Hearts & Mines

Ep20: Leading With Grit: Mel Wren on People, Performance & Personal Strength

In this episode, we speak with Mel Wren, Chief People Officer at Westgold Resources, about leadership, resilience, and transformation in mining HR. With deep expertise in workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management, Mel shares lessons from integrating Karora Resources and the evolving role of digital technologies in people strategy. She also opens up about navigating a complex disability while leading at the highest level, offering a rare and moving perspective on personal strength in professional life. A must-listen for People Leaders and anyone interested in the human side of organisational success.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ Clayton Timms 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-timms/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:(00:00) Acknowledging Traditional Owners & Podcast Introduction(00:37) Challenges in Career Advancement(01:09) Introducing Mel Ren(01:45) Mel Ren's Personal Journey(04:05) West Gold Resources & Cultural Integration(06:46) Mel Ren's Background and Early Years(14:59) Leadership and Engagement Insights(23:19) Workplace Flexibility and Trust(24:17) Balancing Flexibility in the Workforce(25:15) Hiring for Culture(28:33) Remuneration and Reward Systems(29:52) Challenges in the Mining Industry(34:42) AI in the Mining Sector(36:52) Personal Reflections and Career Advice(47:14) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
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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.

Ep19: Building value in uncertain times with Clayton Timms, experienced mining executive.

In this episode, Clayton Timms joins us to unpack the real drivers behind strong workplace relationships in mining and heavy industry. With deep international experience in strategic HR, Clayton has led systems shaping safety, leadership, and workforce capability in complex operations. This episode explores how to build value through relationships, even amid corporate change and market volatility. His insights offer practical takeaways for leaders navigating uncertainty while trying to retain cohesion and performance. Whether you're in mining, oil & gas, or manufacturing, this conversation will leave you reflecting on how relationships underpin resilience and operational success.
 
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/Clayton Timms 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-timms/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
Timecodes:(00:38) The Role of Leadership in Shaping Company Culture(01:14) Introducing Clayton Timms: Expertise and Experience(03:14) Clayton's Early Life and Influences(05:20) Impact of Apartheid and National Service(13:16) Leadership Qualities and Organisational Context(20:08) Challenges in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence(25:25) Assessing Potential and Performance in Leadership(29:58) Culture in the Mining Industry(30:38) Leadership and Cultural Change(37:32) Leadership and Vision(39:50) Challenges in the Mining Industry(43:32) Diversity and Inclusion(46:46) The Mali Incident(52:22) Rapid Fire Questions(55:40) Conclusion and Farewell
 
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.

Ep18: Leadership, Legacy and the Business of Mining with Jim Walker, Chair of Diggers & Dealers.

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Walker—industry veteran with over 45 years of board and executive experience across mining, construction, and agriculture. Jim is Chair of Austin Engineering, the Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum, WA State Training Board, and the Motor Museum of WA, and was recently installed as Grand Master of the Freemasons of WA. With a career spanning some of WA’s most influential organisations, Jim shares insights on leadership, legacy, and the evolution of the mining sector. A must-listen conversation with one of the most respected figures in Australian business.
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/Jim Walker 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-walker-95733b53/ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
 
 
Timecodes:(0:00) Acknowledgment and Introduction(2:20) Reconnecting with an Old Friend(2:51) Career Journey and Early Influences(12:31) Leadership Philosophy and Practices(19:20) Challenges and Learning in Leadership(21:36) Importance of Training and Development(23:19) New Training Initiatives(23:56) Focus on School-Level Vocational Training(26:27) Mining Industry's Image Problem(27:45) Culture Development in Business(30:46) Hiring for Values(35:27) Leadership and Personal Values(37:17) Word Association Game(41:04) Final Thoughts 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.

Ep17: Building a workforce for tomorrow with Emma Coulthard, Executive General Manager of Human Resources at Liontown Resources.

