In a world where impact defines significance and presence shapes influence, Courtney J. White embodies a guiding principle: “If your presence doesn’t make an impact, your absence won’t make a difference.” As the Head of Human Resources at BASF Agricultural Solutions, North America, Courtney is a beacon of leadership, earning recognition among the “Top 10 Most Influential Black Executives to Follow in 2024.” His career stands as a testament to success across all echelons: from local and regional to national and global scales. With tireless dedication, he champions the notion that each individual’s contributions hold profound power, urging others to recognize the importance of their presence across all aspects of life and the value of time. He conveys it clearly to people, “I always tell people I am not a HR leader; I am a business leader who is currently focused on HR.”
At BASF, Courtney is the epitome of versatility. His central mission is to cultivate a thriving employee experience, fostering engagement and impact throughout their tenure at the company. Beyond the term of office, he strives to imbue lasting loyalty, turning those who matriculate out of the BASF workforce into brand ambassadors. But the role doesn’t end there. He also acts as a cultivator of BASF’s employer brand, meticulously driving it to be irresistible, influential, and a magnet for the best and brightest minds.
As a person of color navigating various corporate landscapes, Courtney has faced the realities, considering them a natural part of the process, often standing as the only individual who shares his unique combination of identity markers. Despite encountering difficulties informed by differences, this adept professional has honed a leadership style that blends empathy with unapologetic determination. Acknowledging that others may have differing viewpoints, he leverages these instances to broaden his own understanding and catalyze change within the industry. Recognizing the importance of equitable access and representation, this doyen is driven to disable and dismantle systemic constructs that impede access for all.
Before joining BASF, Courtney developed a diverse and accomplished career path. Starting in Sales, he swiftly ascended to Sales Leadership and Management roles, honing his expertise in driving revenue with and through people, while building robust client relationships. His multifaceted background led to impact in Human Resources, Marketing, Business Development, Sales, Project Management, Auditing/Compliance, Budgeting, and Communications across a spectrum of industries. Courtney’s professional journey traversed public and private sectors such as E-Commerce, Telecommunications, Consumer Goods, Higher Education, Agriculture, and Technology, enriching him with invaluable insights and skills.
A whirlwind of intellect, Courtney navigates the complexities of HR with the agility of a seasoned acrobat. His ability to think on his toes and explain even the most complicated concepts with crystal clarity makes him a force to be reckoned with. This inspiring leader isn’t just skilled. He’s “AUTHENTIC,” a word that Courtney uses to capture his essence. One is bound to agree that– his authenticity is his superpower. This experienced executive brings genuine expertise and an inspiring human touch to every interaction.
Perception on Success
For Courtney, success is being the best at getting better, where he strives to be valuable, intentional, and purposeful. One must pursue it with grace, focus, and responsibility while remaining agile and adaptable. He understands that pace matters and urges himself and others to resist distractions and variables that may cause a breaking of the stride.
“I have to live my role with near flawless execution because it sets someone else up for the responsibility and accountability inherent in the hand-off to them one day,” he asserts. “Be a role model.”
Key External Roles and Memberships
Apart from his role as the Head of Human Resources at BASF, Courtney holds significant external positions and memberships. He serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS); Vice-Chair for Membership and Small Business for the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors for the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce; Executive Board for Triangle Go Red for Women, an initiative by the American Heart Association; Lifetime Member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.; Lifetime Member of Future Farmers of America (FFA); Member of Triangle Chief Human Resources Officer Association; Member of Society for Human Resources Management; and a host of other professional and community focused organizations.
Roadblocks
Courtney isn’t afraid of a good uphill battle. He sees challenges as the fiery forge that molds him into a stronger, more adaptable version of himself. But even the fiercest warrior faces roadblocks, and Courtney has encountered his fair share.
Roadblock 1: Ambush of Misjudgment. In his life journey, biased whispers and poisoned arrows of doubt flew from authority figures, peers, and others. They mistook his quiet confidence for arrogance, his measured words for lack of passion. These barbs stung, leaving him questioning his own fit and the value of his impact. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, his inner compass kept him on track, by staying true to his purpose and values.
Roadblock 2: The Labyrinth of Control. Raised to respect all but wary of not receiving the same in return, Courtney wrestled with what he could truly influence. He learned to discern the battlefields he could conquer (his own actions and reactions) from the ones beyond his reach. This newfound clarity became his war horn, rallying him to prioritize effectively, choose his battles wisely, and know where to truly dig in his heels.
Roadblock 3: The Siren Song of Expectations. This skilled savant once found himself lost in the cacophony of expectations in a world obsessed with images. He contorted himself to fit into molds cast by others, slowly losing sight of his authentic self. But then, he hit the mute button on the noise, silencing the external voices and amplifying his inner truth. This act of self-discovery led him to a life richer and more fulfilling than any fabricated image could offer.
An Overview of BASF
BASF stands as the foremost chemical enterprise globally, offering solutions spanning six segments, from petrochemicals to agricultural solutions. With a strategic focus on agriculture, the Agricultural Solutions division aids farmers in their pivotal role—the Biggest Job on Earth. This division boasts a comprehensive portfolio covering seeds, traits, seed treatments, crop protection, and digital solutions.
