Hearts & Mines

Derek La Ferla, Chairing with Purpose Across Australia’s ASX 200

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we speak with Derek La Ferla, one of Australia’s most respected ASX 200 chairs and company directors. With more than 30 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer, Derek brings a deep perspective shaped by capital markets, government and industry leadership. A former Chair of Panoramic Nickel and Sandfire Resources, Derek now chairs Greenpeak Energy, Chalice Mining, Icon Engineering and Foodbank WA. He shares insights on governance, strategic leadership and the responsibility of boards in shaping long-term value.
Derek La Ferla 🔗 linkedin.com/in/derek-la-ferla-a8512690David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
Timecodes:
00:40 Guest Introduction: Derek La Ferla
02:38 Early Life and Influences
07:06 Leadership in Mining: Challenges and Strategies
20:47 The Role of Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership
29:27 Evolving as a Leader
32:04 Navigating Board Tenure and Responsibilities
32:57 The Role and Mindset of a Non-Executive Director
33:46 Risks and Rewards of Being an Independent Director
34:38 Flexibility and Team Dynamics in Board Roles
35:20 Sponsor Acknowledgements
36:28 Mentoring and Enrichment in Board Roles
38:26 Engagement and Image Issues in the Mining Industry
42:14 Leadership and Cultural Ethos in Mining
45:54 Challenges Facing the Australian Mining Industry
49:38 AI in Business and Boardrooms
54:19 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
01:04:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios:https://podwavestudios.au/
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 32: Sustainable Cultures and Systems Leadership with Fiona Blakely

Our guest today is Fiona Blakely, Chief People Officer at Arafura Rare Earths and an organisational psychologist with more than 30 years’ multinational, multi-sector experience in culture and organisational design. Fiona’s career includes senior roles at OZ Minerals, Shell, Bausch & Lomb and Lion, shaping her deep interest in systems leadership and how organisations create cultures that endure beyond individuals. In this episode, she shares practical insights on building sustainable, high-performing workplaces.
Fiona Blakely 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-blakely/David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
Timecodes:
0:00 Welcome and Introduction to Fiona Blakely
3:46 Unpacking Fiona’s Formative Years and Dublin Roots
10:39 What Really Shapes a Leader?
15:37 Why Culture is a Moral and Commercial Imperative
18:28 The Ingredients of a Strong Culture
24:40 Building Sustainable Cultures that Outlast the Individual
26:59 Systems Leadership
34:50 Arafura Rare Earths Employee Value Proposition
42:07 The People Factor: Strategy is Execution, Execution is People
48:21 Listening as a Mindset: Not Just a Skill
55:04 Modifying Mindsets and Inserting the Pause
1:01:00 Revealing Blind Spots Through Vulnerability and Inquiry
1:06:21 Rapid Fire Questions
1:19:07 Underrated or Overhyped
1:25:58 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios:https://podwavestudios.au/
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 31: Scaling vision into reality: A conversation with David Boshoff

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with David Boshoff, a mining leader with more than 20 years of experience across iron ore, coal, and industrial minerals. David shares insights from his career in South Africa and Australia, including developing major assets, delivering large capital projects, and leading high-performing teams. Now Managing Director of BCI Minerals, he discusses steering the Mardie Project, Australia’s largest salt development, and the opportunities and challenges of building something of global scale. A grounded, practical conversation on leadership, strategy, and driving long term value in the resources sector.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Qualities
00:43 Guest Introduction: David Boshoff's Background
02:10 Early Life and Influences
03:25 Sports and Academic Journey
15:12 Career Beginnings and University Challenges
19:11 Leadership Philosophy and Practices
35:15 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership
36:50 Challenges and Leadership at BCI Minerals
38:48 Hiring the Right Team
43:40 Values and Culture in the Workplace
51:09 Industry Challenges and Solutions
59:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
01:08:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 30: From Gold to Growth: Ian Murray on Leading Across Continents

