The Mining Mum

The Mining Mum

Welcome to The Mining Mum Podcast, where we celebrate individuals who have created careers in the mining industry. Join Tegan, your host, and each episode, we delve into the inspiring stories and insights of professionals working in the Mining and Minerals industry. Whether you're a seasoned mining veteran, a newcomer or simply curious about the world of mining, you're in the right place to get some insights.

  1. 6 June

    He saw one man in a suit... and it changed everything | Yulu McGrady

    From a remote Aboriginal community to becoming a respected leader helping create opportunities for others, this is a story of resilience, purpose, and impact. In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, we sit down with Yulu McGrady to discuss his incredible journey. Growing up in an Aboriginal community in Queensland, Yulu's childhood was filled with hunting, fishing, culture, and being surrounded by hundreds of family members. Like many young Australians, he dreamed of making it to the NRL and later moved to the Gold Coast to pursue that dream. But life had other plans. A move to Port Hedland led Yulu into the mining industry, where he began his career with Fortescue Metals Group through the VTEC program. It was here that he discovered his true passion—helping people and creating pathways for Aboriginal communities. Yulu shares the moment that changed his perspective forever: sitting in an induction room and watching an Aboriginal man walk in wearing a suit to sign a contract. It was something he had never seen before, and it opened his eyes to what was possible. At just 29 years old, Yulu faced one of his biggest challenges when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Rather than letting it define him, he used it as fuel to keep moving forward. His journey then led him to Minderoo Foundation, the philanthropic arm founded by Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest, where he continued his work supporting communities and creating meaningful impact. Today, Yulu has taken the leap into consulting, combining his experience, leadership, and passion for people to help organisations build stronger relationships with communities and create lasting change. This episode is packed with powerful lessons on leadership, culture, resilience, purpose, and the importance of backing yourself. If you've ever wondered how one person can create a ripple effect of positive change, this conversation is for you. Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE for more inspiring conversations with the leaders shaping the future of mining, business, and community. #TheMiningMum #YuluMcGrady #AboriginalLeadership #MiningIndustry #PortHedland #CommunityImpact #IndigenousBusiness #Leadership #Resilience #MiningLife #AustralianPodcast #TheMiningMumPodcast

    42 min
  2. 21 May

    From law school, international sales and event management to working in the drilling industry. How do these career paths tie togehter? We ask Renee Kaczmarczyk.

    From law school dropout to ASX-listed drilling - one Perth woman's unfiltered journey through sales, startups, and mining.In this episode, we sit down with a Perth-born business development professional who has done it all: dropped out of UWA Law, lived in London at 19, cold-called her way into a magazine sales career, earned a law and commerce degree, worked on IPOs and backdoor listings, built a 5,000-member women's business network, and is now making waves in the drilling and mining resources sector.This is one of the most honest conversations about career reinvention, backing yourself, and finding your place in the Australian mining industry.What we cover:→ Growing up in Vic Park and getting into UWA Law School→ Landing a sales role in London with zero experience (and negotiating her pay on the spot)→ Working on ASX IPOs, rights issues, and backdoor listings as a corporate lawyer→ Why a colleague's sudden death changed everything→ Building a women's business community of 5,000+ in Perth→ Her unexpected pivot into drilling and mining resources→ The role of networking - and why a friend Tim Taylor changed her career→ Mindset tools for high performers: the accomplishments list→ What the mining and resources industry needs to do differently→ Her two non-negotiable pieces of career adviceKey takeaways:✔ Clarity before networking — know what you want before you go looking✔ Back yourself before anyone else does✔ A career change isn't failure — it's your next chapter✔ Choose what you fill your mind with wiselyPerfect for: people considering a career in mining and resources, women in STEM and male-dominated industries, Australians navigating career transitions, and anyone who's ever felt like they're figuring it out as they go.

    35 min
  3. 6 Mar

    Shane Lima - The Samurai Mindset That Built a Scaffolding Business

    From Scaffolder to Business Owner | The Mining Mum Podcast with Shane Lima – Lima Resources What does it take to go from working on the tools to building your own business in the mining industry? In this episode of The Mining Mum Podcast, I sit down with Shane Lima, founder of Lima Resources, whose story is a powerful example of grit, discipline and long-term vision. Shane grew up in Brazil and made the life-changing decision to leave home at just 18 years old, moving across the world to New Zealand to start fresh. With no shortcuts and no safety net, he began working as a scaffolder, learning the trade from the ground up. After gaining experience, Shane moved to Western Australia, where he spent 16 years working in the mining industry before launching his own company. But Shane’s story isn’t just about business. He lives his life with the discipline of an athlete and follows what he describes as a “Samurai lifestyle” — focused on structure, self-discipline and continuous improvement. No drinking.No drugs.Daily training.Fueling his body and mind for performance. That mindset has helped him transition from working on the tools to building a successful mining services business. In this episode we talk about: • Growing up in Brazil and moving overseas at 18• Starting out as a scaffolder in New Zealand• The journey into the Western Australian mining industry• Lessons learned from 16 years on site• The mindset required to start your own business• Discipline, training and the “Samurai lifestyle”• Advice for people wanting to build a career in mining• How tradespeople can transition into entrepreneurship Shane is an incredible example of how hard work, discipline and consistency can transform your career and life. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to go from working on the tools to building your own company, this episode is for you. 🎙 The Mining Mum Podcast shares real stories from people working across the mining and resources industry — from operators and tradespeople to CEOs and business owners. If you're interested in mining careers, FIFO life, entrepreneurship, leadership or the resources sector, make sure to subscribe and follow. Follow The Mining Mum Instagram: @theminingmumLinkedIn: The Mining MumPodcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Mining Mum Podcast, where we celebrate individuals who have created careers in the mining industry. Join Tegan, your host, and each episode, we delve into the inspiring stories and insights of professionals working in the Mining and Minerals industry. Whether you're a seasoned mining veteran, a newcomer or simply curious about the world of mining, you're in the right place to get some insights.

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