Introducing Chemistry Australia’s emerging leaders

Last year, we established the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council (ELAC) to support the professional development of our industry’s #futureleaders and advise the Chemistry Australia Board on future strategic opportunities for the growth and sustainability of our industry.?

18 people were selected to be part of the first ELAC and, over the next few months, we’ll profile each of our emerging leaders and their professional experience to celebrate the wealth of talent within our industry.

This fortnight, we’re featuring ELAC member Hannah Campbell , Production Manager, at Incitec Pivot Limited, Dyno Nobel Moranbah:

Whether it be volunteering in Africa or mentoring students in Australia, Hannah Campbell has a passion for empowering others.

Hannah is the Production Manager for IPL’s Dyno Nobel Moranbah Ammonium Nitrate plant. IPL is a global manufacturer and marketer of commercial explosives, industrial chemicals and fertilisers.

What are you most passionate about in your working life?

In my time with IPL I have combined my technical expertise and natural affiliation and passion for people to deliver critical business outcomes across different fertiliser and industrial explosives processes, focused on unlocking potential and leading improvement.

I started out in Process and Process Safety Engineer roles, and took on my first leadership role at the age of 23, leading the operations function for a successful multi-million-dollar plant turnaround. Along the way I’ve has been recognised externally as AMMA (now AREEA) Young Professional of the Year and appointed to Chemistry Australia’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Council, with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and Master of Business Administration.

Above all I’m motivated by seeing the impact of good leadership to achieve positive change in people’s capability, performance and career satisfaction. I see it as my mission to help people discover and understand their potential and convert this into action. Through this, I believe I can help the industry to attract, nurture and retain the right people and talent to make better, future minded decisions, whilst delivering tangible business results.

What do you believe are the most important qualities of an emerging leader in your industry?

I believe that emerging leaders need to be able to recognise and leverage the impact of the industry’s long and successful knowledgebase and bring innovative and creative energy to drive a more sustainable future. They need to be energetic, courageous, comfortable being uncomfortable, determined and unafraid to challenge and drive change. Yet they need to be humble and authentic, embodying empathy and selflessness with a curiosity to understand and harness diverse perspectives.

What do you want to be known for??

My proudest and most satisfying professional moments are when my team and those I work with demonstrate growth. I would like to be known for this – achieving excellent results through inspiring and unlocking the potential in others. My mantra is all about legacy underpinned by focussing not on what you do in the moment but what those after you are able to do because of you. Similarly, in my position as a role model for women in manufacturing leadership, embodying approachability, visibility, authenticity and genuine care for and belief in others.

What problem would you most like to find a solution to in your industry?

My experience in the manufacturing sector has fueled my passion for seeing Australia have a sustainable future in manufacturing. I am committed to applying my skills and knowledge to influence positive change and finding solutions to the challenges currently being faced, including having the right knowledge base, skills, talent and commitment.

What do you do when you’re not working?

Outside of work I have passion for helping people and have worked as a volunteer in Maasailand and Nairobi, Kenya, with Make-A-Wish Australia and, for the last 4 years, have been a Mentor in the Smith Family’s iTrack program which connects students in Years 9 to 11 to adult mentors who help them explore post-school options and encourage them to continue with their education.

I am dedicated to be a strong role model for women in manufacturing leadership.?I was honoured to be selected to the 2021 cohort of Homeward Bound, a global initiative for women with a STEMM background across all career stages, who share the same sense of purpose and skills for the kind of leadership our world needs. I try to balance my dedication to work with a love for travel, adventure and fitness and my favourite way to unwind is to enjoy good food and wine with close friends and family.?