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with Ian Murray, a seasoned mining executive and company director with more than 25 years’ experience in South Africa and Australia. From his early leadership of DRDGOLD to steering Gold Road Resources through its transformation into a leading gold producer, Ian shares insights on growth, governance, and guiding companies through change. Now serving on the Boards of Black Rock Mining, Arafura Rare Earths, and Jupiter Mines, he reflects on the leadership principles that drive long-term value and success in an evolving global resources industry.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
00:00 Initial Thoughts on Leadership and Delegation
01:00 Guest Introduction: Ian Murray
04:45 Early Life, Sailing, and Growing Up in South Africa
09:40 The Importance of Community Engagement and Social License
12:45 Career Path from Accounting to Mining
15:15 Defining Effective Leadership and Empowerment
17:00 Decision-Making and Maturity with Imperfect Information
23:15 Focus on Current Projects and Social License Challenges
28:00 Board Diversity, Building Teams, and Hiring Leaders
31:00 CEO Selection and Future Skill Sets
39:30 Challenges: Talent Pipeline, FIFO, and the Image of Mining
47:30 Rapid Fire Questions
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 29: Navigating Growth and Global Opportunity with Tommy McKeith

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with Tommy McKeith, a seasoned mining executive with over 30 years’ experience across geology, exploration, business development, and leadership. From leading international growth at Gold Fields to shaping the direction of companies like Evolution Mining, Arrow Minerals, Thungela Resources, and Ordell Minerals, Tommy brings deep insight into what drives sustainable growth in the mining sector. We explore how global experience informs strategy, the evolving role of exploration, and the importance of balancing commercial discipline with long-term opportunity.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
Tommy McKeith🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-mckeith-45298456/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(00:00) Introduction to Leadership Qualities
(01:03) Guest Introduction: Tommy McKeith
(03:41) Early Life and Career Beginnings
(08:46) Balancing Board Roles and Personal Interests
(09:54) Leadership Insights and Challenges
(16:58) Board Dynamics and Chairman Responsibilities
(23:32) Sponsor Acknowledgements
(24:39) Strengthening Staff Engagement
(26:38) Indicators of a Healthy Business Culture
(32:04) Challenges in the Australian Mining Industry
(36:58) Rapid Fire Questions
(45:31) Final Thoughts and Advice
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 28. Jordan Morrissey: People, Purpose and Cross-Cultural Leadership

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we welcome Jordan Morrissey, General Manager People at Perseus Mining. With leadership roles spanning sustainability, people, and culture, Jordan brings rare insight into building strong teams and resilient workplaces across complex international operations. Perseus Mining, listed on the ASX and TSX, is Australia’s largest gold producer in Africa, and Jordan is at the heart of its people strategy. Join us as he shares what it takes to lead with purpose, balance performance with culture, and support people in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
Jordan Morrissey 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-morrissey-5945911/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(00:00) Introduction
(1:18) Career Journey and Achievements
(3:16) Early Life and Family Background
(5:00) Sports and Early Influences
(10:56) Leadership Qualities and Effectiveness
(16:47) Challenges and Opportunities at Perseus
(18:13) Cultural Differences in Leadership
(20:52) Listening and Leadership
(24:01) Cultural Insights from Working in Africa
(25:02) Language Diversity in Africa
(26:56) Crafting a Compelling Value Proposition
(31:40) Hiring for Cultural Fit
(34:51) Challenges in the Mining Industry
(43:22) Rapid Fire Questions
(49:13) Final Thoughts and Farewell
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep: 27 Warren Pearce: Advocating for an Improved and Stronger Mining Industry

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, Warren Pearce, CEO of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), shares his mission to make Australia the best place in the world to explore and mine. From reducing regulatory barriers to lowering business costs and unlocking new opportunities, Warren is at the forefront of shaping policy and driving growth for the sector. Tune in to hear how AMEC is backing explorers, supporting discoveries, and ensuring Australia remains a global leader in resources.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
Warren Pearce🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-pearce/?originalSubdomain=au
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(00:00) Introduction 
(00:50) Meet Warren Pearce: CEO of AMEC
(03:19) Warren's Early Career and Leadership Journey
(04:42) Growing Up and Early Influences
(08:52) Balancing Work and Personal Life
(10:53) Challenges and Opportunities in the Mining Industry
(18:28) The Talent Shortage in Mining
(23:52) The Importance of Engagement in the Workplace
(24:15) Inclusive Leadership in Business
(25:59) Creating a Safe Space for Ideas
(27:48) Values and Culture at AMEC
(31:06) Challenges in the Mining Industry
(33:14) Regulatory and Environmental Issues
(42:24) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts
(46:45) Optimism and Future Prospects
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 26: Leadership in Lithium, EV Supply Chains & Global Partnerships with Ron Mitchell

