Brett Cunningham is the MD of Mining Leaders Group. Pretty self-explanatory really….BUT…Brett does not just create mining leaders. He transforms mining businesses so they are industry leading. A seasoned C-suite executive across a number of private and public companies - Brett's strategic vision for our industry is at the forefront of the transformation we are seeing across the sector. Brett is spearheading the transformation we see in the mining industry by developing the leadership capabilities and strategies for companies to transform. Mining Leaders Group not only runs leadership training and facilitation courses – but also helps mining companies develop long term strategies at a corporate level. Brett has worked with some of the biggest resources companies in the world and it was a pleasure to have Brett share some of his knowledge with us. As someone who has been on the Optimise Program - I can first hand speak for the impact and power of the course and I'm sure you'll take a lot out of this podcast.

[1:40] How do we deliver a step change in production? How do we meet the future energy and mineral needs? We cannot meet those future needs based on those existing practices.

[2:40] What other technologies do you see having an impact on our sector? There is a change across all sectors. We need to invest in making time to look at what other sectors are doing. The augmentation of technologies are next. Defence and agriculture are some industries we can look to.

[4:10] Upgrading your skills. What do we need to do? If we focus in at a leadership level. Unless leaders build their capabilities and open up their perspective and mindset then not a lot will change. We almost need to unlearn forecasting – straight line production and finance. We need to re-learn scenario planning. Multiple eventualities that you need to prepare your company for.

[6:10] What is the starting point for staying ahead in leadership? Networking and managing your network strategically. By mixing with different sectors of the industry we give ourselves shared experiences to learn from each-other. Are you always drawing down on your network like a bank account? Or are you growing it?

[7:20] Tips for emerging leaders. Defining factors of your future success and performance is around self-awareness. Self-Awareness is one of these skills. Being aware of ourselves and our effect on others is a key too. Building that capability to look in the mirror, stop, understand and reflect.

[8:50] Leaders aren’t born. They’re made. Understanding why you want to be a leader is important. projects that give you a good opportunity and figure out what you enjoy. What are the opportunities and experiences that will test your leadership experiences? What experiences do you enjoy? DO you enjoy being technical? Technical leadership is another pathway to consider. Don’t get too hooked up on a title – the title does not make you a leader.

[10:40] Impacts of a bad leader? The erosion of trust. A fundamental. Leaders who have not been consistent and being truly getting behind their people. This erosion of trust is the start of poor leadership.

[12:10] Books to read on Leadership: Principles by Paul Browning. Awake At Work – Michael Carroll.

[12:50] Fears for our industry: As a sector. Can we learn and change fast enough? Do we have the knowledge to create new value within the sector. That still is not a core capability. We need to quickly get good at harnessing, adopting and implementing technology.

[14:00] Diversity. How do we understand it? Developing highly capable female leaders. When combining male and females in leadership courses one common discussion point is that women are listened to, but are not heard. We all need to do better, and focus on being present and to truly hear what people are saying.

[15:20] Weaknesses of emerging leaders. A strong reliance on their IQ and their technical capability to perform. Do you understand the end to end nature of the business? From exploration to product. Knowing each process is integral to building your capability as a leader.

If you want to transform your business through your leaders then you can get a hold of Brett Cunningham here.