Andrew Boyd’s journey to becoming a mining executive

Let’s go on an inspiring journey by listening, learning and taking key actions from our own recruitment experts as well as industry leaders and inspirational individuals.

Together, each month, we unpack key actions on how we can all learn from others’ experiences and industry knowledge; unlocking our own transformative change, so that we can all become the best version of ourselves.

During this episode, Shaun McCambridge, Stellar’s Managing Director, sits down with Andrew Boyd, a well-regarded Mining Executive. Andrew has vast experience in the mining and construction sectors, where his qualities of leadership and directorship are highly regarded within the industries. Andrew’s values, attitudes and beliefs connected to the mining, mining services and construction sectors have created success with outstanding outcomes. His managerial traits are centred around well-developed communication skills, passion for the sector and a key understanding of not only the operational aspects of the business, but the corporate perspective. Consequently, these traits have led a plethora of contemporary mining companies to achieve great success.

Andrew’s Highlights

5:00 The Three Chapters of Career

12:00 Proudest Moments of Career

15:00 Most Challenging Aspects of Career

17:30 The Intersection Between EQ and IQ

20:00 Importance of Communication in Leadership

22:30 How to Communicate as a Leader

23:05 Impactful Leaders

25:45 Relaxing Away from Work

29:40 Personal Philosophy

31:40 Vision for Future

The Three Chapters of Career

After studying mining engineering at university, Andrew landed a job with MIM as a graduate mining engineer. From here, Andrew went from being a site engineer to an operations manager at Thiess where he was responsible for some of the Thiess’ largest projects in Queensland. In order to advance his career direction, Andrew joined a new venture which built the portfolio of mining service companies through private equity backing. Andrew is now a well-regarded executive in the mining industry.

Proudest Moments of Career

Achieving outstanding results with stakeholders is one of Andrew’s main accomplishments. From leading bids to acquiring and listing businesses on the ASX, there was no such thing as overnight success.

Most Challenging Aspects of Career

Like any industry, various challenges arise. Aspects such as legal setbacks and the New Acland approvals highlighted some challenges faced. However, these challenges also emphasised the importance of communication and bringing employees along for the journey even when its bad news.

The Intersection Between EQ and IQ

Both EQ and IQ are fundamental elements to any company. Integrity, energy and intelligence are the three critical factors that sustain feasibility.

Importance of Communication in Leadership

Self-awareness is critical to fostering great communication across all leadership styles. Building relationships with internal stakeholders must be achieved through personal interpretation and must be founded on the basis of understanding what works and does not work for your individual company.

How to Communicate as a Leader

Seeking feedback from employees and other vital stakeholders within the company, planning the key message and taking the opportunity to diverge from the familiar will reflect on successful communication levels.

Impactful Leaders

Brian McDonald and Michael Rosengren’s inquisitive and intelligent qualities significantly impacted on the hallmarks of Andrew’s career.

Relaxing Away from Work

The generalised concept of work-life balance is flawed. It is imperative to find the time and commit to opportunities that reflect your internal passions. Providing context and communicating the ‘why’ allows others to share the journey.

Personal Philosophy

To be a great leader, you need followers. There are two key elements involved within great leadership. Firstly, leaders must gain and sustain trust with their followers to create a viable relationship.

Secondly, articulate that you are going somewhere exciting so that the followers want to be a part of the journey.

Vision for Future

The lack of awareness on the mining, mining services and construction sector has inspired Andrew to actively advocate and promote the mining industry and the enormous opportunities it presents for people and communities located within these industries.