Confidence is key for Fortescue’s CEO for a Day

Fortescue Metals Group’s latest CEO for a Day, Leon Monaghan joined Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines and the Core Leadership Team for the launch of the Company’s September FY19 Quarterly Production Report.

Leon, a Nyiyaparli man from Port Hedland and father of three, joined Fortescue seven years ago as a Shift Maintenance Technician and has progressed his career with the help of the Company’s Leadership and Excellence in Aboriginal People (LEAP) program.

LEAP is a 12 month mentoring program designed to give motivated and high performing Aboriginal employees the opportunity to become leaders in their own right. Today, Leon is a Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor with his own team.  

“With the skills and confidence I’ve gained from the LEAP program and having the support of the Fortescue Hedland Operations team, I’ve achieved my goal of becoming a leader and commencing a coaching role at my local football club,” Leon said.

“I’m passionate about footy and the positive impact it has on my community, and through the development opportunities I’ve received at Fortescue I’ve been able to give back and be a role model for the players.”

“We believe that Aboriginal leaders are essential to building a culture that supports Aboriginal people which is why we have programs like LEAP,” Ms Gaines said.

“Leon is a LEAP success story and we’re delighted to see the difference he is making both at Fortescue and in his local community. It’s been a pleasure having Leon join the Fortescue leadership team for the day.”

Background

Inspired by GenerationOne’s CEO for a Day competition, Fortescue’s CEO for a Day program sees Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines host an aspiring Aboriginal leader at each quarterly results release. 

Fortescue is committed to providing training and employment opportunities to Aboriginal people. 14.6 per cent of Fortescue’s workforce at 30 June 2018 was Aboriginal, while Fortescue’s female participation rate was 17.4 per cent.