For eight years in row, Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has supported the development of its Aboriginal and Indigenous people through its CEO for a Day scheme, which provided opportunities to work alongside the company’s leadership team.
The latest CEO for a Day, Yuluwirri McGrady, believes Fortescue’s commitment to building the capability and capacity of Aboriginal people and businesses is key to creating sustainable change.
The program also allows the CEO for a Day to learn how the business operates at its highest levels.
Mr McGrady joined Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, and members of the leadership team for the release of Fortescue’s June 2022 Quarterly Production Report.
A proud Goomilaroi man from Toomelah, Mr McGrady began his Fortescue journey as a Supervisor of the Company’s Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) program. Currently, he is Manager of Aboriginal Business Development, dedicated to creating sustainable business opportunities for Aboriginal businesses as part of Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities program.
“My first experience with Fortescue was hearing about the VTEC program and seeing how it had empowered Aboriginal people from the Pilbara to find their purpose through employment. From that moment I knew I had to be a part of the phenomenal work that Fortescue does with Aboriginal people,” Mr McGrady said.
“It is a real privilege to work with Aboriginal people from traditional ownership groups to drive positive outcomes both here in Western Australia where Fortescue operates, and throughout Australia.”
Passionate about leadership development, Mr McGrady actively supports the next generation of Aboriginal professionals both within the Fortescue family and in his wider community, through mentoring and his voluntary role as an elected member of the Western Australian Mining Club.
“I am extremely committed to achieving my personal and career goals, and to me, an essential part of that is doing all I can to empower those around me to achieve their goals too,” Mr McGrady said.
“I am thrilled to have been selected as Fortescue’s CEO for a Day. This opportunity to experience firsthand how our leadership team operates is something I’ve been hoping for since I joined Fortescue.”
Fortescue CEO, Elizabeth Gaines, said, “At Fortescue, we are committed to providing training and education pathways for Aboriginal people to help build a pipeline of diverse talent for our operations.
“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 am delighted to have Yulu join me as CEO for a Day. He displays great leadership within Fortescue and is an important role model for his Aboriginal team members.”
Mr McGrady holds Fortescue’s unique values close to his heart and believes enthusiasm is the key to a fulfilling career.
“Fortescue is a rapidly evolving business. As a leader, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial not only for my own success, but for the long-term success and happiness of my team,” Mr McGrady said.
Image courtesy of Fortescue. L-R: CEO Elizabeth Gaines and Manager of Aboriginal Business Development, Yuluwirri McGrady.
