Fortescue Metals : Enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation of Aboriginal youth drives Fortescue’s Ceo for a day

Apr 29, 2021

Fortescue Metals Group's (Fortescue) latest CEO for a Day is driven by his enthusiasm to seize every opportunity and his passion to mentor Aboriginal youth.

Today, Jeffrey Farrell stepped into the shoes of Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines for the release of the Company's March 2021 quarterly production report.

In its seventh year, Fortescue's CEO for a Day program continues to provide aspiring Aboriginal leaders with the opportunity to join the Company's leadership team to experience how the business operates at the highest levels.

A proud Malgana Wilinyu man, Jeffrey joined Fortescue as a Boilermaker at Christmas Creek in 2014, before commencing his current role as a Live Work Reduction specialist, a newly created role with a focus on safety in mobile maintenance using technology and innovation.

Jeffrey is passionate about mentoring Aboriginal youth, dedicating much of his life to driving change within the community through volunteer work with the Clontarf Foundation.

'I have volunteered my time and energy for the last 19 years speaking at various events about my journey, including advocating about the challenges that Indigenous youth face,' Jeffrey said.

'Through my time volunteering with Clontarf I have made lifelong friends and had the opportunity to see many young Indigenous people grow into strong, proud, young men and women, who have moved into stable and meaningful employment.'

Jeffrey credits his involvement in Fortescue's Leadership Excellence in Aboriginal People (LEAP) program as vital to his career growth.

LEAP is a 12-month formal training program that includes off-site education, practical on-site development, mentoring and business leadership training.

Ms Gaines said, 'Training and education are powerful tools to drive sustainable change in the lives of Aboriginal people, their families and communities.

'Fortescue's CEO for a Day program recognises some of our most promising Aboriginal team members while supporting their leadership aspirations so they can reach their full potential.

'I was delighted to spend the day with Jeffrey who is a remarkable individual and is fast becoming a fantastic leader for his team members.'

Jeffrey credits Fortescue's core values with inspiring him to achieve his goals, particularly his enthusiasm to make a difference.

'If you are enthusiastic, positive and energetic with any task given, you will have the desire to achieve the best possible outcome in a way that will invite and encourage others to do the same,' Jeffrey said.