It started out as a temporary cover. Parental leave, a few months. Tania Nathanielsz could have played it safe, stayed in her lane. Instead, she stepped forward and walked into the most pivotal chapter of her career.
Rooted in curiosity, driven by growth
Tania’s journey began in professional services, far from crop protection or seeds. At KPMG in Melbourne, then across Belgium and Canada, she built her confidence working with multinational clients and complex systems. But the thread throughout her career wasn’t just numbers; it was people.
“I’ve always had mentors and advocates who backed me 100%. That gave me the courage to say yes to things I didn’t feel ‘ready’ for. Now I try to offer that same support to others.”
Joining Nufarm launched her into a company that valued what she brought to the table as well as what she could become. It was a place where she could come as she was, stay curious, and be supported to grow.
Saying yes to what matters
What started as a short-term global finance role became the gateway to something bigger. After stepping in as a Finance Business Partner for the Australian Commercial team, Tania moved into pricing — a critical function at the heart of strategy and growth.
“Pricing decisions directly impact the long term commercial success of the company and it is great that I have a role to play in supporting the Sales team to achieve that success. You have to understand our products, customers, market behaviour and competitor moves. I love that I work cross-functionally, and that what I do makes a difference.”
She owned her growth by taking on an additional role as Product Manager, covering paternity leave. Two roles, new territory, endless learning and the support to make it work. These experiences reflect what it means to unearth the possibilities at Nufarm.
Listening, leading and learning
Beyond her day job, Tania helps shape the culture of Nufarm through the Inclusion and Diversity Committee. Since 2021, she’s helped deliver initiatives such as:
- Sponsorship of team members in the Male Allies program
- A multi-faith quiet room onsite
- Unconscious bias training programs
- Career Conversations toolkits (launching in 2026)
- Sponsorships for women in operations to access mentoring through NAWO
“Inclusion isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about creating a culture where different voices are not only heard, but expected. The more perspectives we have, the better our thinking which ultimately leads to the best outcomes and solutions.”
Tania sees diversity as a driver of better decision-making, and inclusion as everyday leadership.
“I’ve learned to listen without judgement, even when a view challenges my own. That shift in mindset has changed how I work, lead and grow.”
Motivated to achieve career development within a supportive, collaborative workplace like Nufarm?
Discover Nufarm’s inclusive benefits and policies and current job openings.
Recognition that reflects values
One of her proudest moments? A highly commended nomination at the APAC RARE Awards for living one of Nufarm’s company values of Respect.
“It’s not just about being polite. Respect is about presence. About showing people they matter. That recognition meant a lot, because it’s how I try to lead in every space I’m in.”
Respect is only part of the story. Tania also demonstrates the other core Nufarm values: she shows Responsibility through the decisions she owns in commercial strategy, Empowerment by lifting others through mentoring and inclusion work, and Agility in how she moves between roles and keeps learning as she grows.
Redefining balance and belonging
Tania is the first to say there’s no perfect work-life formula.
“Balance isn’t 50/50 every day. It’s about knowing your values, owning your choices, and making it work for the people in your life — including yourself.”
Nufarm’s investment in learning and development has helped her build the skills to lead authentically negotiate skillfully through programs like the Australian Rural Leadership program, Gap Partnership, Juno Institute and the Harvard business NuLead program.
It’s that mix of possibility, purpose and support that makes this more than a job.
Building a legacy of empowerment
Tania’s journey is proof that you don’t need to have it all figured out to say yes. You just need a workplace willing to invest in your growth and the courage to step into the unknown.
What’s one step you could say yes to, even if it scares you a little?
