WAMR X MRIWA Education Program Leadership Series
Location
DoubleTree Hilton Northbridge
About
Leading Before the Title: Courage, Influence and Impact with Vanessa Torres
What does leadership look like before you have the title? How do you build influence, confidence and credibility early in your career? And what can emerging researchers learn from those leading some of the world's most complex mining organisations?
Join Women Advancing Mineral Research (WAMR) and the MRIWA Education and Workforce Development Program for an exclusive breakfast and candid conversation with Vanessa Torres, Managing Director and CEO of Perenti and Chair of the MRIWA Board. With more than 30 years of global experience spanning operations, strategy, innovation and executive leadership, Vanessa has built an exceptional career across the resources sector, holding senior leadership roles with organisations including Vale, BHP, South32 and Perenti.
Designed for PhD students, early-career researchers, industry professionals and aspiring leaders, this event will move beyond traditional discussions of leadership to explore the personal experiences, relationships and defining moments that have shaped Vanessa's career.
The conversation will begin with Vanessa's own journey into the mining industry in Brazil, where a professional connection helped create her first opportunity in the sector. From there, attendees will hear how relationships, networks and the influence of trusted mentors helped shape her leadership philosophy and career progression.
Through a relaxed and candid conversation format, Vanessa will share insights on:
- Building meaningful relationships and professional networks
- Developing leadership skills before holding formal authority
- Finding the confidence to speak up when you are the least experienced in the room
- The importance of mentors, sponsors and advocates
- Transitioning from operational leadership to leading a global organisation
- Supporting people through change, uncertainty and challenge
- Leading under pressure and making decisions when there is no clear answer
- The leadership capabilities that will shape the future of the minerals sector
Attendees will also gain unique insights into Vanessa's transition from Chief Operating Officer of a mine, to Managing Director and CEO of Perenti, one of the world's leading mining services companies. The discussion will explore how leadership evolves as responsibility grows, what remains constant throughout a career, and why people-centred leadership continues to be critical at every level.
The morning will conclude with an interactive audience Q&A, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, seek career advice and gain practical leadership lessons that can be applied immediately in research, industry and everyday professional life.
Whether you are looking to build your professional network, strengthen your leadership capabilities, or gain inspiration from one of Australia's most respected resources sector leaders, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leader who has navigated global operations, major industry challenges and executive leadership at the highest level.
What does leadership look like before you have the title? How do you build influence, confidence and credibility early in your career? And what can emerging researchers learn from those leading some of the world's most complex mining organisations?
Join Women Advancing Mineral Research (WAMR) and the MRIWA Education and Workforce Development Program for an exclusive breakfast and candid conversation with Vanessa Torres, Managing Director and CEO of Perenti and Chair of the MRIWA Board. With more than 30 years of global experience spanning operations, strategy, innovation and executive leadership, Vanessa has built an exceptional career across the resources sector, holding senior leadership roles with organisations including Vale, BHP, South32 and Perenti.
Designed for PhD students, early-career researchers, industry professionals and aspiring leaders, this event will move beyond traditional discussions of leadership to explore the personal experiences, relationships and defining moments that have shaped Vanessa's career.
The conversation will begin with Vanessa's own journey into the mining industry in Brazil, where a professional connection helped create her first opportunity in the sector. From there, attendees will hear how relationships, networks and the influence of trusted mentors helped shape her leadership philosophy and career progression.
Through a relaxed and candid conversation format, Vanessa will share insights on:
- Building meaningful relationships and professional networks
- Developing leadership skills before holding formal authority
- Finding the confidence to speak up when you are the least experienced in the room
- The importance of mentors, sponsors and advocates
- Transitioning from operational leadership to leading a global organisation
- Supporting people through change, uncertainty and challenge
- Leading under pressure and making decisions when there is no clear answer
- The leadership capabilities that will shape the future of the minerals sector
Attendees will also gain unique insights into Vanessa's transition from Chief Operating Officer of a mine, to Managing Director and CEO of Perenti, one of the world's leading mining services companies. The discussion will explore how leadership evolves as responsibility grows, what remains constant throughout a career, and why people-centred leadership continues to be critical at every level.
The morning will conclude with an interactive audience Q&A, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, seek career advice and gain practical leadership lessons that can be applied immediately in research, industry and everyday professional life.
Whether you are looking to build your professional network, strengthen your leadership capabilities, or gain inspiration from one of Australia's most respected resources sector leaders, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leader who has navigated global operations, major industry challenges and executive leadership at the highest level.