What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Most valuable learning experiences come from failure; therefore, it is critical to reflect and learn from projects or circumstances that don’t turn out as expected. Also, as a people leader, it is important to let others experience failure and coach them as they take ownership of their journey.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

Driving my career path from scientist to scientific manager and director. Among various career recognitions, I was named Senior Science Fellow at Bayer.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

Serving AWIS as president of the Sacramento Valley Chapter, chair of the Northern California Chapters Committee, and member of the Chapters Advisory Committee allowed me to develop my leadership skills and benefit from the strong support network of women leaders in various phases of my career.

What is your favorite word?

Impact

How do you define it?

The responsibility to contribute to the best of one’s abilities and the obligation to leave behind a legacy.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

It was realized mid-way throughout my career as the opportunity to make a difference in science, business, and people. It certainly inspires me day-to-day to go the extra mile and shaped my leadership style to focus on helping others reach beyond their comfort zone.

Dr. Eleni Bachlava completed her PhD at North Carolina State University and post-doctoral research at the University of Georgia in plant breeding and genetics. She is a career professional in the Ag seeds and biotech industry since 2010 and held roles of increasing responsibility at Monsanto, Bayer Crop Science, and Syngenta contributing to the development and commercialization of innovative vegetable seed products.