Flipping the Employment Deficit Conversation

The mining sector has a dwindling talent pipeline. We know this, we discuss this, and we often talk about solving this. Our conversations at association meetings, conferences, and in our teams are often directed at how we are going to employ enough people today to meet our supply and demand needs of tomorrow and how the education programs for geoscience and engineering are becoming watered down or worse, are at risk of cancellation.

These are real concerns and valid conversations. These are conversations that, as a sector, require cross-collaborative solutions. As I am forever the out-of-the-box problem solver, I propose another perspective.

We need to attract more communicators to the sector.

Communicators focus on developing messaging, creating alliances, and creating synergies. We naturally look at problems from different angles, and due to our nature, we talk a lot. We distill the technical into the accessible and create relationships to progress projects.

Story-time:
When working with service providers, site visits were one of the most important aspects of my job. As a talent focussing on growth, these visits helped me contextualize what we were attempting to execute and, even more importantly, understand the pressures my colleagues at sites were experiencing daily.

Why is this important?

To communicate effectively to our target and to implement or grow services, we need to have context. Understanding the footprint of a lab helps to develop the story of how we build it. Seeing the pressures of the talent in the lab helps to understand the staffing levels required to operate it safely. It creates trust in our teams and deepens our communication of how our clients will benefit from the service.

To further the story, I talked with a colleague visiting a site and staying close to one of our commercial facilities. It came up that they would not see the facility because they weren’t sure of its value.

I was baffled - site visits in a growth role, which I was in and was this person, are the most critical part of the job.

How does this relate to mitigating the talent deficit?

Communicators will develop the story of why mining is an essential part of society, how it is a sector of adventure, and why it can be one of the most rewarding sectors in which one can grow.

Furthermore, we build trust. We speak to our communities, stakeholders, and rights holders about our plans and operations. We can push leadership to talk with authenticity and vulnerability, which leads to trust. We help prepare leadership to speak to prospective talent and actively search out new ways for our organizations to become more involved with outreach and advocacy. When combined with first-hand experience on-site, we can provide a deep and realistic understanding of what roles require and what our careers can provide.

Finally, we are natural collaborators. We can develop cohesive and strategic messaging by getting communicators in a room attached to owners/operators, associations, and service providers. For the mining sector to thrive, a strong message across many participants helps to reinforce the message. We understand communication channels and how to reach people.

Solving significant challenges, with the talent deficit being one of the most prevalent, means having different points of view. The sector should focus on more than just the traditional technical talent requirements and take a 360-view of how to reach new participants. At your association meetings, conferences, and board rooms, ask how different, non-traditional roles can help to solve these challenges. Look outside the box, engage new thinkers, connect, and develop communications. At this point - what do we have to lose?

Breaking the Taboo: Fertility, Family Planning, and My Journey to Success

Let's talk about a topic that's been kept in the shadows for far too long - fertility and family planning. As women, we face the challenge of balancing our desire to have children with the demands of our careers. It's about time we shed light on the struggles and triumphs that many women and families face while trying to expand their families. I would also like to recognize that this post comes from my experience and my desire to have a family. Many women choose not to have children and that experience and decision should be respected without caveats of ‘one day you’ll change your mind’ or ‘once you settle down you’ll want children.’ Whether women want children or not, their choice should be respected as final.

I, Beth Borody, the Founder of Femina Collective, want to share my personal experience with fertility and career growth over the past five years. My goal is to raise awareness and amplify the voices of women who are going through the same challenges.

Eight years ago, I found myself seven months pregnant with my son, despite being told that I would never conceive naturally. He brought immense joy to my life, a happy and healthy child. Six years ago, however, I experienced the heartbreak of an ectopic pregnancy that led to an emergency surgery due to internal bleeding. The road to growing my family wasn't easy.

Five and a half years ago, my husband and I stepped into our first fertility clinic with high hopes. Given that I had already had a child, the doctors assured us that our case would be a breeze. Little did we know the rollercoaster ride that awaited us. At the same time, I was diving into the mining sector, embarking on a new chapter in my career.

Despite the significant impact fertility had on my life, I chose to keep it hidden from my professional circle. I didn't feel the need to share my struggles openly. Battling fertility issues takes its toll on every aspect of a woman's life - the uncertain timelines, endless procedures, emotional pain, constant appointments, and difficult medications.

