2025 Agenda

• Navigating backlash against diversity initiatives and growing tension around equity efforts  
• Understanding how economic, workforce, and political shifts shape DEI conversations 
• Managing the impact of these challenges on team cohesion, leadership and culture 
• Maintaining diversity progress while responding to criticisms & rising opposition  

Elizabeth will share insights and answer questions about her work authoring the Report into Workplace Culture at Rio Tinto and its recent follow-up report, discussing what she found, her conclusions, where the industry stands now, and how it needs to change moving forward.  

• Reviewing progress on Rio Tinto’s cultural change efforts  
• Driving transparency, tackling harmful behaviours, & empowering employees to speak up  
• Fostering more inclusive & respectful workplaces while addressing systemic issues  

• Overcoming systemic barriers that still impact career progression in mining 
• Understanding unconscious bias and its effect on hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities 
• Creating a genuinely equitable and inclusive workplace 

• Overcoming common objections to DEI in everyday work environments 
• Fostering open, constructive conversations with skeptics to create understanding 
• Applying practical, non-confrontational ways to support DEI without creating division 

• Developing resilient strategies to counter pushback against inclusive leadership  
• Effectively communicating the business case for diversity  
• Leading with clarity, confidence & conviction in polarised environments 

• Reframing backlash as a leadership challenge, not a political reaction 
• Positioning inclusion as a strategic capability critical to decision-making 
• Building inclusive systems without compromising governance or standards 

• Shifting from passive support to active involvement in advancing gender equity 
• Practical ways male leaders can mentor, sponsor & advocate for women  
• Building a culture where inclusion benefits everyone, not just underrepresented groups 

• Highlighting diverse, non-linear career paths to long-term success 
• Reinforcing the value of every role in mining to support inclusive progression  
• Rethinking strategies to attract women into non-traditional roles 

• Identifying and addressing key barriers to advancing in your carer 
• Building confidence and essential soft skills for career growth 
• Promoting flexible work policies that support diverse career journeys & equal opportunities 

Discuss ideas, gain practical tips, and work through challenges faced by women across the mining landscape. Have all your questions answered while you network and build relationships with people you otherwise may not have access to. You can choose three of the below to attend with each roundtable running concurrently over three time slots: 

• Round 1: 16:10-16:40 
• Round 2: 16:40-17:10 
• Round 3: 17:10-17:40 

• Leveraging diverse leadership to drive profitability, safety, and innovation in mining 
• Moving beyond quotas to benefit from meaningful inclusion and decision-making power 
• Case studies of companies benefiting from authentic diversity initiatives 

• Engaging middle management in organisational change initiatives 
• Providing practical support to help managers navigate resistance from their teams 
• Equipping managers with tools to champion DEI and change from the ground up 
• Aligning organisational goals with middle management priorities 

• How can women in mining build influence and create value within their teams? 
• How can organisations foster environments that enable women to lead and innovate? 
• What strategies work best to create pathways for skills development, role transitions, and career mobility?  
• How can we measure & promote the impact of empowered women on team performance and business outcomes? 

• Exploring the role of AI and automation in transforming mining operations and workforce dynamics 
• Developing the skills required to thrive in a technology-driven mining sector 
• Navigating the long-term career impacts of emerging technologies  

• Developing strong, confident communication skills to lead with authority
• Overcoming biases and barriers that can diminish women’s voices in leadership
• Practical techniques for public speaking, executive presence, and influencing decision-making

• Developing core skills needed to navigate an evolving industry, from operational expertise to strategic thinking 
• Building problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience skills in a sector facing economic, environmental, and workforce shifts 
• Future-proofing your career by developing adaptable skill sets and embracing continuous learning 

• Remaining resilient and adaptable during times of crisis and uncertainty 
• Maintaining team morale and making effective decisions under pressure 
• Developing proactive plans to manage disruptions and maintain productivity 
• Leveraging past challenges to build long-term personal and team resilience 

• Exploring different pathways our careers can take, from the big end of town to the juniors  
• Seizing opportunities across the spectrum of mining at different stages of life – personally and professionally  
• Securing board roles, making the most of them, and giving back: a case study of Miners’ Promise 

• Understanding how mentorship and sponsorship differ & why both are critical for career growth 
• Practical steps to secure mentorship and sponsorship 
• Strategies for those seeking to provide mentorship and sponsorship 
• Building and leveraging professional networks for support and advancement 

• Embracing career pivots and leveraging diverse experience  
• Lessons learned on career longevity and growth through diverse experiences   
• Building a transferable skill set for cross-industry mobility  

• How can we redefine success beyond traditional leadership roles in mining? 
• What stereotypes about career advancement need to be challenged? 
• How can technical and specialist roles offer fulfilment and influence? 
• How do you grow your career without conforming to outdated norms? 

In this highly practical and interactive workshop, current and emerging leaders in mining will build the confidence, capability, and clarity needed to lead effectively in a changing industry. Whether you're leading crews on site, managing corporate teams, or stepping into your first leadership role, this masterclass will help you develop the mindset and skills needed to lead with influence, resilience, and purpose. 

In this highly interactive and practical workshop, you will: 

• Define your leadership identity – who you are, what you value, and the kind of leader you want to be 
• Identify your personal leadership brand and communication style 
• Understand the difference between operational management and strategic leadership 
• Explore what it takes to build psychological safety and inclusive culture in site and office environments 
• Learn how to lead through uncertainty, resistance, and change 
• Reflect on how to grow your leadership presence and lead with both empathy and authority 
• Develop strategies to increase your influence with senior leaders, peers, and frontline teams 
• Explore pathways to leadership that align with your strengths, values, and career goals 

Who should attend: 

• Current and aspiring leaders in technical, operational, or functional roles 
• Supervisors and team leads looking to sharpen their leadership capability 
• Women preparing to step into bigger leadership challenges and seeking practical tools for success 

This masterclass equips you with essential management and leadership skills to thrive and empower your teams to deliver exceptional results. 

Unlock the skills and mindset you need to take charge of your mining career and succeed in even the toughest environments. Whether you're navigating male-dominated worksites, managing the demands of FIFO/DIDO life, or seeking growth in a sector where women are still underrepresented, this energising and practical workshop will empower you to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a career that reflects your goals—not anyone else’s. Walk away with clear strategies, renewed confidence, and a personalised roadmap for long-term success in mining. 

In this eye-opening, interactive and practical workshop, you will: 

• Map out your personal career pathway and define what success means to you 
• Understand how promotions and visibility really work in mining organisations 
• Identify barriers to retention and build strategies to protect your wellbeing and career longevity 
• Learn to advocate for the roles, rosters, and flexibility you need to thrive 
• Unpack the “stigma” of women’s programs and how to confidently own your seat at the table 
• Explore how to deal with bias, burnout, or moments when you feel like giving up 
• Hear from others navigating similar challenges and build a support network for your next step 
• Leave with a personalised action plan to future-proof your role in the industry 

Who should attend: 

• Early-to-mid-career professionals re-evaluating their direction or facing career crossroads 
• Site-based, operational, or FIFO workers 
• Anyone looking for practical tools to flourish in the mining industry long term 

Join us to gain actionable insights, a roadmap for your journey in the mining industry going forward, and confidence to achieve the career goals you want and deserve.