Driving Positive Change Together: A conversation with Ivy Lee

For Ivy Lee, a Series Ambassador for AusIMM’s International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 program and a senior leader at Weir, the career journey that brought her into global supply chain and procurement has been anything but linear. What began in engineering quickly evolved into a path defined by curiosity, courage and a willingness to step into the unknown. Today, with nearly two decades of experience across diverse markets, Ivy is a passionate advocate for growth, inclusion and the power of shared progress.

From engineering foundations to global leadership

Ivy’s early career began in engineering, a profession she describes as still shaping how she thinks, even if she didn’t remain in a formal engineering role for long.

“Once an engineer, always an engineer,” she laughs. “It’s about how you think, how you process information and how you approach decisions or solve problems.”

Those analytical foundations set her up for the transition into procurement and supply chain, an area where she has now spent almost 20 years. Over that time, she has held roles spanning local, regional and global leadership, responsible for teams across markets and time zones.

Her journey has been defined by continuous learning, both professionally and personally.

“I’ve worked across diverse global markets, leading teams and gaining invaluable experience along the way. And I’m still learning.”

For Ivy, that ongoing growth is not just a career priority; it is central to how she approaches life.

Growth through challenge: Defining career moments

When reflecting on the pivotal experiences that have shaped her career, Ivy points to moments that demanded courage, resilience and trust in her own instincts.

One of these moments was relocating overseas to take on a new role, a leap that brought excitement but also significant uncertainty. Another was studying for her Master’s degree part time while working full time, pushing her time management skills to the limit.

“You really have to be brutal around time management,” she says. “You learn how to pick yourself up from the floor, so to speak, and keep going.”

These challenges were formative. They offered Ivy deep self insight and proof that she could rise to meet demands that once seemed overwhelming.

“Through all these challenging experiences, I learnt more about myself and what I could do.”

Today, she carries those lessons into her leadership approach, encouraging others to embrace opportunities even when they come wrapped in uncertainty.

Living fully and leaving a positive impact

When asked what motivates her, Ivy answers with clarity and purpose: growth, new experiences and living without regret.

Her guiding philosophy is simple but powerful - make each day meaningful and leave the world better than you found it. This sense of purpose informs not only her career decisions but her engagement with the people and communities around her.

It is also why the 2026 IWD theme, Driving Positive Change Together, resonates strongly with her.

“Positive change is driven together, not by one person, but by all. That is when real and sustainable progress happens.”

This collaborative mindset is something Ivy has championed throughout her leadership journey.

Mentoring as a pathway to inclusion

Among the many initiatives she has supported, one stands out as both personally meaningful and deeply impactful: mentoring.

For Ivy, mentoring is not a one-way exchange of wisdom from seasoned professionals to emerging talent. Instead, she sees it as a mutual learning experience that creates rich connection and shared growth.

“Mentoring, being both a mentor and a mentee, has been incredibly meaningful.”

These relationships have shaped her leadership and reinforced the value of different perspectives. Mentoring, she believes, is a key lever for elevating under-represented voices and building more inclusive workplaces.

Attracting women and diverse talent into mining

Across mining, women and other under-represented groups are contributing meaningfully to every part of the value chain. For Ivy, strengthening diversity in the sector requires a deliberate, multifaceted approach.

Visibility, she says, is essential.

“Showcasing role models and career paths helps break stereotypes or perceptions about the industry and shows what is possible.”

Seeing people who look like you, or who share your experiences, opens doors that may otherwise remain unseen.

Ivy also highlights the importance of flexibility and safety. Workplaces that enable balance, embrace inclusivity and uphold respect are critical for attracting and retaining diverse talent. Without these foundations, organisations risk losing the very people they hope to bring into the industry.

Finally, she emphasises the need for early-pipeline development. Investing in education, outreach, STEM programs, scholarships and university partnerships gives young women and under-represented groups a clear view of meaningful and future ready careers in mining.

“When they see meaningful careers, growth opportunities and a culture of inclusion, it becomes a place where they feel they belong and want to be part of.”

Leadership lessons to live by

Throughout her career, Ivy has collected leadership wisdom from mentors, peers and lived experience. Several pieces of advice have stayed with her and continue to shape how she leads today.
Leadership is a privilege.

It’s a theme she returns to often, acknowledging the responsibility leaders have to create environments where people feel valued, heard and empowered.

Listen to understand, not to respond.

For Ivy, listening is “respect in action,” a principle that reinforces humility and curiosity.

“We have two ears and one mouth for a reason,” she says. “We should listen twice as much as we speak.”

Treat everyone with dignity.

Regardless of role, background or status, respect is non-negotiable. It sets the cultural tone for teams and organisations.

Follow through on your commitments.

“Do what you say you will do” is a leadership value Ivy embodies.

Embrace imperfection.

As someone who values excellence, Ivy has learned that perfection is not the goal -progress is.

“It’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to make mistakes. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.”

These principles have guided her through complex challenges and high-growth roles, and they continue to influence the way she mentors future leaders.

A future built on shared progress

As the mining sector evolves, technologically, environmentally and culturally, the need for inclusive, collaborative leadership has never been greater. Ivy believes the most meaningful advancements happen when people come together, empower one another and contribute with intent.

Her own journey is a testament to that philosophy. From engineering to global procurement, from early-career uncertainty to senior leadership, Ivy’s story is grounded in curiosity, courage and a profound belief in human potential.

With leaders like Ivy helping drive AusIMM’s International Women’s Day Event Series theme of Driving Positive Change Together, the sector is poised not just for transformation, but for transformation that is shared, sustainable and deeply human.