As my career soared and I climbed the ladder, I realized the increasing need to conceal my fertility journey and desire for a larger family. I witnessed women going on maternity leave, only to have their roles reassigned (albeit informally) to others. I heard the audible sighs from men (and women) in the room whenever another woman announced her pregnancy. Hiring decisions were made based on the likelihood of a woman getting pregnant. It was clear that I needed to keep it a secret, adding an incredible amount of stress to an already overwhelming journey. Fertility became a full-time job that often clashed with the travel expectations of my professional role.

For 18 long months, we put our fertility plans on hold so that I could focus on my career. Juggling both seemed impossible, especially with my constant travel commitments. I wanted to focus on my career and I wanted to grow my career. I knew I wouldn't be able to attend appointments, keep medications safe, or inject myself while constantly being on the road. And for a period of time, that was ok for me. It wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, allowing remote work and restricted travel, that I saw an opportunity to reignite my fertility journey.

Over the past two and a half years, I've faced numerous challenges while simultaneously progressing in my career and pursuing fertility treatment. Failed IUIs led us down the path of IVF. I underwent an egg retrieval, two polyp removal surgeries, and two frozen embryo transfers. Finally, in April of this year, my perseverance paid off - I became pregnant.

The hormone injections took a toll on my body, making me forget what it felt like to be normal. Yet, every day, I showed up at work, pretending nothing else was going on, fully focused on my job. I had an egg retrieval one day and was on a plane the next, supporting a board meeting. I underwent a polyp removal surgery, only to hop on a flight the following day for an investor tour. I discreetly slipped out of dinners and meetings to administer injections on time. And let's not forget the early wake-up calls for fertility appointments, making sure I never missed a workday. It was overwhelming, and it shouldn't have been something I had to hide.

Eventually, I mustered the courage to confide in another executive about my need for a break from travelling because we were embarking on an embryo transfer. I explained my situation, with the caveat that if our embryo transfer was successful, I would only take the bare minimum of maternity leave. Their response was immediate - they mentioned someone in their network who could replace me and asked if two weeks without travel would be sufficient. I took what I could get and knew that I would have to work even harder to prove that pregnancy wouldn't negatively impact my performance. That transfer protocol ended up being cancelled due to another polyp and instead of a transfer I went into 2023 with another surgery.

2023 has come with many surprises both positive and negative. Our surgery was followed by new protocols, new medications and four long months, with multiple transfer attempts, before our success in April 2023.

Today, I am five months pregnant with my second child. While I continue to support companies and organizations that I love, I'm also taking the time to prepare for my new baby and allow myself to rest and recharge. I share my story because fertility issues affect 1 in 4 women in Canada, yet it remains a topic shrouded in silence, particularly in our industry. We should feel proud of what our bodies can do and accomplish, both in building families and excelling in our careers. Pregnancy and family planning are natural and are not a hindrance. Supporting women and men going through fertility journeys should be a priority. There are many of us facing these challenges, and being able to speak about them will normalize them and help make a safer place for families in our industry.

Embracing My Roots: The Journey of Black Hair and Self-Discovery

From the crowns of Nefertiti to the braids of Beyoncé, Black hair has been the epicentre of identity, resistance, and beauty throughout history. This intricate relationship Black women have with their hair isn’t just superficial—it’s a reflection of culture, societal pressures, and personal journeys.

Growing up, my hair took the form of an Afro, a symbol of the Black is Beautiful movement. Its simplicity was its power. However, like many Black women, as I transitioned into different stages of life, so did my hair. Wigs, weaves, braids, you name it—I’ve experimented with them all. And while these choices reflected evolving fashion trends, they also mirrored the societal pressures faced by Black women to conform to mainstream ideals of beauty.

In a world where sleek, straight hair is often seen as the epitome of sophistication, Black women have, for centuries, navigated the intricate path between conforming for survival and expressing their true selves. Historically, our hair textures were ridiculed, with descriptors such as “nappy” used as derogatory terms. Weaves and wigs, for some, provided an escape from prejudice and allowed a degree of assimilation. For others, they were simply a means of artistic expression and convenience.

