What makes a great leader, and do you really need decades of experience to earn a seat in the boardroom?

In this episode, Stacey joins Dev to explore authentic leadership, women in leadership, boardroom diversity, and how to start your journey towards a board role.

From geological engineering and mining in Western Australia to local government and board appointments, Stacey shares how purpose shaped her career. She reflects on often being the youngest person, one of the few women, and the only engineer in the room—and how asking thoughtful questions helped her contribute.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why you don’t have to wait until the end of your career to join a board

• How engineering skills translate into governance and decision-making

• Gender, age, and professional diversity in the boardroom

• Three questions to ask yourself before pursuing a board role

• Managing disagreement, risk, and organisational growth

• What motherhood and coaching taught Stacey about leadership

• How preparation and visualisation help you perform under pressure

• Why authenticity, warmth, and connection matter in a leader

Whether you’re an aspiring board director, an engineer exploring career development, or a manager building your leadership skills, this episode offers practical perspectives on contributing with confidence and helping others succeed.

💬 What quality do you value most in a leader? Tell us in the comments.

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