‘People Powerhouse’ How Courtney’s Expertise Facilitated BASF’s Success
Courtney prioritizes customer happiness, believing, “Customers will never love a company whose employees don’t love it first.” Putting people first, this philosophy permeates their strategies, operations, and every customer interaction. BASF’s Head of Human Resources for Agricultural Solutions, North America, is an “agritainment” enthusiast. The mission? Becoming ‘THE employer of choice in the agricultural industry.” His time on and with this team has been, in a word, transformational. His impact? “Significant growth across the organizational ecosystem, and a whole new HR domain. And guess what? It’s paying off. A thriving, accountable workforce leads a cultural shift that translates to exceptional customer experiences.
Navigating Innovation with Integrity
BASF prioritizes cultivating a collaborative workplace where employees flourish and contribute to unparalleled customer experiences. This synergistic approach fuels brand growth and guarantees enduring success. Courtney emphasizes that BASF’s culture is instilled in the leadership and guided by their CORE values: Creative, Open, Responsible, and Entrepreneurial. He highlights their commitment to continuous and active employee engagement through diverse channels, fostering a culture of open, honest feedback and continuous learning. As central to their mission, customers are paramount and underpin all operations. They empower their organization to make innovation-driven decisions that continuously support customer success.
Key Awards
Courtney’s dedication to excellence and engagement extends beyond the workforce and workplace into the marketplace and community, as evidenced in his appointments, memberships, and accolades. It’s never about the awards for Courtney or the organization, yet while still maintaining humility, they sure do make you feel good. Here is a list of a select few accolades:
- Courtney has been recognized as a Trailblazer for Excellence by Kentucky State University, which is given to appreciate outstanding leadership and commitment to the school.
- Courtney’s contributions to diversity and inclusion are celebrated through the Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award, which is given to an individual in the regional business community who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to champion change and positive impact in diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Freelon left an indelible mark on the practice of architecture, and his legacy transcends the brick and mortar of the buildings he designed. Freelon was a pioneer and a fierce advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and his influence will only strengthen over time as we continue to see the positive impact that businesses can have in the community.
- The Leaders in Diversity Award celebrates individuals and companies that have worked to establish and advance diversity and inclusion efforts in their workplaces and communities.
- The Workforce of the Future Award recognizes people and organizations who have the vision and courage to start the trends for others and other organizations to follow; be a beacon and lighthouse. His influence extends beyond his professional sphere. His appearances on ABC and CBS affiliates and features in USA Today solidified his reputation as a thought leader in business.
The Best Recognition as a Leader
Of the many awards and accolades Courtney has received, one truly surprised and resonated with him, leaving an indelible mark. During an assignment on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, he received a beautiful lei on his last day, a gesture that resonated deeply. However, the true impact came later. At the airport, a stranger stopped him, inquired about the lei’s origin, and revealed its profound significance: it was handcrafted over multiple days and traditionally bestowed upon Hawaiian royalty. Unaware of Courtney’s actions, the stranger simply stated, “I do not know what you did, but it must have been amazing for someone to make it for you.” This unexpected recognition, highlighting the lei’s weight and the impact of Courtney’s actions, cemented itself as the most meaningful recognition he received.
A Regular Workday
Beyond work, Courtney is a maestro of headwear, sporting diverse styles. This penchant for variety translates metaphorically to his office life, where he wears many hats.
Guided by the principle “Leaders consult their purpose before they consult their preferences,” Courtney juggles strategy, execution, project, and planning meetings to advance business interests. He also taps into his team’s collective wisdom, ensuring they provide the best enablement and support to key stakeholders, ultimately benefiting BASF customers.
As the global leader for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, this veteran fosters worldwide partnerships, ensuring BASF remains a continuous leader in employee engagement.
Finally, he actively represents BASF externally. He participates in local, national, and international advisory boards, shares his expertise at events and conferences, leads transformative workshops, consults with partners and customers, identifies investment opportunities, and consistently offers valuable thought leadership.
Mantra for Work-Life Balance and Team Motivation
Courtney exhibits the same intentionality in his personal life as in his professional career. This aligns perfectly with BASF’s growth-oriented approach, as micromanagement would hinder achieving aspirational goals. Therefore, empowerment and delegation are core elements of his personal balance. He underscores, “I hire people I trust,” reflecting his confidence in his team’s abilities.
This trust allows him to establish healthy boundaries and model desired behaviors for his team. He incorporates various personal well-being strategies, including leisure activities like movie nights and extended family vacations. Similarly, within the team, he nurtures opportunities for relationship-building beyond professional interactions, often involving families and loved ones as an expression of gratitude.
This focus on well-being and relationships translates into outstanding team engagement. In the last survey, with near-perfect participation, his team’s engagement score stood at an impressive 95% with about 100% participation.
Courtney’s personal goals include cherishing family moments and capturing memorable experiences. He plans to author two leadership books, targeting adults and children.
Message to Aspiring Black Leaders
“Be the best at getting better,” Courtney emphasizes, quoting a motto that defines his career. His willingness to adapt his views and beliefs, rather than clinging stubbornly to them, has been a cornerstone of his success.
For aspiring black leaders, his message is clear: “Stay focused,” he advises, echoing a lifelong piece of wisdom from his father, who reminds him of it to this day. Staying focused, even when one needs to adjust their course, is the need of the hour. This unwavering dedication, coupled with the ability to acclimate, paves the way to reaching the peak.
