Hearts & Mines

ivy & gecko

”Not just another mining podcast... Hearts & Mines won’t be reporting on share prices, production guidances or the latest advances in mining technologies. Instead, we’ll be showcasing the achievements, practices and insights of company directors and executives who are passionate about improving the human experience within the industry. Join us as we explore this often underrated but critical aspect of mining. Our guests will share personal stories and experiences that are rich in substance and instructive for our own development. These are the captivating stories of mining people who understand the value of leadership in engaging stakeholders and improving workplace culture. With your hosts Alana Bray–White & David Beilby, stay tuned for insightful discussions and inspiring stories! Also if you would like to tell your story and join the conversation, please contact us at info@ivyandgecko.com.au to register your interest.” ”Hearts & Mines is recorded at Hush Connective studios in Perth. Episodes produced by Angela Vitalich. Guest scheduling by Carol Wilson. Host David Beilby. Co host Alana Bray–White. 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.

  1. 15 HRS AGO

    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-b2942515 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: 00:41 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 🌐 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.

    43 min
  2. 1 FEB

    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-a9a45426 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 00:46 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.

    55 min
  3. 11 JAN

    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-a8512690 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: 00:40 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.

    1h 5m
  4. 14/12/2025

    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.

    1h 27m
  5. 30/11/2025

    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.

    1h 9m
  6. 16/11/2025

    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.

    56 min
  7. 02/11/2025

    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.

    47 min
  8. 19/10/2025

    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.

    50 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

”Not just another mining podcast... Hearts & Mines won’t be reporting on share prices, production guidances or the latest advances in mining technologies. Instead, we’ll be showcasing the achievements, practices and insights of company directors and executives who are passionate about improving the human experience within the industry. Join us as we explore this often underrated but critical aspect of mining. Our guests will share personal stories and experiences that are rich in substance and instructive for our own development. These are the captivating stories of mining people who understand the value of leadership in engaging stakeholders and improving workplace culture. With your hosts Alana Bray–White & David Beilby, stay tuned for insightful discussions and inspiring stories! Also if you would like to tell your story and join the conversation, please contact us at info@ivyandgecko.com.au to register your interest.” ”Hearts & Mines is recorded at Hush Connective studios in Perth. Episodes produced by Angela Vitalich. Guest scheduling by Carol Wilson. Host David Beilby. Co host Alana Bray–White. 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.