Every rock tells a story if you know how to interpret it.

On 12 December, IPAA ACT hosted a Valedictory address, featuring Dr James Johnson, retiring CEO of Geoscience Australia.  James shared his journey from avoiding maths and chemistry by taking his first university geology class, becoming enthralled in earth sciences and working in the mining and mineral exploration industries, to eventually leading Australia’s pre-eminent public sector Geoscience organisation. As a self-described “accidental public servant” James offered practical tips for transitioning into leadership roles in the public service, especially for those coming from outside the sector.

The key insights shared by James include:

🎯 The impact of geosciences touches everyone’s life, we need to use resources responsibly and sustainably, without hurting the planet.
🎯 Geosciences does more than diagnosing the problem, it provides solutions. It works on sourcing minerals, transitioning to clean energy, help communities to prepare and mitigate disasters.
🎯 We are not just nerdy scientists; we are also leaders and pioneers working for the benefit of our community, and as scientists, we bring different perspectives to big policy problems.
🎯 In order to attract fresh talent, at an organisation level we had to transform the culture, make it more inclusive, with a proper gender balance, and provide a good working environment. Be proud of the culture you create.
🎯 As a geologist, you think about deep time on Earth over millions of years.  As a professional leader those timescales help to keep perspective and let go off things when need to, and understand we are bit players in the bigger scheme of things.
🎯 A good leader puts people at the center and creating an environment to thrive and be curious
🎯 Celebrate small wins and aim to make people smile every day as we work towards bigger goals

Transcript – a copy of the transcript is here.
Video – a video of the event is below or can be viewed on the IPAA ACT Vimeo channel.
Photos – a selection of photos are available below (Photo credit: contentgroup)