Resourceful: Stories from the Site

It’s always interesting to hear how careers evolve over time and my guest today has certainly traveled a less conventional path than others in the resources industry. My guest is Ted Quayle, who has been working in the investment management and commercial project advice side of the industry for over 20 years. He is an expert in designing investment products, risk management, and portfolio construction, a highly regarded financial modeler, and the Co-Founder of EC Partners. Ted was also the Co-Founder of Emission Capital Management Pty Ltd, a specialist Funds Manager in the stationary energy sector. In this episode, Ted shares some insight into the commercial and investment world surrounding the resources industry, particularly in the energy sector. We talk about Ted’s career journey starting out with a Metallurgical Engineering degree from the University of Queensland and how an interest in commodity markets placed him in various roles within the financial sector. Ted shares a number of experiences that led to the point of establishing his own startup, the lessons learned and his advice for others looking to start their own business, in particular the importance of establishing a detailed business plan that allows for flexibility. He says that you must find the balance of simplicity and complexity in order to handle what might come in the future while still keeping everyone’s interests aligned.We talk about the work Ted does at EC partners, the connection to the mining and resources industry, and discuss how the political and legislative landscape is impacting the energy sector, leading to unintended consequences.LINKS:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-quayle-27532810/

I’m joined by two guests today who are exemplary business owners within the mining and resources industry. In this episode we dive into their learnings and experience gained from decades of working together. Peter Cribb and Josh Hunt have worked together for over 25 years, owning and operating their successful Brisbane based business, Resource Strategies, for the last 12 years. Resource Strategies provides services to the mining and resources industry, particularly specialising in environmental consulting and management. They work with large mining corporations and government agencies and have established an excellent reputation in the coal mining industry throughout Australia. In this episode, Peter and Josh talk about their biggest learnings as business owners and talk about the importance of taking care of relationships, both with employees and clients. Having a business with a relatively small client base, they share how integrity is critical in building genuine professional relationships and also discuss their approach to working with large mining companies and government agencies and how they have successfully navigated the changes to shareholders within Resource Strategies. Peter and Josh reflect on their early days entering into leadership roles and share the advice they would give to their former selves. They also share their tips for aspiring professionals entering into the business space, reiterating that you can never underestimate the benefits of hard work. LINKS: Website: https://resourcestrategies.com.au/

Today we’re joined by Brett Harries, Engagement Lead Manager at Interlate, a business that operates in the data analytics and AI field, working with their customers to increase operational productivity and value. In addition to working with many clients in the mining and resources sector, Interlate also engages clients in a range of other non mining sectors such as water, rail, chemicals and agriculture. Working with mining giants such as AngloAmerican, BHP, Glencore and Fortescue, an example of Interlate’s impact on the mining and resources industry is their recently completed work with a large multinational company, creating operational savings worth over $90 million per year. In this episode, Brett shares from his background working in the industry for over 25 years, how he transitioned from operations into the technology space and some of the valuable insights he has gained throughout his experience. Brett discusses how AI works, how it can help mining and resources companies and how even with the most brilliant technological solution, the bottom line is establishing the right culture of people and engagement within an organisation. He talks about the rewards and value of working with a younger generation and how, combined with his years of experience, they can learn and grow together to provide real tangible outcomes. We discuss how the use of AI technology will play a massive role in the mining and resources industry in the future, impacting waste reduction, efficiency and safety improvements and productivity increases. Brett also discusses Interlate’s latest AI technology and shares his advice to professionals aspiring to transition out of operations into the business world. Website: https://www.interlate.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettharries/?originalSubdomain=au

