Zion Armstrong is a former elite athlete and global business leader. This episode explores the transformative power of mentorship, resilience, and intentional leadership. From a troubled youth in New Zealand to the global boardrooms of major corporations, Zion shares how sport, structure, and love helped shape his journey. This conversation is a masterclass in authenticity, parenting, and purpose driven leadership.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Turning Points & Mentorship

• Zion shares a pivotal moment from his youth involving a stolen motorbike and a compassionate police officer who chose to mentor him rather than punish him.
• This officer gave Zion time, structure, belief, and love, becoming a father figure and changing the trajectory of his life.

2. Sport as a Catalyst

• Athletics gave Zion hope, discipline, and self-worth. It helped him build confidence, gain respect, and develop a sense of purpose.
• The structure and goals in sport translated into life lessons that shaped his career and leadership style.

3. Intentional Parenting

• Zion reflects on his journey as a father, acknowledging past mistakes and the importance of being present and intentional.
• He emphasises setting goals with his children, creating quality time, and role modelling values like discipline and love.

4. Managing Competing Priorities

• He discusses the challenge of balancing ambition with family life, especially post-divorce.
• Zion uses structured planning and support systems to ensure he’s present for his kids while maintaining professional commitments.

5. Technology & Parenting

• Zion and Shaun explore the struggle of managing kids’ screen time and promoting healthy habits.
• They stress the importance of co-creating boundaries, being consistent across households, and role modelling tech discipline.

6. Leadership Philosophy

• Zion’s leadership is grounded in authenticity, values, and understanding individual definitions of success.
• He uses tools like new leader integration workshops and 90-day plans to foster trust, alignment, and growth.

7. Career Advice & Growth

• Zion encourages young people to get a foot in the door, focus on learning, and network authentically.
• He highlights the importance of reading, surrounding yourself with good people, and capturing meaningful quotes for reflection.

Memorable Quotes

• “Kids need role models, not critics.”
• “You only need two things in life: meaning and purpose, and love and connection.”
• “If you find a quote that resonates, write it down. It’ll help you on the tough days.”

With over 25 years of executive leadership in the energy and resources sector, Janette Hewson is a seasoned director and strategic leader who knows how to navigate both boom times and tough downturns. An expert in building strong internal and external relationships, Janette thrives on collaboration to deliver business objectives and drive results.

In the boardroom, Janette brings a respectful diversity of thought, sharp strategic insight, and the ability to build consensus even on complex issues. Her broad expertise spans external affairs, stakeholder engagement, ESG, major project delivery, procurement, legal advisory, governance, risk management, internal audit, policy development, and corporate strategy.

Having led through crises, restructures, acquisitions, expansions, and closures, Janette has honed her leadership skills and a deep understanding of business transformation. She is passionate about building effective teams and transforming business units to achieve sustainable success.

Episode Summary

Janette is a dynamic leader and advocate for the Mining and Resources sector. In this episode, she shares her journey from a legal background to becoming the CEO of QRC, and how mining has not only shaped her career but also allowed her to make a meaningful impact on communities across Australia and the Pacific.

This episode explores the evolving narrative of mining, the sector’s social and economic contributions, and the exciting future ahead, particularly for young people and those passionate about sustainability, innovation, and regional development.

Key Discussion Points:

Janette’s Unconventional Path into Mining

• From Mount Isa to the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
• Transitioning from law to general counsel, and eventually into executive leadership.
• The role of serendipity and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities.

Mining as a Platform for Social Good

• Opening a literacy library in PNG and the emotional impact of that experience.
• Supporting Indigenous communities in Australia through employment and business partnerships.
• The shared social challenges across remote communities globally, and how mining can help address them.

The Power of Belonging and Purpose

• Why Janette feels at home in the mining industry.
• The camaraderie and mission-driven culture of mining teams.
• How the sector fosters a sense of collective achievement and community.

Public Perception vs. Reality

• The challenge of misinformation and activism in shaping public opinion.
• The importance of transparency and storytelling in changing the narrative.
• How QRC and its members are engaging with schools and communities through the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

The Future of Mining

• Strong long-term demand across commodities: coal, gold, copper, and critical minerals.
• The rise of automation, AI, and remote operations, and to the new skills required.
• The need for policy reform, faster approvals, and global competitiveness.

Opportunities for the Next Generation

• Why now is a great time to enter the mining industry.
• The sector’s role in decarbonisation and environmental innovation.
• The global mobility and career growth potential for mining professionals.

Key Quotes

• “Every day is a school day. That’s the beauty of the industry, you’re always learning.”
• “Mining only exists because society needs it. We’re not mining for the sake of it.”
• “If you want to do good for the environment, come and join the industry and help us decarbonise the world.”

Industry Insights

• Queensland’s resources sector contributes $120 billion to the state economy.
• Supports 1 in 6 jobs across the state.

Social & Environmental Impact

• Literacy and education programs in PNG and regional Australia.
• Indigenous employment and business development.
• Rehabilitation and sustainability initiatives across mine sites.
• Repurposing historic mining assets for renewable energy projects like pumped hydro.

Resources & Links

• Queensland Resources Council (QRC): qrc.org.au
• Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA): qmea.org.au

In this episode Shaun interviews Paul Miller, highlighting his rugby career with the All Blacks, Chiefs, Highlanders, Otago, and Southland. They Paul's journey, including highs and lows, battling cancer, and his transition into life after rugby. Paul is also a team member at Stellar Recruitment.

Rugby Career & Influences

• Early Days in Gore: Raised in a tough environment, played for King’s High School, Otago, and Southland.
• Intimidation on the Field:
  • Paul was an intimidating player but recalls being wary of players like Jerry Collins and Philo Teatea.
  • Jonah Lomu was also a force to reckon with but played in a different position.
• Biggest Influences:
  • His parents played a huge role—his father was tough and stoic, and his mother was nurturing.
  • Coaches and teammates helped shape his career.

Adversity & Growth

• Handling Setbacks in Rugby:
  • Dropped from Super Rugby despite being an All Black—struggled with the sudden fall.
  • Faced career challenges but learned resilience.
• Cancer Battle & Perspective Shift:
  • Paul describes cancer as the toughest battle of his life.
  • Forced him to reflect on his lifestyle, mindset, and personal struggles.
  • Realised he had been carrying anger and unfulfillment from his playing days.

Alcohol & Mental Well-Being

• Drinking Culture in Rugby:
  • Early in his career, drinking was used as a social tool and escape.
  • Highlanders culture involved heavy drinking, which masked deeper issues.
• Changing Perspective on Alcohol:
  • Recognised the impact of binge drinking on mental and physical health.
  • Now Paul focuses on responsible drinking and helping his son navigate similar challenges.

Parenting & Legacy

• Raising His Son, Max:
  • Taking a balanced approach—supports but doesn’t push too hard.
  • Wants Max to develop humility and resilience.
• Advice to His Younger Self:
  • Work harder, don’t rely solely on talent.
  • Build sustainable habits—training, fitness, and discipline should be lifelong commitments.
  • Avoid complacency and always strive for growth.

Final Thoughts & Reflections

• Paul acknowledges that others may have it tougher, so it’s important to stay grounded.
• A favourite quote: "You only get two lives. The second begins when you realise you only have one."
• Grateful for family, friends, and the lessons life has taught him.