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Jo Sainsbury

@kick_asswomen

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Career Resource for Women in the Rail, Mining, Resources, STEM, Construction, Trades and Transport Industries.
Bowen Basin, Queensland Australia

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🥂 THE POWER OF A LONG LUNCH… AND THE WOMEN AROUND THE TABLE 💜

My connection with @ladieswholonglunchqld goes right back to its early days, when I was privileged to be one of the first women invited to share my story on an empowerment panel.

What started as fabulous food, shared plates and a few glasses of bubbly became something far more powerful…connection, collaboration, community and belonging.

Kirsty and Jo created a space where women could arrive as strangers and leave with new friendships, business connections, collaborations and a genuine sense of belonging.

And what a fabulous yin and yang these two have been! 💜

Jo brought the music, dancing, theatre, vivacity and the occasional moment where a respectable long lunch suddenly felt like a stage show. 💃😂 Her contribution will certainly be missed, but those memories will linger like a fine glass of bubbly, sparkling and always better when shared. 🥂

But this isn’t the end of LWLL.

With Kirsty taking the events forward, the rhythm and theme may look a little different, but I have no doubt they will carry the same heart, purpose and hit of impact.

Because LWLL was never really just about lunch.

It was about what happened around the table, stories shared, plates passed, bubbles poured, women supporting women… and, of course, those after-event cocktails where some of the best networking occurred! 🍸😉

Congratulations Jo on an extraordinary chapter, and Kirsty, here’s to making the next one unmistakably your own.

Same connection. Same belonging. Same impact.
Just the next evolution of LWLL. 💜✨

And perhaps… just one more for the road. 🥂😂

#LadiesWhoLongLunch #LWLL #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenEmpoweringWomen #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

✨ DO YOU REALLY KNOW HER? ✨

Not the professional version.
Not the polished version.
Not the woman who has learned to hold it all together.

The real YOU. 💗

What energises you?
What drains you?
What do you value?
What are you brilliant at?
What will you no longer tolerate?
And what does your version of success actually look like?

As women, we can spend years learning how to fit in, prove ourselves, work harder, say yes and become what everyone else needs us to be.

But there comes a point when we need to ask:

Do I really know myself?
And even more importantly… do I actually LIKE myself?

Because when self-knowledge meets self-acceptance, something powerful happens. 🔥

You stop shrinking.
You stop apologising.
You stop chasing validation.
You set stronger boundaries.
You choose opportunities with intention.
And you start backing the woman you’ve become.

And maybe it’s time to challenge some of those old stories too…

“I’m not ready.”
“I’m not confident enough.”
“I need more experience.”
“I’m not leadership material.”

Are they still true?

Or are you making today’s decisions using yesterday’s version of yourself?

🔥 Know yourself. Back yourself. Choose yourself.

You don’t need to become someone else to succeed.

You need the courage to become more fully YOU. 💗

#KnowYourWorth #BackYourself #ChooseYourself #confidence #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

It’s Book O’Clock📚 ⏰

“The Psychology of Leadership” - Sebastien Page

Sebastien Page provides a leadership exploration through the lens of sports and personality psychology, offering a dynamic blend of research, real-life stories, humour, and advice. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its witty, conversational tone. Page skillfully integrates research findings with captivating anecdotes from sports and daily life to keep readers engaged while demonstrating the principles in action.

Leaders will be equipped with tools to better understand workplace personalities, interpret hidden motivations, and navigate group dynamics. Page emphasises the importance of empathy, active listening, and communication skills as essential for inspiring teams and fostering collaboration.

The book also tackles the internal challenges leaders might face, including self-doubt and maintaining a positive mindset. These lessons are delivered with humour and offer practical advice.

The book is well researched and is not overly academic; whether they are mastering the art of persuasion, building trust, or cultivating a culture of innovation, readers will be able to implement these lessons immediately.

VERDICT An invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. With its engaging style, insightful principles, and real-world applications, this book earns its place on the shelf of aspiring and seasoned leaders.

So what are you waiting for for … go on get your glo on! 🥾🦺👷‍♀️💫
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#bookreview #psychologyofleadership #leadership #selfimprovement #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

INTENTIONS because wishing and deciding are two very different things.

There’s something incredibly powerful about a woman who becomes intentional about her life.

Intentional about her career.
Intentional about her relationships.
Intentional about her boundaries.
Intentional about where she invests her energy.
And perhaps most importantly, intentional about who she is becoming.

An intention is more than a wish.

A wish says, “I hope this happens.”
An intention says, “I’m going to make choices that move me towards it.”

For women, that distinction can be powerful.

Because so much of our lives can be influenced by expectations, who we should be, how we should behave, when we should speak, how much space we should take up and what success is supposed to look like.

But intention shifts the power back to us.

