Joan Van Zyl
Joan Van Zyl is the North America Detailed Production Scheduling Leader at Corteva Agriscience, where she leverages over 15 years of experience in supply chain and agricultural operations. Since beginning her career in 2008, Joan has cultivated deep expertise across multiple facets of supply chain management, from production planning and inventory control to logistics and customer service. Her academic foundation in Business Management from Mancosa complements her professional experience, allowing her to approach complex supply chain challenges with both strategic insight and operational rigor.
Throughout her career, Joan has held leadership roles across Africa, the Middle East, and North America, consistently driving innovation, efficiency, and people-centered solutions. She is recognized for her strengths in ideation, intellectual curiosity, and connectedness, which enable her to lead high-performing teams, foster collaboration, and implement resilient supply chain strategies. Her approach emphasizes inclusion, continuous improvement, and alignment with global supply chain priorities, reflecting her belief that sustainable success is built on both performance and relationships.
Beyond her operational achievements, Joan is a passionate advocate for diversity, leadership development, and empowerment in agriculture. She views her work not only as a career but as an opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections and drive positive change in an evolving industry. Joan’s philosophy—that agriculture should reflect and serve the world it feeds—guides her leadership and inspires others to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose.
• Mancosa - BBA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to consistent excellence. I believe that taking initiative, continuously improving, and maintaining focus under pressure are key drivers of achievement. My willingness to relocate internationally, embrace new environments, and take on challenges has allowed me to grow as a young leader within a global organization.
I specialize in agricultural supply chain and production management, with a strong foundation in global logistics, planning, and operations leadership. Currently, I serve as the North America Detail Production Scheduling Leader at Corteva, where I oversee production planning processes that ensure the timely and efficient delivery of agricultural products across the region. My experience spans multiple continents, allowing me to combine technical precision with strategic leadership in the agricultural industry.
My passion for agriculture and problem-solving has guided my career since I entered the field in January 2016. I began at BASF, developing expertise in customer service and supply chain operations, before transitioning to Corteva. Working in agriculture allows me to apply both analytical and leadership skills while contributing to sustainable production and global food security.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentors at BASF and Corteva: “Never let your gender or age define your capability—let your results speak for you.” Their guidance encouraged me to take on challenging projects early in my career, which helped me build both confidence and credibility as a leader.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering agriculture is to speak up, stay confident, and never underestimate the value of your contributions. Your perspective brings unique insights to a traditionally male-dominated industry, and persistence earns respect. I always tell women: “Be brave enough to share your ideas, even when you’re the only woman in the room—eventually, your voice will be heard.”
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I see in agriculture today include gender representation, global supply chain disruptions, and increasing sustainability pressures. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in innovation and inclusion. The sector is evolving rapidly, with technology and data-driven strategies reshaping efficiency and environmental impact, creating new ways for us to drive meaningful change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, respect, and perseverance guide both my professional and personal life. In the workplace, I value collaboration and fairness, emphasizing open communication and accountability. Personally, I strive for balance—nurturing relationships, caring for my dog, and maintaining strong family connections despite geographic distance.
Locations
Corteva Agriscience
Carmel, IN 46032