Ep 32: Sustainable Cultures and Systems Leadership with Fiona Blakely

Our guest today is Fiona Blakely, Chief People Officer at Arafura Rare Earths and an organisational psychologist with more than 30 years’ multinational, multi-sector experience in culture and organisational design. Fiona’s career includes senior roles at OZ Minerals, Shell, Bausch & Lomb and Lion, shaping her deep interest in systems leadership and how organisations create cultures that endure beyond individuals. In this episode, she shares practical insights on building sustainable, high-performing workplaces.

Fiona Blakely 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-blakely/ David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ ivy & gecko  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

0:00 Welcome and Introduction to Fiona Blakely

3:46 Unpacking Fiona’s Formative Years and Dublin Roots

10:39 What Really Shapes a Leader?

15:37 Why Culture is a Moral and Commercial Imperative

18:28 The Ingredients of a Strong Culture

24:40 Building Sustainable Cultures that Outlast the Individual

26:59 Systems Leadership

34:50 Arafura Rare Earths Employee Value Proposition

42:07 The People Factor: Strategy is Execution, Execution is People

48:21 Listening as a Mindset: Not Just a Skill

55:04 Modifying Mindsets and Inserting the Pause

1:01:00 Revealing Blind Spots Through Vulnerability and Inquiry

1:06:21 Rapid Fire Questions

1:19:07 Underrated or Overhyped

1:25:58 Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐

LinkedIn  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines

Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios:https://podwavestudios.au/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.