Hearts & Mines

Building a Modern Gold Producer, Leadership Lessons with Matt Nixon, CEO of Genesis Minerals

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we speak with Matt Nixon, CEO of Genesis Minerals. Matt is a mining engineer with around 20 years’ experience across operational, technical and executive roles in both underground and open pit mining. He shares insights from his journey through the industry and discusses the strategy behind Genesis Minerals’ growth as a gold producer in Western Australia’s Laverton and Leonora districts. The conversation explores leadership in mining, building high-performing teams, and the realities of operating and expanding assets in today’s gold market. A practical and thoughtful discussion with one of the sector’s emerging leaders.
 
Matt Nixon🔗 linkedin.com/in/matt-nixon-2991ba44
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 Intro
00:47 Welcome Genesis Minerals' New CEO
04:04 Early Life And Sport
05:47 Coaches And Resilience
08:19 Family Life And Recharge
09:16 Proudest Achievement
11:08 Leadership Values
14:42 Volatility And Resilience
19:06 Trust And Last 8%
20:24 Courageous Decisions
22:17 Staff Engagement And Brand
23:20 Aspire 500 Growth Plan
23:55 Agility And Community License
24:48 Values Led Culture
27:01 Building Belonging At Work
28:33 Hiring For Authenticity
29:56 AI Risks And Upside
34:35 Permitting And Red Tape
41:44 Habits Books And Learning
49:25 Advice Balance And Closing
 
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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.

From the Mine Site to Executive Leadership, Tim Hewitt on Scaling Gold Operations

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Hewitt, Chief Operating Officer of Ramelius Resources, to discuss what it takes to scale a Western Australian gold producer toward 500,000 ounces by 2030. A mining engineer with more than 30 years’ experience, Tim shares leadership insights from senior roles at Lihir Gold, St Barbara, Newmont and Gold Fields. The conversation explores operational leadership, growth execution, and the realities of running large, complex mining operations.
 
Tim Hewitt🔗 linkedin.com/in/tim-hewitt-b0416529David 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:
00:30 Welcome
00:51 Company Growth Goals
01:56 Early Life in UK
03:29 Schooling and Mining Bug
04:52 Uni and MBA Shift
07:36 Leadership Essentials
09:29 Authenticity and Introverts
13:27 Resilience and Failure
15:34 Scrutiny and Role Modeling
17:47 COO Challenges Today
19:48 Engagement on the Ground
20:17 Recognising Progress Wins
20:50 Why Work at MIUs
22:55 Culture Drives Performance
25:23 Managing Site Subcultures
27:11 Mining Talent Image Gap
30:12 WA Investment Risk Red Tape
32:05 Infrastructure Energy Constraints
33:21 AI in Mining Today
34:56 Dream Interview Leaders
37:03 Rapid Fire Personal Insights
41:19 Habits Advice Closing
 
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.

Leading Growth and Corporate Value with Scott Williamson

In this episode, we speak with Scott Williamson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Gold, where he is leading the development of the Gum Creek Project. Scott also serves as a Non-Executive Director of Leeuwin Metals and Corazon Mining. With previous roles as Managing Director of Blackstone Minerals, Investor Relations Manager at Resolute Mining, and Resources Analyst at Euroz Hartleys, Scott brings global experience across multiple commodities. We explore his leadership journey, operational perspective, capital markets insight and approach to building corporate value in evolving resource businesses. An insightful conversation for mining and investment professionals alike.
 
Scott Williamson 🔗 linkedin.com/in/scott-williamson-b2942515David 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:
00:41 Welcome & First Week on the Job at Horizon Gold
01:25 Horizon Gold Project Overview: Restarting the Gidgee/Gum Creek Mine
02:16 Feasibility Study, Funding & Path to Production
02:49 Growing Up in Geraldton: Family, School & Early Ambition
05:40 Big Miners vs Juniors: Systems, Bureaucracy and the Move to Agility
08:47 Gold Market Tailwinds: Why WA Gold Is Booming
10:05 Life Outside Work: Marathon Running, F45 & Fitness Reset
12:18 Leadership Effectiveness: Autonomy, Succession Planning & Building Culture
15:55 Leading Across Cultures: Breaking Hierarchy in Vietnam
17:48 Vulnerability & Trust: Being Human as a Leader
19:28 Decision-Making Under Disruption: Lessons from COVID and Capital Markets
21:10 Lead with Optimism: Focus on What You Can Control
22:10 Managing Strong-Willed Leaders: Collaboration, Vulnerability & Tough Questions
23:42 Building a Safe, Inclusive Culture Where Debate Is Welcome
24:14 Culture as a Talent Magnet: Flexibility, Trust, Equity & Ownership Mindset
26:35 Industry Headwinds: Financing, Talent Wars & WA Approvals Red Tape
29:03 Fixing the Skills Shortage: Getting Kids Interested in Mining Early
31:32 Hiring Great CEOs: Character vs Capability (and How to Spot It)
34:05 Rapid-Fire Personal: Purpose, Learning, Fitness, Vulnerability & Role Models
Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐
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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.

Leadership, Culture and Stakeholder Engagement with Peter Kerr

In this episode, we speak with Peter Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Gibson Iron, who brings more than 25 years of mining leadership experience across Australia and Canada. Having held senior roles in gold, uranium, base metals and iron ore, Peter shares practical insights on leadership impact, stakeholder engagement and building resilient organisational cultures. Recorded prior to the Koolan Island rockfall, this conversation remains highly relevant, offering enduring lessons for current operations and the development of future mine sites.
 
Peter Kerr 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kerr-a9a45426David 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
00:46 Guest Introduction: Peter Kerrc
03:19 Peter Kerr's Early Life and Career
04:30 Transition to Mining Industry
05:16 Personal Insights and Adventures
08:06 Leadership Effectiveness and Challenges
08:39 Mount Gibson Iron's Recent Acquisition
16:27 Teamwork and Decision Making
28:48 Company Culture and Values
31:18 Assessing Candidates Beyond Interviews
32:42 Industry Challenges: People and Reputation
33:20 FIFO vs. Residential Workforce
34:53 Regulatory Hurdles in Mining
39:34 Generative AI in Mining
41:45 Rapid Fire Questions with Peter Kerr
46:57 Final Thoughts and Advice
54:26 Conclusion 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.

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 🌐
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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.