In this episode, we speak with Emma Coulthard, the Executive General Manager of Human Resources at Liontown Resources, about leadership in mining and the importance of active listening. Emma shares insights from her 20+ year career and amongst other topics reflects on coaching technically trained executives to become more influential communicators. She draws on her experience at Liontown’s world-class Kathleen Valley lithium project.David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/Emma Coulthard 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacoulthard/
 
Timecodes:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:37) Defining Leadership
(1:31) Guest Introduction: Emma Coulthard
(4:57) Emma's Background and Early Years
(7:49) Leadership in the Mining Industry
(12:50) Maintaining Culture
(18:53) Employer Value Proposition
(23:05) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(26:48) Psychosocial Hazards in the Mining Industry
(32:39) AI in the Mining Industry
(34:59) Leadership Insights and Lessons
(39:06) Word Association Game
(46:39) Reflections
 
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Spotify 🔗 https://open.spotify.com/show/0yVHwWQedZTzFFVablYrpo?si=4c6003b405ad40c0
Apple 🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hearts-mines/id1773199281
 
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.

Ep16: Finding the best in people with Tony Kiernan, Non-Exec Chairman of Genesis Minerals

In this episode Tony passes judgement on Crazy Elon, the brilliance of Singapore Statesman Lee Kuan Yew and the remarkable leadership qualities of AFL Hall of Famer and legendary Bombers Coach, Kevin Sheedy. He shares insights on his approach to managing board dynamics and cultivating relationships with key executives, and he suggests what the mining industry could be doing to attract and develop leaders of the future. There’s sure to be value in this episode for you. We hope you enjoy it.David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/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.

Ep15: Fighting for WA, inspired by Sun Tzu & facing politics, Tania Constable, CEO of MCA

In this episode, Tania prosecutes the Minerals Council of Australia’s case that the federal government is disrespecting the economic value of WA to our national economy, by failing to provide adequate support and incentives for our explorers, developers and mineral producers. She goes on to recommend one of her favourite books, The Art of War by 6th Century Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu. And wait for it, she answers the question that’s been on all of our minds - will she make a bid to enter federal politics after completing herterm as CEO of the MCA? Don’t miss this one!
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
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.

Ep14: Cheryl Edwardes, from Check-out Chick to Attorney General to Chairman of the Board

What a delight to have Cheryl in our studio. She tells an inspiring story of ambition, resilience and seizing opportunities when they present. Born in Perth and the eldest of 3 daughters to a carpenter and an office tea-lady, Cheryl left school at the age of 15. Through her intelligence and perseverance, she has risen to become one of the most respected leaders in both the political and corporate arenas, earning admiration for her powerful presence and unwavering determination. I’ll remember this conversation for a long time. I hope you enjoy it too.David Beilby 🔗 Alana Bray-White 🔗 Cheryl Edwardes 🔗 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.

Ep13: Strength through lessons learned with Mike Nossal, Non-Executive Chairman of IGO

In this episode, Mike talks about IGO’s strategic pivot some years ago towards the discovery, production and processing of battery minerals. This transformation enabled the company to be a key supplier of products critical for the green energy transition. However, recent volatility in market demand and commodity pricing has presented challenges for IGO’s leadership and stakeholders. Mike talks about the importance of purpose, values and culture as foundations for building a resilient employer value proposition. And he points out that value can only flow from a diversity of thinking and opinion, if people first feel a sense of safety and belonging within their group. This is a candid and though provoking conversation. I hope you enjoy it.  David BeilbyAlana Bray-WhiteMike NossalDisclaimer: 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.

Ep12: Controlling the air traffic. Poynton AO, Co-Founder & Chair of Poynton Stavrianou

Strap-in listeners for this broad-ranging conversation with one of Australia’s best-known businessmen and company directors. John shares his views on leadership, culture development, the state of Australia’s energy policy, the madness of international politics, Elon Musk and the threat of humanoid robots. Along the way, he delves into the art of managing boardroom dynamics, he discusses the importance of managing stakeholder expectations, and he reveals how to strengthen your character through failure. Oh, and by the way, next time you hear the whir of a helicopter, look up and give a wave - it might be John going for a joy ride.David BeilbyAlana Bray-WhiteJohn PoyntonDisclaimer: 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.

Ep11: Go the Brisbane Lions! Dr Carmen Letton - Accomplished Mining Executive, Company Director and Project Investor

In this episode, Carmen discusses her formative years in regional Western Australia. We go on to talk about her international career with some of the major and mid-tier companies and her approach to developing and executing strategy. At the basis of her work is a core belief that you need to be honest with people and respectful of their points of view. "People are the key enabler of business performance and they won't give you their hearts and minds, unless they believe you genuinely care about them". Carmen speaks with compassion and energy - she is one of our inspiring mining leaders.David BeilbyAlana Bray-WhiteCarmen LettonDisclaimer: 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.