Driving change through courage and connection: A conversation with Kate Bills

As General Manager – Sustainability, Marketing and Communications at Sandvik across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, Kate Bills has built a career defined by courage, authenticity, and a deep commitment to lifting others as she climbs. Her journey spans continents, industries and life chapters, each shaping the leader she is today. As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, Kate reflects on the experiences that fuel her passion and the opportunities she sees to drive positive change in the resources sector.

An unexpected beginning

Kate’s career began in Brisbane, fresh out of QUT with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in marketing. A semester abroad at the University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus sparked a love of travel, independence, and exploration - values that would guide many of her future decisions.

After graduating, she worked in Brisbane before heading to the UK to pursue new opportunities. She landed roles with renowned media house Emap Publishing and later with an Austrian company as a Product Manager. Both roles not only expanded her skills but gave her the chance to see more of the UK and Europe.

When the Global Financial Crisis hit, the mood in the UK shifted dramatically. Although Kate kept her job, she made the decision to return home—but not before embarking on an unforgettable adventure through Nepal and India, trekking to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna, and travelling extensively across both countries. “I definitely fell in love with both countries: the people, the food, the landscape, the trekking and the incredible places I saw,” she reflects.

Finding a place in mining despite initial doubts

Returning to Brisbane in the tight job market of the post GFC era, Kate applied for a marketing assistant role at Sandvik despite knowing nothing about mining and not particularly imagining a future in the industry.

“I told myself I’d stay a max of two years and move on. Well, here I am, still working for Sandvik 16 years later and still loving it.”

But the early days were tough. Coming from female dominant workplaces into male dominated environments was confronting. Technical jargon felt overwhelming. “I remember coming home in tears… I felt so inadequate having zero idea what a bogger, dragline, or rock tool was.”

What changed? The people. The site experiences. The opportunities to grow. Kate thrived, moving into a global internal communications role that supported her transition into motherhood, later returning to the commercial side of the business as she stepped back into marketing leadership. In 2020, she took on the sustainability portfolio and joined the executive leadership team. And in 2025 Kate also became a Company Director for two Sandvik businesses - Sandvik Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and Sandvik Mining and Construction Australia Pty Ltd.

Challenges that shaped her leadership

Throughout her career, Kate has often found herself the only woman in the room, whether in meetings, on site, or at industry events. While she has witnessed progress over the past 15 years, representation gaps remain.

“But I persist,” she says. “I genuinely love the industry, and I want to pave a path for future women to have more seats at the table.”

Imposter syndrome, too, has been a companion. Rather than letting it hold her back, she has learned to “take the leap and do it anyway,” a mindset that has opened doors to global travel, specialised training, and senior leadership opportunities.

Motivation rooted in family and community

Kate speaks passionately about the two biggest drivers in her life: her daughters Lottie (10) and Lily (7). Becoming a single mum when Lily was still a toddler shaped her determination to build a strong, stable life for her family.

“It’s not always easy… I’ve definitely missed key moments with them over the years, but I try and make up for that when I’m not travelling.”

Just as strong is her motivation to support those around her. She now finds deep satisfaction in seeing others succeed, something made possible by the leaders who once championed her.

“I’ve had amazing people who opened doors for me. Now I’m driven to do the same for others.”

Her team at Sandvik also fuels her energy. “I’m fortunate to work with incredible people who are exceptionally driven but also know how to have fun.”

Driving Positive Change Together

This year’s IWD theme, Driving Positive Change Together, resonates deeply with Kate. For her, it is a reminder that creating safe, inclusive workplaces is a collective responsibility, not an HR initiative or a leadership box tick.

“It means that everyone who works in the resources sector has a shared responsibility to drive positive change… to ensure everyone feels safe at work and has the opportunity to bring their true selves to work and thrive.”

Championing DEI through action

Kate is actively leading this change within Sandvik. As the executive sponsor for the Women in Sandvik Employee Resource Group (ERG) and the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), she is helping to advance meaningful initiatives driven by passionate teams.

Last year, Sandvik increased its spend with First Nations businesses by 18.5%, a milestone she’s proud of. Meanwhile, the Women in Sandvik ERG recently conducted a comprehensive review of PPE, resulting in more inclusive, better fitting options for women across sites, workshops, and warehouses. These are practical changes that directly improve daily work experiences.

Attracting more women and under represented groups

Kate is a strong believer in the power of representation.

“As always, you can’t be what you can’t see. We need to tell the stories of women and under represented people in diverse roles as leaders, apprentices, everyone, to demonstrate that they have a place in this sector.”

Listening deeply to the experiences of these groups, she says, is equally important, ensuring that culture, safety, pathways, and development opportunities genuinely support their success.

Leadership wisdom

One leadership lesson stands out for Kate: the power of calm. She recalls a former Vice President whose steady presence transformed challenging moments.

“When he remained calm, even in a storm, so did the rest of the room. Solutions came more easily when everyone could communicate clearly.”

This emphasis on composure, clarity, and emotional steadiness now shapes her own leadership style.

A final message: The power of allies

Many of Kate’s most influential mentors have been men, something she feels is important to acknowledge. Allies, she says, have a critical role in accelerating progress for women.

“These mentors encouraged me to take on new opportunities before I thought I was ready. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation or suggestion, and you can really influence and change someone’s career for the better.”