Inspiration and role model a CEO for day

Fortescue Metals Group’s latest CEO for a Day program runner has cited the mining giant’s family values as being responsible for her career success.

Material logistics officer Carmen Farmer became chief executive for a day on April 24 and spent the day with actual chief executive Elizabeth Gains to launch the company’s March 2018 Quarter Production report.

Ms Farmer, who works with the mobile maintenance team at Cloudbreak, said she was honoured to be chosen for the program.

“With the support of Fortescue, I have been working on my personal development and career plan and spending time with Elizabeth and the core leadership team is a great opportunity to learn key leadership skills,” she said.

In 2016, Carmen received Fortescue’s Northern Spirits Award for “encouraging female employees to thrive” in recognition of her commitment to work while balancing the responsibilities of a single working parent. “Being a single parent definitely has its challenges but it has also encouraged me to stay driven and be a positive role model to my children, family and community,” she said. “I would not be successful in both family and work without my support network and the Fortescue family.”

Ms Gaines said Ms Farmer had already shown great ambition with her participation in Fortescue’s Leadership and Excellence in Aboriginal People (LEAP) program.

“As part of Fortescue’s commitment to diversity, we are focussed on leadership development, retention of female talent and ensuring that women are encouraged to progress to the C-Suite,” she said.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to spend time with Carmen as CEO for a Day and another way to support aspiring female leaders.”