In this episode of the Reliability Hero podcast, host Andrew Daddo speaks with Peter Durant, an adjunct principal education and change management with Covaris, a maintenance practitioner thriving in the Australian industry.

The podcast features an insightful conversation on the importance of timing when it comes to generating new ideas, how to identify opportunities for improvement, and how to focus on what matters to give a return on investment. Peter shares his exceptional career journey, from starting as an apprentice in the Navy to becoming an electrical engineer and a consultant.

The conversation is an interesting mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights that is sure to captivate listeners.

Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and self-harm.

In this episode of Reliability Hero, Andrew introduces Rob, a senior reliability engineer with a diverse range of expertise. Rob shares his journey, starting with his experience as a Canadian representative for the water polo team and his involvement in leadership, psychological safety, and mental health. As a podcaster, Rob’s insights are highly valued. Andrew recounts an embarrassing encounter when he mistook Rob for an American during a conference.

The conversation delves into Rob’s beginnings in maintenance, where he worked as a reliability engineer at a coal mine in the Rocky Mountains before transitioning into a role as a reliability consultant. They discuss the unique locations Rob has worked in, from Arctic Circle gold mines to power plants, highlighting the unexpected encounters with Australians in a small Canadian town.

Andrew and Rob explore the impact of Rob’s water polo experience on his work ethic and identity formation. Rob reflects on the positive and negative aspects of being known as the hardworking guy who achieves results, leading to mental health struggles due to an unsupportive manager. They delve into the challenges faced in the maintenance industry, where resistance to change and a culture of complacency hinder progress. Rob emphasizes the importance of leadership and engagement to break this cycle and drive meaningful transformation.

Join Andrew and Rob as they delve into the fascinating intersection of personal experiences, professional growth, and the need for change within the maintenance community. Discover how one individual’s journey can shed light on broader industry challenges and inspire a new approach to reliability engineering.

Get ready to take off with Lieutenant Colonel David Wilbur! In this exciting episode, Andrew sits down with a former commanding officer in the US Marines and F-18 pilot who will take you on a journey through the thrilling world of high-performance fighter aircraft. Discover the adrenaline rush that comes with flying an F-18 to the limits of its capability, as Dave shares his personal addiction to the complexity and risk involved in the orchestration between man and machine.

But it’s not just about the pilot – Dave reveals the incredible team of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen, from manufacturers and maintenance personnel to engineers and air traffic controllers. And you’ll be surprised to learn how these lessons from the Navy translate seamlessly into the world of business!

Andrew picks Dave’s brain on the importance of teamwork and leadership, and how they both play a crucial role in ensuring successful operations in both the military and corporate worlds. You’ll hear firsthand about Dave’s experiences commanding a squadron of F-18s and the lessons he learned about collaboration and resilience, all while leading in an environment that demands reliability and unwavering strength.

So buckle up and join us for an unforgettable ride with Lieutenant Colonel David Wilbur!

Joining Andrew on this episode is the remarkable Michelle Ash, a true industry leader with over two decades of experience in mining and manufacturing. Michelle’s journey from a general engineer to her current role as the technology executive at Ooz Minerals is nothing short of inspiring.

As the conversation unfolds, Michelle reveals the surprises she encountered along her path to success, including unexpected opportunities that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. With the support of visionary mentors and a willingness to embrace challenges, Michelle’s rise in the industry has been awe-inspiring.

Drawing on her diverse educational background, which includes engineering, business, psychology, and economics, Michelle embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner. Her thirst for knowledge has not only propelled her career but also honed her ability to understand and influence people, making her an exceptional leader.

Andrew and Michelle delve into the often-underestimated role of engineers as both creators and communicators. They explore the challenges of selling innovative ideas and the importance of building relationships and understanding individual perspectives. Michelle’s candid anecdotes and genuine enthusiasm for driving change shine through, leaving listeners inspired and eager to tackle their own professional journeys.

Prepare to be captivated as Michelle shares her unique insights into bridging the gap between technical expertise and people skills. Her infectious passion for continuous learning and adaptability is a testament to the transformative power of embracing new ideas and perspectives.

Fascinating discussion with the recently appointed head of BHP’s Copper Assets, Michelle Ash – her time in maintenance, leadership, women and diversity in heavy industry, and automation.