My career over the last 14 years has taken me around the world, through jobs and industries as diverse as mining, environmental geology, and geotechnical construction. I’ve worked alongside miners deep underground, construction crews shaping the world around us, and engineers and geologists solving complex problems.

Each role and interaction has taught me invaluable lessons—not just about work, but about people, leadership, and the importance of adapting to change. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned along the way:

• Adaptability is key: Every job site, team, and challenge is different. I have learned that success often times comes from being flexible and open to new ways of thinking.
• Listen and learn from everyone: Whether it’s a miner 3,000 ft underground or a company executive, everyone has unique life lessons and insights to share. Listening and learning from everyone has proven to be one of my most powerful tools for professional growth
• Respect for hard work: Seeing the grit and determination of field teams has deepened my appreciation for the effort it takes to get things done right and efficiently.
• Collaboration drives success: I’m a firm believer that the best outcomes happen when diverse teams come together, combining their different strengths and perspectives.
• Never stop learning: I believe that every project and role is an opportunity to pick up new skills, understand new technologies, and grow as a professional and individual.
• The value of resilience: My career has taken me to many places around the world and not all places or jobs have been easy, but this has taught me that every challenge has its rewards and lessons to be learned.
• Details matter: In every job and industry I’ve worked in, the importance of paying attention to the details has been critical. Whether it’s analyzing geological samples or managing construction specs, the small things can make the biggest difference.

Each step of my journey has added a new layer of understanding and shaped the way I approach both work and life. I’m incredibly grateful for the people and experiences that have been part of this journey—they’ve all played a role in making me who I am today.