Psychological Safety, Productivity & Succession: Sinead Kaufman’s View on Mining’s Next Decade

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, David is joined by co-host Nathan Giglia to speak with Sinead Kaufman, non-executive director of South32 and Deep Yellow and former Chief Executive of Minerals at Rio Tinto. With more than 30 years across the global resources sector, Sinead led Rio Tinto's battery materials growth, including the Rincon and Arcadium lithium acquisitions, and is now building a second career in the boardroom.

This is a warm, funny and thoughtful conversation about what leadership really means, how serving your team beats chasing authority, and why the pace and perspective of a board role differ from the executive table. Sinead also shares the story of the INSEAD scholarship that changed her career, why she believes people leave leaders and not businesses, and her view that productivity is the biggest challenge facing Australian mining. A genuinely open and good-humoured conversation, with plenty of Irish wit along the way.

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(02:45) Growing up in Ireland and Bahrain(06:10) Running, sewing and a weekend car(09:50) What leadership means(13:35) Executive versus board leadership(18:20) Director challenges and CEO transitions(21:40) Leading through VUCA conditions(24:30) Criticism, failure and INSEAD(31:40) Listening and winning hearts and minds(36:10) Why people stay, and workplace culture(40:50) Mining's productivity decline(43:15) The skills shortage and STEM(44:45) AI and productivity(47:20) What gives hope, and the risk ignored(53:40) Nelson Mandela and parting advice

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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.

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