As we celebrate Women’s Day, CA Mining is proud to shine a light on one of our most dedicated and exceptional team members, Leanne Laas. With over 16 years of experience at CA Mining, Leanne has become a cornerstone of our recruitment team, specializing in recruiting maintenance and trades personnel for the global mining sector. Her journey, resilience, and passion for uplifting others make her an inspiration to all women in the industry.
The Beginning of an Impressive Journey
Leanne’s journey with CA Mining began during a challenging time. She saw a career opportunity with CA Mining as an exciting adventure she was intrigued by. “I worked in recruitment at the beginning of my career, and when the opportunity arose at CA Global under the mining division, I felt it was something I wanted to explore again. I have always enjoyed helping others, and recruitment is a significant way to do so,” Leanne shares. This initial leap of faith marked the start of a fulfilling career dedicated to connecting the right talent with the right opportunities in the mining sector.
Specializing in Maintenance and Trades
When Leanne joined CA Mining, the team worked in discipline-specific areas. She was assigned to maintenance and trades—a daunting yet intriguing challenge. “I didn’t know much about mining or the discipline at the time, but it piqued my interest. Over the years, I have grown well-versed in this area,” she recalls. Her ability to adapt and thrive in a complex and technical field highlights her tenacity and commitment to excellence.
Maintaining Composure in a Dynamic
Industry
In an industry as demanding as mining recruitment, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor is crucial. Leanne’s advice to fellow female professionals is both practical and insightful. “You just have to roll with the punches and not let setbacks taint your mindset. Positive thinking brings positive results,” she emphasizes. Communication, managing expectations, and maintaining quality are essential components of her approach. “Keeping clients in the loop and ensuring quality over quantity helps alleviate pressure,” she adds.
Leanne’s philosophy is encapsulated in a quote she lives by: “The only thing that worrying does is make you worry.” She acknowledges that while it’s easier said than done, it’s a valuable mindset to adopt during challenging times.
Proud Moments and Career Highlights
One of the most rewarding aspects of Leanne’s career has been contributing to gender diversity in the mining sector. She recounts a significant achievement: “We have a client who aimed to increase their female workforce on site to around 30%, which is unheard of in the industry. We played a pivotal role in helping them achieve this goal.” This accomplishment is a testament to her dedication to uplifting women in the industry and her ability to drive meaningful change.
Adapting to Industry Changes
Over her 16-year tenure, Leanne has witnessed substantial changes in the mining recruitment landscape. From diversity and inclusion initiatives to technological advancements, the industry has evolved significantly. “Reaching people on remote sites was almost impossible 16 years ago. Now, with technology, it has become much easier,” she notes. While change can be daunting, Leanne embraces positive changes and mitigates any potential negative impacts.
Supporting Female Professionals in
Mining
As a woman in a senior role, Leanne has seen the industry make strides in supporting female professionals. “It’s wonderful to see females being celebrated for their achievements on public platforms. Many of these opportunities wouldn’t have been possible in the past,” she observes. However, she also acknowledges the importance of recognizing the contributions of male colleagues who strive for excellence and uplift others.z
Essential Qualities for Success
Leanne believes that having a “thick skin” is essential for success in mining recruitment. “You have to rise above competition by being the best at what you do and believing in your abilities,” she advises. For women looking to enter the field, her message is clear: confidence and resilience are key.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Balancing a demanding career with motherhood requires setting healthy boundaries. Leanne emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family time. “With all the technology available, clients and candidates can contact us at all hours. It’s okay to let messages wait if you’re busy with your family. Society conditions us to believe we need to respond immediately, but that’s usually not the case,” she advises. For Leanne, family comes first, and she ensures that she dedicates quality time to her loved ones.
Staying Motivated and Driven
Helping people change their lives is a constant source of motivation for Leanne. “It’s always rewarding to help people find new roles, whether they’re unemployed or taking the next step in their career,” she shares. The impact of her work on individuals’ lives keeps her driven and passionate about her role.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Leanne prefers to focus on the present and continue making a positive impact. “Technology and innovation will always play a significant role in the mining sector, particularly in safety. We monitor trends and evolve with these changes,” she says. Her pragmatic approach ensures that she stays ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
Empowerment and Daily Life
For Leanne, empowerment means believing in yourself and your abilities. “Know that you deserve to be at the table as much as anyone else. Don’t think you’re any less because you’re a woman or don’t have as much experience,” she asserts. Empowerment is about self-belief and encouraging others to do the same, a principle that she embodies daily.
In conclusion, Leanne Laas is a shining example of resilience, dedication, and empowerment in the mining recruitment industry. Her journey, achievements, and wisdom inspire us all at CA Mining. As we celebrate Women’s Day, we honor Leanne and all the incredible women at CA Mining who contribute to our continued success. Their stories remind us of the strength and potential within each of us, and we are proud to work alongside such remarkable professionals.
–
Reach out to Leanne for her expert recruitment advise for your next mining operation in Africa or around the globe.
–
If you are looking for a job in the mining sector visit our job board.
