International Women's Day Shona Markham, GM Weipa Operations, Rio Tinto

IAI interviews Shona Markham , General Manager at Rio Tinto's Weipa bauxite operations.

Shona started as a graduate engineer for Rio Tinto at Bell Bay Smelter in Tasmania. In this interview, we look at Shona's journey into the industry - her highs and lows - and how the landscape has changed for women working in the industry.

How did you come to work for the aluminium industry, and how long has that been???

I had my heart set on being a part of the industry long before I joined 20 years ago, even before I got into university and started my engineering degree. I got my start in the aluminium industry as a graduate engineer for Rio Tinto at Bell Bay Smelter in Tasmania. I’ve always loved the idea of combining the practicality of science with a career focused on people – it’s a mix that always stood out to me. The industry fosters a wonderful culture of learning – as every day we’re finding better ways, building stronger communities, and improving prosperity as we supply the world with materials it needs.

What about the aluminium industry most excites you??

The industry is an exciting one for so many reasons, but I think being part of an industry which supplies a critical material, one which is contributing to everyday lives in regional centers around the world through employment and economic development plus being part of the rapidly growing renewable/clean energy future is exciting.??

We know that the aluminium industry is considered to be a male-dominated sector. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing women today in the sector??

For me, I think the most pressing issue is creating an environment where everyone can be valued for their individual contribution. Being able to show up as your authentic self, be accepted for that and valued for the unique contribution you can make is the key to success. Currently though we’re seeing that for many women, this isn’t the case and without true physical and psychological safety in their environment, we cannot attract and retain women in the industry which is a critical issue –? some of the next generation of great leaders are women.?

The industry still needs to do more to create this environment where everyone can be included and valued for their contributions, and I’m determined to play my part. I aspire to leave the industry having made a difference which is why through my leadership I have worked hard to ensure we can set up the right conditions so that people feel valued and can flourish.??

How has the landscape changed since you first started???

We have made strides in the industry compared to when I started. I know first-hand the challenges and barriers, particularly in the beginning where I was sometimes the only woman on the floor, in the room or in leadership.? There is still work to be done but our industry is transforming, there is more diversity across the board, particularly diversity in roles which even recently wouldn’t have been roles available to women. I’m seeing it every day when I come to work, whether that is women in apprenticeships, out on the floor, in technical roles and frontline leadership positions through to senior leaders. This has an incredible impact on our industry as a whole and I really see it becoming an industry of choice in the future???

Who is your role model??

I have a number of role models and people I learn from.

After spending a weekend with my girls, watching Taylor Swift in front of 96,000 people, and the genuine joy she created across a whole nation, I must admit she inspires me. It's because she has managed to stay true to her belief and values despite the intense scrutiny and because she creates something that spreads joy, all written and composed by her. It's the combination of hard work, values, and genuine talent.

I am also inspired by my children. They have humbled me in a way I wouldn't expect. My 10-year-old daughter Hannah, who may not be the smartest child by conventional measures, is smart beyond her years in emotional intelligence and kindness. This has taught me a lot about what is important in life in how we show up every day, especially in leadership.

Also, some wonderful leaders in the industry over many years. I believe we must be thankful for our history and those whose innovation and leadership before us has allowed us the opportunities we have today. There are a number of general managers that I have worked with and for in the past that I could only dream of being that impactful as.

?Any advice for young women aspiring to work in the sector??

?My advice to any young woman aspiring to work in the industry isn’t a singular piece of advice, nor do I have blanket advice for every woman, but two pieces of advice I would give though is ‘be authentic and never pretend to be someone you’re not’; who you are brings value, and the second piece would be to bring a ‘values first’ mentality – this being a perception shift from just results-driven to being focused on “value through values”. Results follow when people live their values and I personally love seeing the flow on impact this has on people and communities.?

Can you highlight some of your career successes??

Since joining the industry as a graduate engineer, I have pursued a variety of career opportunities, including moving to Gladstone (Queensland, Australia) which saw me progress through to a Superintendent, then a Manager of departments including as the Health, Safety & Environment and Business Improvement Manager, winning the Rio Tinto CEO Award for Safety in 2012, before returning to Bell Bay Smelter, as the General Manager – with responsibility for over 500 people.?

I am now the General Manager of Rio Tinto’s Weipa Operations. My role is a privileged but a challenging one, running Australia’s largest bauxite mining operation on country in the remote and beautiful Western Cape of Queensland. I am very proud that this operation - one of over 2,000 total employees in such a remote part of the world, is greater than 30% First Nations and greater than 30% female. This diversity is gaining real results and is positively impacting communities, with the potential to change the social fabric for the better.?

I’ve enjoyed so many career highlights and successes, not just the headline achievements but also the low-profile achievements that come from mentoring, empowering, and championing my team and community to do great things. I am proud of my contributions, alongside my team, to securing a future operating vision of the Bell Bay operation. I am also proud that I was a board member of the Tasmanian Mining, Minerals and Energy Council and a key driver for the creation of and the inaugural Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion sub-committee.?

The proudest achievements though are in the real culture change I have been a part of, change that has resulted in workplaces that are inclusive and physically and psychologically safer - resulting in a tangible impact on the number of women and Indigenous people in our operations.?

?