Yet, as I transitioned from one hairstyle to another, there was a quiet undercurrent of detachment—a feeling that I was losing touch with a vital part of myself. It became evident that my hair journey was less about fashion and more about finding my identity within and outside of the Black community.

The natural hair movement, which has gained momentum over the last decade, isn’t just about rejecting chemicals or extensions. It's about Black women reclaiming their narrative, celebrating their heritage, and dismantling beauty standards that have long excluded them.

Today, I’ve come full circle, returning to my short afro. This decision wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a homecoming. Embracing my natural hair isn’t a rejection of wigs, weaves, or braids, but rather an embrace of my authentic self. It’s a declaration that my Blackness, in its most raw and unaltered form, is beautiful.

In my journey, I've learned that every Black woman’s relationship with her hair is deeply personal. Whether we choose to wear our hair natural, braided, weaved, or wigged, these choices weave intricate tales of our lives, struggles, joys, and discoveries. Our hair isn't just hair—it’s a canvas of our stories.

To every Black woman reading this: Your hair, no matter how you choose to wear it, is a testament to your strength, resilience, and beauty. In a world that often tries to fit us into boxes, may we continue to defy, redefine, and above all, remain true to ourselves.

Building Your Individual Operational Manual

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, it has become increasingly important to stand out and showcase your unique skill set and work style. This is where an individual operational manual, or user manual, comes in handy. It is a document that outlines how you work, when you work, and why you work. It can help potential employers, teams, and partners get a clear understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table. Recently, our members had a conversation about the importance of creating an individual operational manual and shared some valuable insights on how to go about it.

During our conversation, we discussed how attaching a user manual to a resume or CV could help skip the initial framing and really make clear what types of roles and relationships you are looking for. It can be a powerful tool in helping you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique strengths. We also talked about the importance of being confident in our individual skill sets and boundaries. By creating this manual, you allow transparency and are upfront about the work you are able to do, enjoy doing, and what you will not do.

One of the most significant benefits of having an individual operational manual is the ability to communicate effectively. Communication is key in any working relationship, and by outlining your communication preferences and style, you can set expectations from the beginning. For example, if you prefer one-on-one feedback, you can make that clear in your manual. If you prefer a curious and collaborative approach rather than an authoritarian one, you can state that as well. This way, you can avoid any miscommunication or misunderstanding that may arise in a work environment.

Another valuable insight we discussed was the importance of setting boundaries. This is especially crucial for women in the mining industry who often have to fit into male perspectives and ways of doing things. By creating a user manual, you can assert your boundaries and make clear what types of roles and projects you are willing to take on. This will help you avoid being overworked and underappreciated. It will also help establish a healthier work-life balance and enable you to bring your best self to every project.

Creating an individual operational manual is a process that requires self-reflection and honesty. It forces you to think about how you show up in your life and how you want to be perceived by others. This introspection can be challenging but also rewarding. By being honest with yourself and outlining your strengths and weaknesses, you can gain a better understanding of your unique value in the workplace. It can also help you identify areas that need improvement and work on them.

In conclusion, building an individual operational manual is a powerful way to showcase your unique strengths and work style. It can help you communicate more effectively, set boundaries, and establish a healthier work-life balance. By being honest with yourself and outlining your expectations, you can attract the right opportunities and avoid burnout. So take some time to reflect on who you are and what you bring to the table. Create your own user manual and let it be your guide to success!

The Power of Personal Development in Professional Growth

Professional development is an essential aspect of career progression. From attending webinars to luncheons, we continuously seek opportunities to enhance our skills and knowledge in our workplace.

However, at Femina Collective, we believe that personal growth and development are equally crucial in accelerating professional growth. Investing in ourselves helps us build a foundation of confidence, empowerment, and self-awareness, which can benefit us in both our personal and professional lives. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of personal development in professional growth.

At Femina Collective, we understand that who we are outside of work plays a significant role in our professional lives. Investing time and energy in personal development helps us discover our strengths, weaknesses, and insecurities, which ultimately enhances our self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. These factors contribute to our overall confidence, enabling us to make more robust and informed decisions in the workplace.

