E39: Trust, Innovation and Mining's "People Challenge" with Tim Strong

This episode is the one where Tim Strong, CEO of Waterline Projects, shares his journey from farm kid dreaming of big machinery to leading an engineering consultancy in Queensland's resources sector. 

We talk about: 

• Leadership through trust and transparency - Building client relationships by meeting them on their ground, being transparent about operations, and empowering people rather than micromanaging
• Innovation challenges in mining - The industry's tendency to be followers rather than first movers in technology, the need for incremental "small i" innovation, and avoiding short-term cuts that hurt long-term capability
• Talent pipeline crisis - The critical need to engage people early in their careers, retain apprentices even during downturns, and compete with other industries (especially with 2032 Olympics approaching)
• Industry advocacy and perception - The urgent need for everyone in mining to become champions of the industry, educating the public about coal's role in energy transition and economic contribution

Nothing is off the table - come and join us in the Crib Room!