Self-Actualization in Action

At Koch, Inc., Principle Based Management (PBM) encourages employees to pursue roles where they can maximize their contribution by aligning their unique skills, knowledge, and passions with organizational needs. Chris Buckentin’s transition from a sales-focused career to a Product Service Advisor is a prime example of self-actualization in action.

After years in sales, Chris found himself driven by curiosity and a desire for a new challenge.

“There was always that thought in the back of my head—what else is there?” Chris shared.

He also recognized the fact he is one of the few employees who has physically handled and applied every product in the Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) portfolio, both on his own farm and with customers, and identified an opportunity to further the organization’s understanding of product application. Rather than just identifying the need, Chris chose to utilize this firsthand experience to benefit the broader organization.

Chris’s journey was supported by open, honest conversations with his supervisor at the time, Kelly O’Donnell, who recognized that the value Chris could bring to KAS as a whole outweighed the loss to her own team.

“Kelly was very supportive from the get-go,” Chris noted. “She saw the net benefit and was a vocal supporter throughout the process.”

Moving from supporting customers in just one state to contributing across the entire Midwest team, Chris now finds fulfillment in helping others succeed and seeing positive results regionally. His ability to connect with people, combined with his product application knowledge, makes him an ideal fit to round out our customers’ field experience and elevate the team’s overall impact.

Chris’s story demonstrates how PBM empowers employees to self-actualize, move beyond traditional roles, and continuously evaluate how they can create greater value for themselves and the organization.

His advice to others seeking self-actualization: “Be open to the discussion—with yourself and those around you. As you grow, be aware of your strengths and see what other opportunities those could lead to.”