In this international episode, Rob visits and interviews Rodney Lacy who is currently working in Saudi Arabia, mining phosphate. They discuss the role of the expat and what you should be doing if you aspire to be a successful general manager in the industry. Listen in to find out more about the development of mining in Saudi Arabia and the opportunities available.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

What Is It Like To Work As An Expat?

It can be difficult to get into the overseas market but if you can get in and build a reputation it can be a very positive career path.
Moving overseas for me has been the equivalent of gaining a master’s degree because I’ve learnt so much. Getting into the expat role was a career-changing experience for me.
When you are an expat you’re a guest in the country and your job is to pass your knowledge on to your local counterpart.
The experiences you have, the places you go and the people you meet make it very rewarding and outweigh any financial gains.

What Key skills Do You Need As A General Manager?

Good people skills.  You’ve got to enjoy and understand working with people
We have a job to do – but we spend more time with our colleagues than our families it’s important to be compassionate.
The desire to help other people.
A well-rounded background in mining with tertiary skills in areas including maintenance and engineering
A love of mining.
Knowledge of budgeting and an understanding of all financial aspects connected with your areas of responsibility.

What Advice Would You Give To Someone Aspiring To Be A General Manager?

Get involved with your company, you might have expertise in operations but volunteer your time to get involved in and find out about areas such as engineering and maintenance as this will increase your skill base.
Continue your education and seek to further it. Gaining an MBA will help to develop and increase your understanding of the business as a complete entity.
The general manager role is one where you have to know enough about everything in order to function successfully.
BEST MOMENTS
‘I never envisioned myself as being a world traveller but if you have an opportunity to go overseas you are going to meet a lot of great people ‘
‘Be brave enough to step out and learn, others will see you are willing’
‘You have to have enough vision to see where something might take you’
'You can learn something from even your worst boss’
‘It’s a rewarding experience, you really accomplish something’
‘I have been able to put into practice things I’ve learnt from across the world’
‘Good miners make the job look easy’
‘Mining – it’s a very honourable business’
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/dig-deep-the-mining-podcast-podcast/id1440020656?mt=2
ABOUT THE HOST
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
Rob is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from the first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. We source, headhunt and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients’ organisation in any mining discipline or level.
Mining International provides a transparent, informative and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace.
CONTACT METHOD
https://www.mi