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 we are profiling 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 Callum Tomlinson-Dale , Engineer, Viva Energy Polymers:

With a passion for travel, culture, and learning, maintaining a healthy work life balance and taking time to understand different perspectives are important aspects of tackling our industry’s challenges to Callum Tomlinson-Dale.

As an Engineer for Viva Energy Polymers, Callum’s enjoyment of problem-solving helps to ensure the site’s operational continuity and explore opportunities to develop a more reliable, safe, and sustainable process. As many industries approach a challenging turning point, Callum strives to support the Australian chemical industry as it navigates this changing environment by expanding on his skills and offering a fresh set of eyes with a different perspective.

What are you most passionate about in your working life?

Whilst I love strategizing and solving problems, at this stage in my life I am most passionate about learning, and not just my own personal development but also the development of others through mentoring. Encouraging education and fostering innovation is an important aspect to maintaining the industry’s talented workforce. Helping others understand their potential, compliments my own desire to seek opportunities for my learning and personal growth.

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

Curiosity and a willingness to ask questions are important characteristics for emerging leaders trying to better understand our industry and the problems we face. Having situational awareness and the courage to challenge the status quo are critical to maintaining a strategic vision and navigating this rapidly changing environment. I also believe an important quality for all leaders is to have passion and integrity for what they do, and to have the ability to communicate and spark this passion in others.

What do you want to be known for??

Reflecting on the impact that my mentors and leaders have had on my own development, I would like to be able to provide similar opportunities and help facilitate innovation and teamwork through reliable leadership. Leadership that can provide direction, and promote teamwork and industry collaboration will be necessary to meet the urgency of the sustainability transition required to secure our industry’s viability. ??

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

I would like to see a more unified approach between our industry, government, and society to drive investment in realistic, viable technologies and ensure our resources are efficiently managed. Being a member of the polymer industry, I am particularly passionate about advancing the circular economy and helping society better understand the challenges, though numerous benefits of this industry.

What do you do when you’re not working?

When I’m not at work, I’m often out keeping active or looking for my next opportunity to travel. Experiencing new cultures while travelling and working abroad can offer valuable insight into how others approach many of the problems that we are currently struggling with. At the end of each week, a personal highlight is exploring Melbourne’s food and coffee culture while socialising and spending time with friends. I challenge myself and push boundaries which has led to many great experiences; I look forward to many more opportunities.?