There are no shortcuts or secrets to success in the mining sector. Like most industries, it takes hard work, persistence and good interpersonal skills to move forward and make an impact. Our guest today is Tim Cartledge, Principal Consultant at Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics, and in this episode we explore the transition from his technical role to establishing a successful business. With multi-disciplinary experience in civil and mining geotechnics in both industry and consulting roles, Tim’s breadth of knowledge placed him in a unique position to start his own business 5 years ago. Brisbane based Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics provides life-cycle geotechnical solutions for projects from advisory services through to construction support. They work with both large multi-disciplinary and small boutique consultancies, multinational mining houses and R&D roles across the globe. Tim shares more about his background in the industry and the experience and insights he has gained through establishing his business. Tim reiterates the importance of hiring a good team and knowing how to relate to people with a range of cultural backgrounds and personalities. We also discuss how Tim has approached the difficulties faced while running a business during the global pandemic and the numerous technological advancements that have impacted the industry for the better. LINKS: Website: https://www.cmandg.com.au/news Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/tim-cartledge

Health and self-care are paramount in any profession, not least of all the mining and resources sector due to the obligatory long hours and physicality of the work. For some time now, the nature of this sector has led to resistance to the investment of sufficient time and resources in occupational health and safety. Joan McEwan, our guest today, is one of the pioneers of change in this area advocating for health and wellness, particularly for female leaders in the mining and resources industry. She has an unlikely origin as a Registered Nurse with a post-graduate qualification in mental health. Eventually, Joan shifted her focus to occupational health and landed a job as an occupational health nurse in the mining sector in Perth. This was an unexpected change of scenery for Joan, one that led to the rapid expansion of her career and along with it, the inevitable deterioration of her work-life balance. Joan identified this and took steps to address it and in doing so, identified an area-of-need within her industry and an opportunity to assist her peers. As a health and wellbeing leader, speaker, author, and coach, Joan’s career spans over 30 years and we are excited to have her on the show today. For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website. Joan McEwan's Book - “Show Up”: https://joanmcewan.com/book/ Find Joan on LinkedIn

In order to achieve your career goals in the mining and resources industry, it’s necessary to move to where the opportunities present themselves. This can cause quite a strain on your relationships, friendships and your health. Throughout the Resourceful podcast series thus far we’ve heard from the engineers who’s careers have caused this shift and the ways they have been directly affected. Today we’re diving into another episode focused on families to gain insight into how the lives of our loved ones are affected. We’re joined by Tricia Morland, partner to Richard who we’ve previously had the pleasure of interviewing on the podcast. In fact, Richard’s episode is our most downloaded episode so far and we’re sure Tricia would be up for a little bit of healthy competition to knock him off the top spot. Tricia's honesty and positive outlook when discussing Richard’s career trajectory filled us with a warm, cosy feeling. With a focus on teamwork, communication and open-mindedness, it’s clear that Tricia and Richard have made the most of every opportunity. With every move, Tricia has emphasised how important it was for her to feel as if she had her own identity, her own agenda and to fully immerse herself in the communities they moved to. This has seen Richard and Tricia make many valuable friendships throughout their lives and happily call Yellowknife home. As we discuss in this episode, Tricia has her own capes and accessories business, Taiga Blossom. Head to her website to learn more. For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.

Today we’re sitting down with Matt O’Neill, the Chief Operating Officer of Glencore, North Queensland Assets, based out of Mt Isa. Although Matt grew up in Mt Isa and his father was heavily involved in the resources industry, he had originally been determined not to work in the area himself. However, years later this is exactly where he has ended up. Although originally Matt felt it was necessary to leave the small town, pave his own way, and find opportunities in a bigger city, he discovered upon returning to Mt Isa, that there are very unique benefits from working in a regional area. The opportunities that are available to truly make a difference to the lives of those living in the area are unlike anything Matt experienced throughout his time living in Melbourne as a partner in a consulting firm. Matt reflects on the learnings that he has taken away from this experience, and that when it comes to business, it’s best not to take things personally. Matt touches on some key principles today that have held him in good stead throughout his career. As a leader, he explains how necessary it is to really listen to your employees, and provide quality feedback. Your team need to feel heard and understood, and although you might not agree, you also need to explain why this is the case. Matt also provided some insight into the way his family adjusted from living in a bigger city, to the regional lifestyle and how it has worked out to actually be the best thing for all of them. If you'd like to speak to Matt about your own career journey, you're more than welcome to connect with him on LinkedIn. For more useful tips and resources head to the Resources Unearthed website.