look forward to not just helping them by consulting with them, but also getting to know them on a personal level and helping them to achieve their goals and succeed within their businesses." This approach has yielded impressive results, with Liv achieving her personal best this year, selling over 15,000 straws and consistently growing her customer base year on year.
Professional development has been crucial to Liv's growth at Cogent. "Over the 5 years I have had countless amounts of training both out on farm and within the office, to ensure I was confident in all aspects of my role," she explains. "It's enabled me to constantly grow my knowledge and succeed within my role." This comprehensive training has equipped her with the technical expertise needed to provide informed guidance to her customers.
When she's not helping farmers optimise their genetics programmes, Liv maintains an active lifestyle with interests in horse riding, CrossFit, and reformer Pilates. This balance between professional dedication and personal pursuits reflects Cogent's support for employee wellbeing.
The supportive culture at Cogent has played a significant role in Liv's success. "Cogent is committed to ensuring that everyone feels valued within their role and confident in being able to work to the best of their ability," she notes. "The support I have from my team is unprecedented, and I doubt I would find support like it from any other company."
For those considering a career at Cogent, Liv's advice reflects her own experience: "Go for it, there is an incredibly diverse workforce and opportunities for everyone regardless of your background." Her journey exemplifies how Cogent welcomes professionals from various sectors, valuing their transferable skills and commitment to growth.
Looking ahead, Liv remains inspired by her role and the company's innovative approach. "I'm inspired daily within my role, whether that be from fellow colleagues or my customers. Cogent is such an innovative company to work for that every day brings inspiration." Her success story demonstrates how Cogent's supportive environment and commitment to employee development can help professionals thrive, regardless of their industry background.