Moreover, personal development goals are unique to each individual, and the Femina Collective membership community focuses on cultivating an environment that promotes personal growth and helps individuals achieve their goals. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who bring different perspectives helps us broaden our horizons and learn from our community members. Exchanging ideas and challenges not only pushes us to strive for our personal growth but also inspires us to set our professional goals on a higher pedestal.

Additionally, building a community around us that promotes personal growth helps us stay motivated and accountable in our journey of self-discovery. Sharing our struggles, our triumphs, and our overall journey with our community helps us stay grounded, learn from others, and inspire others on their personal development journey.

Another significant aspect of personal development is introspection and understanding our core values. Knowing ourselves deeply and embracing our strengths and weaknesses helps us set our priorities, define our goals and work towards them.One-on-one coaching sessions at Femina Collective are centered around exploring one’s values, finding purpose and developing career plans in alignment with those values. When our personal and professional values align, we experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in both areas of our lives.

In conclusion, focusing on personal development can significantly impact our professional growth. The benefits that come with investing in our personal growth (such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and community support) allow us to take bolder actions in our professional careers that ultimately lead to success. At Femina Collective, we strongly believe in personal development being an integral part of professional growth and encourage individuals to take the time to invest in themselves. Let’s embrace the power of personal development and witness how it transforms our professional lives.

Insights from Industry Allies: Men's Feedback on Femina Collective

In the captivating mining world, where challenges and opportunities intertwine, Femina Collective is a vibrant community within the natural resource sector, driven by a shared mission to empower and elevate women. Our focus is clear: to bring more women into the industry and champion their journey toward equity and inclusion.

Our efforts to promote women's representation in the Natural Resource sector have received tremendous support from men working in the industry. The positive feedback we have received indicates that we are moving in the right direction. Let us all unite to empower and support women in this sector and continue on this path toward progress and equality.

In this blog post, we invite you to hear directly from these supportive men as they share their thoughts and reflections on the transformative role Femina Collective plays in promoting gender equality and empowering women. Their feedback shows our commitment to empowering and uplifting women in this traditionally male-dominated field. We’ve created questions and stories about empowerment, support, and collective growth within the natural resource sector. This story inspires us all, regardless of gender, to embrace change and create a more inclusive future. Join us as we delve into the voices and experiences of both men and women who champion the cause of gender equality in mining and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Recognizing the Power of Community and Collaboration

First, we asked them to share their thoughts and views on Femina Collective.

Kevin D’Souza, Chief Sustainability Officer at Resource Capital Funds &
Femina Collective Advisor

Kevin said he appreciates the unique space Femina Collective offers within the mining industry. He acknowledges that the collective is more than just a platform for venting frustrations; it fosters allyship and constructive support. Kevin emphasizes the importance of shifting the focus from individual accomplishments to personal fulfillment and the collective impact that Femina Collective can have on women's lives and careers. By providing a safe environment for sharing ideas, challenges, and experiences, the collective enables women to find camaraderie and support amidst the industry's unique demands.

Driving Positive Change and Empowerment

We asked them, “Do you believe Femina Collective is creating and making a difference for women in the industry?”

Steve Virtue, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for
SmartCentres REIT

According to Steve , Femina Collective is influential in shaping a progressive future for the natural resource sector. He commends the dedication and commitment of the collective's leaders and supporters, recognizing that meaningful change within the industry would be easier to achieve with their inspired leadership and focus. Steve believes Femina Collective's engagement structure and commitment to driving positive evolution will continue pushing the industry forward, benefiting shareholders, stakeholders, and employees.

Amplifying Voices and Fostering Inclusion

Then we asked, “If someone asks you, ‘What is Femina Collective?’ - what would be your response?”

Mike Mayhew, Founder of Mayhew Performance Ltd.

Empowerment. Community. Progress.
Mike highlights the importance of Femina Collective as a safe and professional platform that empowers women in the natural resource sector. He acknowledges the challenge of competing for corporate dollars but emphasizes the unique value that Femina Collective brings. Mike raises the crucial aspect of inclusivity, ensuring that the collective serves as an allyship space where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, feel supported and represented. Femina Collective's commitment to diversity and its focus on sharing ideas, challenges, and successes can help raise the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour within the industry.