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we sit down with Ron Mitchell, a global commercial and business development executive with 25+ years across mining, manufacturing, renewables, and government. Ron brings deep expertise in lithium mining, battery materials, and EV supply chains— sharing insights on leadership, global partnerships, and building strategic collaboration across the clean energy sector. From his senior roles at Talison Lithium and other ASX, TSX and Tokyo-listed companies, to founding Chair of the LME Lithium & Cobalt Committee, Ron reflects on leading through growth and change.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
Ron Mitchell 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-mitchell-57a7642/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:58) Ron Mitchell's Early Life and Career Beginnings
(4:34) Personal Life and Interests
(6:51) Leadership Insights and Challenges
(20:13) The Importance of Integrity and Resilience
(26:28) Challenges in the Lithium Industry
(32:45) Australia's Role in Value-Added Processing
(35:00) Balancing Skills in Lithium Projects
(35:25) Government Support and Power Costs
(36:23) Comparing Australia and China in Downstream Processing
(36:54) Opportunities in Midstream Processing
(41:16) The Importance of Trust in Business
(46:40) Navigating Approvals and Red Tape
(50:02) The Impact of AI on the Mining Industry
(56:52) Rapid Fire Questions with Ron
(1:07:49) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.

Ep 25: Duncan Gibbs on finding solutions amidst ambiguity and uncertainty.

Our guest is Duncan Gibbs, Managing Director and CEO of Gold Road Resources. With more than 35 years of mining industry experience, Duncan shares insights into leading one of Australia’s largest gold operations, the world-class Gruyere mine. We discuss Gruyere’s long-term future, Gold Road’s exploration projects, and the company’s $3.7 billion acquisition by Gold Fields. Duncan also reflects on leadership, value creation, and navigating major corporate transactions.
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ 
David Gallagher 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gallagher-3541553/ 
Duncan Gibbs 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-gibbs-88b62213/ 
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Acknowledgement and Introduction
(1:12) Guest Introduction: Duncan Gibbs
(2:03) Significant M&A Deals
(3:08) Leadership Superpower and Team Building
(9:08) Duncan's Early Life and Career
(19:58) Leadership and Board Dynamics
(28:42) Company Culture and Recruitment
(44:26) High Performing Teams and Leadership
(47:34) Employee Value Proposition and Leadership Influence
(48:53) Diversity in Leadership Teams
(58:02) Challenges in the Mining Industry
(1:03:21) AI and Technological Advancements in Mining
(1:07:20) Educational Gaps and Industry Image
(1:12:49) Downstream Processing and Competitiveness
(1:17:52) Leadership Reflections and Future Plans
(1:27:58) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.
 

Ep 24: Leading with Purpose: Sam’s Journey in Mining and Beyond

Sam is a seasoned executive and company director with more than 30 years of experience across aviation, consulting, and mining. After 13 years at IGO as Chief People and Sustainability Officer, she helped transform the business into a leader in clean energy materials. Today, she continues to shape the leadership landscape through Chief Executive Women and as a director of Youth Focus. In this episode, Sam shares valuable insights on leadership, engagement, and culture development drawn from her distinguished career in mining and beyond.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ 
David Gallagher 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gallagher-3541553/ 
Sam Retallack 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-retallack-69151819/
ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners and Podcast Introduction(1:03) Introducing Sam Retallack(5:39) Sam's Early Life and Influences(17:47) Leadership Qualities and Experiences(35:59) Challenges Faced by Female Leaders(36:38) The Value of Consistency in Leadership(39:46) Unique Corporate Values at IGO(41:13) The Importance of Employee-Driven Values(46:55) Recruitment Strategies and Challenges(52:08) Balancing Personal Well-being with Professional Life(53:56) Workforce Challenges in the Mining Industry(1:04:22) Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
 
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.