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Hearts & Mines

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.

Episode 40

From net zero to world first: Darren Stralow on building Bellevue Gold from the ground up

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, David sits down with Darren Stralow, MD & CEO of Bellevue Gold. Over four years, Darren has led Bellevue through one of the most ambitious journeys in modern Australian mining, from exploration project to the world’s first net zero gold producer, built from the ground up as a single-asset company.

Far more than a gold story, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, culture, resilience and people. Darren reflects candidly on navigating the inevitable challenges of building a mine, what it really takes to retain and inspire a high-performing team, the dance floor versus balcony philosophy of great leadership, and why doing the right thing by the environment turned out to be brilliant business. Whether you work in mining, resources, or any people-driven organisation, the lessons here are universal.

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Episode 39

Leadership insights from the man who took the West Coast Eagles to 5 Grand Finals and 4 Premierships

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, David sits down with Trevor Nisbett, former CEO of The West Coast Eagles and leading businessman. Over more than two decades at the helm, Trevor transformed the Eagles from a financially troubled interstate newcomer into one of the AFL’s most commercially successful clubs, competing in five grand finals and winning four premierships. Far more than a football story, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, culture, resilience and people. Trevor reflects candidly on navigating the club’s darkest chapter, the qualities that define great leaders, what it really takes to build a winning culture, and the wisdom he’d pass on to his 25-year-old self. Whether you work in sport, mining, or any people-driven organisation, the lessons here are universal.

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Episode 38

Leading with heart: Mia Gous on breaking barriers in global mining

In this episode of Hearts & Minds, we speak with Mia Gous, Regional Operations Manager at First Quantum Minerals. Mia is an accomplished engineer with extensive global experience, famously serving as the first female General Manager in Chile’s large-scale mining sector. She shares powerful reflections on leading through the COVID-19 pandemic and her journey across diverse cultures, commodities, and languages. The conversation explores the critical pillars of trust and purpose in leadership, the importance of culture in executing strategy, and the evolving challenges of maintaining competitiveness in the Australian mining landscape. A deep and empathic discussion with a pioneering leader dedicated to mentoring the next generation of industry talent.

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Episode 37

Building a modern gold producer, leadership lessons with Matt Nixon, CEO of Genesis Minerals

In this episode of Hearts & Mines, we speak with Matt Nixon, CEO of Genesis Minerals. Matt is a mining engineer with around 20 years’ experience across operational, technical and executive roles in both underground and open pit mining. He shares insights from his journey through the industry and discusses the strategy behind Genesis Minerals’ growth as a gold producer in Western Australia’s Laverton and Leonora districts. The conversation explores leadership in mining, building high-performing teams, and the realities of operating and expanding assets in today’s gold market. A practical and thoughtful discussion with one of the sector’s emerging leaders.

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Episode 36

From the mine site to executive leadership, Tim Hewitt on scaling gold operations

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Hewitt, Chief Operating Officer of Ramelius Resources, to discuss what it takes to scale a Western Australian gold producer toward 500,000 ounces by 2030. A mining engineer with more than 30 years’ experience, Tim shares leadership insights from senior roles at Lihir Gold, St Barbara, Newmont and Gold Fields. The conversation explores operational leadership, growth execution, and the realities of running large, complex mining operations.

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Episode 35

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.

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