Mt Arthur Coal’s manager coal production, Kirsty Liddicoat, hopes to use her leadership skills to help other women excel in the mining industry. Image: BHP Billiton.
WITH more than 14 years of experience in the mining industry, Mt Arthur Coal’s coal production manager Kirsty Liddicoat has a strong track record of delivering both results and cultural changes.
Late last year Ms Liddicoat won a scholarship through Chief Executive Women (CEW) for a place in the Leading for Results course at the prestigious INSEAD Business School in Singapore – which was designed to help experienced managers take their leadership skills to the next level.
“I could see that the course was designed to help create a compelling vision, provide feedback and coaching, and help give us the leadership skills to manage periods of change, conflict or crisis,” Ms Liddicoat said.
“These skills will serve me well in the modern workplace as we navigate technology and market changes, shifting demographics in our workforce and the specific challenges the mining industry faces.”
Ms Liddicoat was a strong supporter of creating a welcoming culture for women to step into leadership roles and encouraged women to back themselves for jobs and apply even if they don’t meet 100 per cent of the role’s selection criteria.
“We’re looking for more and more diversity in leadership in mining and it’s really around what are the full breadth of skills you can bring to a role,” she said.
“You may not be a technical expert in the area but if you’ve got other leadership skills, particularly around communication, influence and delivering results, then those technical elements can be taught and transferred.
“It’s about showcasing and developing your leadership skills.”
Once in a role, Ms Liddicoat said using your network to influence and positively deliver for your team was vital and would pave the way for other women to take leadership roles.
“You need to back yourself and what you can do in a role, but also find the right support network – both the help you get the role and to support you once you’re there,” she said.
“No role is easy, we all face challenges, but it’s about having a support network around yourself to help you succeed.”