“The Femina Collective” is a network of strong, experienced, professional women in natural resources. By becoming a member of the program, will allow your company to engage with industry-like-minded experts around the world by creating a “safe” and “open” transparent platform for professional women to share ideas, challenges and real-life experiences.”

This year, Mayhew Performance Ltd. provided support for The Femina Collective Scholarship. We are grateful for their significant efforts in providing opportunities for young women entering the natural resource sector.

Building a Supportive Network and Inspiring Growth

Finally, we asked, “What do you hope to see Femina Collective become and grow into?”

Aaron Steeghs, VP of Health & Safety, Environment, and Communities at IAMGOLD Corporation

Aaron recognizes the transformative power of Femina Collective in providing a supportive network for women in the mining industry. He highlights the importance of mentorship and the opportunity to collaborate and share experiences within a safe environment. Aaron envisions Femina Collective expanding its influence by partnering closely with boards, executive teams, and HR departments to foster an organizational culture that embraces diversity. He believes that as the cultural shift occurs, Femina Collective's work will benefit organizations, shareholders, and communities while solidifying its position as an essential business strategy.

The heartfelt feedback we received from these remarkable men in the mining industry and natural resource sector speaks volumes about the transformative power of Femina Collective. It serves as a testament to the profound impact we can have when we come together as allies, embracing a shared vision of equality and empowerment. Their voices echo the importance of creating a nurturing space where women can thrive, find fulfillment, and contribute to the industry's collective growth. With the unwavering support of these male allies and the continued expansion of Femina Collective, we are charting a new course toward a future where all voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.

Together, we can break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and build a mining industry that is genuinely inclusive and prosperous for all.

The Magic of Our First Femina Collective Retreat

We live in a fast-paced world where the demands of everyday life can be overwhelming. As women, we often find ourselves caught up in our professional lives, and we forget to connect with our greater selves and with other women. That's why I decided to host the first women’s retreat, where we could do just that. In this blog post, I’m going to take you through our incredible journey and explain why taking time off is not just a want, but a need that every woman should prioritize at least once a year.

Our retreat was set in a tropical location to give us a luxurious and relaxed atmosphere where we could disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our programming included daily morning meditations and group sessions followed by free time in the afternoon to connect with each other and share our stories. This allowed us to develop deeper connections with each other and nourish our souls.

On the first morning of the retreat, we had coach Diane Gies lead us through personal whiteboard journeys. We examined the messages we’ve carried with us throughout our lives from childhood, adolescence, high school, our first jobs, and families. These messages can shape us and sometimes hold us back from being our authentic selves. This exercise was especially powerful because each woman was given the opportunity to share their experiences and hear stories from other women who may have gone through similar struggles.

Our journey began with Sustainability Coach Carmen Turner, who guided us through a series of journaling questions focused on unpacking our belief systems. We started by reflecting on the expectations that others have placed upon us and analyzing the beliefs we hold because of them. The discussion that followed was insightful and thought-provoking, as we shared our professional and personal expectations, and the impact they have on our lives.

Our retreat was a huge success. The energy was palpable from the moment we all came together to the last time our last transfer left the resort. We returned to our busy lives with newfound strength and inspiration after taking time to connect with ourselves and each other.

One of the biggest takeaways from our retreat was the importance of taking time off. Many women neglect their own physical and mental wellbeing while juggling family and work responsibilities. This retreat taught us that by taking some time off, we can practice self-care, invest in ourselves, get inspired, and come back refreshed.

Another crucial takeaway was the power of connection. Women often face the challenge of not feeling supported or heard. Developing close relationships with other women can create a support system where we can lean on each other and share our experiences. The connections we made on this retreat were invaluable and we now have newfound connections and support systems we can tap into no matter what life throws our way.

In conclusion, our first women’s retreat was a success, and we proved to ourselves that taking time off is more than just a luxury – it’s a necessity. We left the retreat filled with inspiration and a newfound support system. If you’re a woman juggling a high-pressure work environment, a family, and a social life, I encourage you to schedule time every year to detach yourself from all your responsibilities and prioritize self-care. In doing so, you’ll return to your daily routine with newfound strength, inspiration and be ready to tackle everything again with a new energy.