Employees can see their own impact at Canpotex

While visiting a rural farming community in Vietnam, Gordon McKenzie says he witnessed the transformative impact Saskatchewan potash from Canpotex had on local agriculture.

“Farmers who struggled with poor soil fertility and low crop yields were now able to produce abundant, healthy crops to help feed the world,” says McKenzie, president and CEO. “My favourite part of the job is getting out in the market with our customers and their customers, seeing the vital link our Saskatchewan potash has in global food security.

“Experiences like this fill me with immense pride to be part of an organization that makes such a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

McKenzie says employees working at the Saskatoon-based potash exporting and marketing company know their efforts are contributing to feeding the world’s growing population. “It fosters a strong sense of shared responsibility among everyone at Canpotex, knowing that our collective efforts are making a real-world difference,” he says. “This global perspective encourages us to be more innovative, resilient and committed to excellence.”

Ryan Bueckert, senior marketing manager, Europe and Africa, also feels this pride. He was hired in 2015 as a summer student in the Canpotex credit department and became a full-time employee after he graduated from university. He joined the marketing team in 2017.

“I was lucky to have great people around me who were willing to support someone fresh out of university and help me learn. I am really grateful for that,” he says. “Canpotex puts a lot of emphasis on developing its own people and helping them grow, through formal training or mentorship.”

Angela Naidu is one of those people. She has worked in three different departments with five different job titles over her 15-plus years with the company. “Canpotex is fantastic at promoting career advancement and lateral movements within the company,” says Naidu, marketing manager, North Latin America. “They back this up with internal job postings and continuous learning initiatives.”

The company recently launched the Level-Up Leadership Development program, which is built on Canpotex’s Core Competencies – leadership, organizational awareness, curiosity, agility and teamwork. The content is balanced to focus on developing leadership character and competence, and relevant sessions are available to all employees.

“We understand that leadership is not confined to titles or positions,” says McKenzie. “True leadership is reflected in everyday actions, decisions and collaborations that drive our success. We maintain a relatively small team, allowing each employee to make a significant impact. All our employees are very close to the business of marketing and delivering potash globally – and have the ability to have influence within the organization.”

Naidu also values the relationships she has built with customers and colleagues. “We have a strong sense of community and support. I truly appreciate my teammates from around the world and often forget we are time zones apart,” she says. “We frequently call each other for support, advice or just to catch up. This collaborative environment has not only helped me succeed but also makes me feel valued.”

Employees know they matter at Canpotex, Bueckert says. “There are a lot of opportunities to be involved and be heard. It makes you feel supported and valued,” he says. “We are lean by employee numbers compared to the impact that we have, so I know the work I do matters and contributes to the company and overall global food security, which keeps me motivated. I know I am part of a company that supports my professional and personal growth.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Saskatchewan's Top Employers winners, published February 4, 2025 in the Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon Star Phoenix. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.