What did you study at A-level and why did you select those subjects?
Geology – Geology was offered at my school for sixth form. I loved Physical Geography, so I thought Geology would be a good option. Who doesn’t like learning about volcanoes and plate tectonics?!
Geography – I love being outside and grew up hiking in the Peak District with family, so Geography was always a subject I loved.
Art – I've found that many of my STEM friends and colleagues have a creative side, and that’s true for me too. I love to paint in my spare time (not that I get much!). I almost went to art school after A levels!
What degree's did you study?
BSc (Hons) in Geology & Physical Geography - School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Liverpool (graduated in 2005).
MSc in Water Resources, Technology and Management - School of Engineering, University of Birmingham (graduated in 2008).
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
As mentioned above, I have a love for being outdoors in the fresh air, surrounded by the countryside. My parents always pointed out things in nature as we walked, and I fell in love with geography and geology at school. I had teachers who were passionate and fun, which always helps to inspire students. I didn’t want a full-time office job, and I thought studying Geology and Geography would help me to achieve this, and it did!
What key skills did you learn at university?
I learned how to identify minerals, rocks, fossils, and how to interpret what you see in the field to produce an informative field map. Good field observations and notes are key. I loved taking part in the various field trips run by Liverpool University. Field trips and lab practicals help you develop your social and teamwork skills, which are invaluable no matter what career path you take.
What jobs have you had during your career?
After graduating from my Master's degree in Water Engineering in 2008, I moved to Western Australia to begin my career in the mining industry. I worked for the international gold mining company, AngloGold Ashanti for 14 years, starting out as a Graduate Geologist and working my way up to Exploration Manager at one of their gold mines. I worked in a remote part of Western Australia, in a fly-in, fly-out role, living on the mine site for 8 days and flying back to Perth for 6 days off. It was the best job in the world; I absolutely loved it. The role was so varied, and I spent a lot of time outside, both on the surface and working underground. Getting 6 days off at a time also allowed me to travel and see a lot of Australia.
I have also worked in a more people-focused role for AngloGold Ashanti, as a People and Capability Specialist. One of the projects I worked on focused on attracting more women into mining, developing and retaining them over time. This is particularly relevant in Australia, where many mines are in remote areas, with no nearby towns. That puts pressure on many women, especially those with children, who often want city-based roles, so they can be at home every night with family.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am now back in the UK, working within the Ground Engineering industry for Central Alliance, based in West Yorkshire. I am an Associate Director, in a multi-faceted role that utilises skills I've developed across my career. Most recently, I have worked across the business, helping to shape business strategy and deliver results, through analysing processes and looking for improvements to implement. I am accountable for delivering our People & Culture strategy, which I have devised over the past 12 months. I also work closely with our Electrokinetic department—and ironically, I’m currently project managing a job with a mining company in Western Australia!
Do you have an area of expertise?
I’m well-versed in the mining cycle—from grassroots exploration to production of the final product, and through to mine rehabilitation. I find the interplay of the different components fascinating.
What has been your most exciting career role?
That’s a tough one—but probably when I was a Project Geologist on an exploration drilling program on a huge salt lake that periodically flooded. Access was limited, so we helicoptered in and out each day for a few months. That was pretty cool!
What are your top tips for working in your industry?
My tips apply to any role in any industry:
Be positive, use initiative, bring solutions—not just problems—think big picture, embrace change, and most importantly, get on with people! Be a team player—someone others enjoy working with. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be able to get on with people from all walks of life.
Also, if you’re a leader, lead from the front and walk the talk. Set clear expectations for behaviour and work output, and make sure you hold everyone to them. A team quickly becomes dysfunctional without an effective leader.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
One of my past managers summed up their leadership approach as "firm, friendly, and fair." I like that, and it resonates with me:
- Firm – Set boundaries and expectations, and hold people to them.
- Friendly – Be approachable and open so colleagues can talk to you about what’s going on—at work and at home.
- Fair – Be accountable, uphold rules and expectations, listen to people, and make sound judgement calls.
I believe these qualities make an effective leader and help create a positive work culture with happy, productive employees.
Why are you passionate about your subject / career / STEM?
Mining is key to a green and sustainable future. Without mining for raw materials, the world wouldn’t have much of anything. Many people don’t realise this, and there’s often a negative perception of mining—but that needs to change. Think about anything you own, use, or see—trace it back to its source, and it was probably mined or farmed. So next time you hear someone speak negatively about the industry, please challenge them!
It’s also worth noting that mining companies are working hard to mine as sustainably as possible. Just take a look at their websites. I think we need to emphasise these messages more in the national curriculum and encourage students to explore all STEM subjects.
More resources:
Holly's Leadership Journey
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