Why I Chose FBN: Kira Dylla, Sr. Learning & Employee Communications Program Manager

Our “Why I Chose FBN®” series features stories from employees across different roles, teams, and geographies on how they got to FBN, what it’s like to work here, and how their teams help fulfill our mission of putting Farmers First®.

What is your current role at FBN?

I joined FBN at the start of 2018, and I work on things related to learning and development and internal communication. The learning and development side of my responsibilities involves everything from creating learning programs to facilitating sessions, running the Learning Management System (LMS), and talent initiatives like 360 reviews. Currently we’re working on launching a new people manager learning series.

Internal communication was something I unofficially took on when Covid hit, and last year this officially became part of my responsibilities. Since then, we’ve launched a weekly newsletter called ‘The Feed.’ I also oversee all organization-wide communication and announcements, facilitating company-wide meetings, and finding new ways to leverage Slack. 

How does FBN’s mission of positively impacting farmers come to life in your day-to-day work? 

For me in my role, it's all about the employees. By providing employees opportunities to learn and develop, that helps put them in a position to better serve family farmers. We're always thinking about how we can support the employee in a way that supercharges their ability to best help and work with the farmer.

What was your previous work experience before joining FBN? 

Before FBN, I was a high-school math teacher for several years, which helped me hone my teaching skills and taught me how to successfully work with a wide range of people. As much as I loved my time as a teacher, I always knew that I wanted to eventually transition to the private sector. So, I got my master’s in educational technology, which helped me make the move from teaching to the private sector. 

My first job out of teaching was with a large organization as an instructional designer and eLearning developer. I learned a great deal in that role about adult learning and course design that still informs what I do today. 

From there I moved to a tech startup in the healthcare IT sector. I was the training manager and led a team of folks that created and deployed all sorts of learning opportunities for employees and customers that included running user conferences for doctors, nurses, and administrators. I’m grateful for my past work experiences because I’ve gotten to learn from people with different expertise and experiences that helps me in my work at FBN. 

What did you first find compelling about FBN that led you to want to learn more? 

FBN’s mission was very compelling to me, and it seemed like a unique opportunity to continue working in a tech startup environment while also working for a mission that is meaningful to me. 

I live in South Dakota and, like a lot of people who live in this area, I’m related to farmers! My closest ties to agriculture are my grandparents, aunts, and uncles who are farmers. I grew up going to the farm every summer, and I was often tasked with helping work the bean fields or helping make food to feed everyone. Considering my connection, moving to an organization in the ag sector felt like a really natural progression for me.

How would you describe FBN’s culture? 

If you were to ask any new hire “why did you join FBN?” they would give you a very similar answer to the one I just gave about our compelling mission, and that’s because we do an incredible job of hiring motivated people who believe in what we’re doing. That spirit is true to the core of who we are and what it’s like to work here. 

We believe firmly in Farmers First, and we want to build something that makes a positive impact for the farmer and their operation. That to me is very much at the heart of who we are as an organization. We are builders. We are builders who put Farmers First.

We know you have a life outside of work — what kinds of things do you do for fun? 

My husband and I like to travel. I'm currently on a quest to visit all 50 states, but by visit I mean you have to see or do something unique to that place before it counts. Otherwise, what’s the point? The beauty of travel is what you learn along the way. That’s my favorite part. It’s learning something new or experiencing something from a different perspective that I wasn’t expecting.  

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone considering FBN? 

If you enjoy red tape, this is not the place for you. There’s no tape! I would also say if you see a “wall” that you perceive as blocking you from accomplishing something, be the Kool-Aid Man. Bust through it!

Want to Work for FBN?

Outstanding companies are built by outstanding people. The FBN team goes to work every day to ensure farmers stay profitable while they feed the world.

Learn more about the open roles available at FBN.

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