💗 Know your values.
When you know what matters to you, decisions become clearer.

🎯 Be specific about what you want.
Dreams are important, but intention gives them direction.

🚧 Protect your energy.
Not every opportunity deserves a yes. Not every opinion deserves your attention. And sometimes, no really is a complete sentence.

🔥 Define success for yourself.
Stop handing other people the pen and allowing them to write the definition of what your life should look like.

👣 Then take action.
Because intention without action is still only an idea.

And here’s the part I think we sometimes forget…

You don’t need to have the next ten years figured out.

You just need to be intentional about the next decision.

Every intentional choice becomes another vote for the woman you’re becoming.

So maybe the question isn’t:

“What do I want to achieve?”

Maybe it’s:

“Who do I intend to become and do my choices today reflect her?”

That’s where empowerment becomes more than a slogan.

It becomes a way of living. 💖

#Intentions #Courage #Purpose #action #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

It’s Book O’Clock📚 ⏰

📚 Book Review: How to Listen by Oscar Trimboli

We spend so much time learning how to present, persuade, and perform. There is endless training on public speaking and influence. Yet almost no one has ever been formally taught how to truly listen. Not politely nod. Not wait for our turn to talk. But actually listen.

This book fills that gap with clarity and precision.

One of the things I value most is how practical it is. Each chapter ends with “How to Listen This Week” which offers specific, actionable suggestions. I will admit I was tempted to move quickly through the book because the material is so engaging. But this is not a book to rush. It requires deliberate practice. The real transformation happens when you pause and apply what you just learned in real conversations.

What continues to impress me is Trimboli’s five levels of listening model. He invites us to listen to and for yourself, content, context, what is unsaid, and meaning.

That first level, listening to yourself, is often completely missing from other models. Yet it is foundational. If you are unaware of your own internal noise, biases, and reactions, you cannot fully hear another person. Each level is explored thoughtfully, with specific tools to strengthen your skill in that area.

The content is grounded in research he conducted, which gives the book credibility and weight.

I also appreciated the “big ideas” presented on standalone pages throughout the book. Questions like, “How well do you notice whether you listen for similarities or for differences?” stop you in your tracks. They invite reflection rather than passive reading.

I truly wish this book had existed earlier in my career.

This is more than a communication book. It is a practice manual for connection. And if readers are willing to not just read it but apply it, the impact can be profound.

#HowtoListen #SelfLeadership #careerdevelopment #communication #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

Day 1 at QME 2026… what an incredible start! ⛏️💙

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to speak as part of the QME Leadership Series, sharing a conversation that I believe has never been more important:

Human Leadership in the Age of AI.

While AI is transforming the way we work, our greatest advantage will always be the way we lead people, with curiosity, courage, care, creativity and the agility to embrace change.

One of the highlights of the day wasn’t just the presentation itself, but the conversations that followed. These are the conversations that matter where ideas are challenged, perspectives are shared, and innovation begins.

Days like yesterday remind me why I love my job and this industry.

Mining has never just been about moving earth.

It’s about moving people, sharing ideas, building partnerships and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Here’s to the next 2 days at QME.

#QME2026 #MiningLeadership #HumanLeadership #leadership
#kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

⛏️ Only 5 days to go!

In just five days, I’ll have the privilege of speaking at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) 2026 in Mackay.

This year’s keynote is one I’m incredibly passionate about:

Human Leadership™

Moving Mountains. Moving People.

Our industry is changing faster than ever.

Artificial Intelligence.
Automation.
Digital innovation.

These technologies are transforming how we mine, how we plan and how we make decisions.

But here’s the question I keep coming back to…

As technology becomes more intelligent… are we becoming more intentional as leaders?

AI can analyse data.

It can optimise processes.

It can improve productivity.

But it can’t replace trust.

It can’t inspire courage.

It can’t build belonging.

And it certainly can’t look someone in the eye and ask,

“Mate… are you okay?”

That’s where Human Leadership begins.

I’ll be sharing practical leadership lessons from almost four decades across corporate, rail, construction and mining, along with why I believe our greatest competitive advantage won’t be AI alone…

…it will be leaders who know how to combine technology with humanity.

If you’re heading to QME, I’d love to see you there, continue the conversation afterwards, and hear your thoughts on the future of our industry.

Because…

Technology changes work.

Leadership changes people.

And together, they will shape the future of mining.

See you in Mackay! ⛏️🧡

#QME2026 #HumanLeadership #MiningLeadership #articialintelligence #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

I’m incredibly excited to share that I’ll be speaking at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Expo QME 2026 in Mackay this July.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across corporate leadership, rail, civil construction and frontline mining. During that time I’ve watched our industry continually evolve—from mechanisation to automation, and now into the age of Artificial Intelligence.

While technology continues to reshape mining, I’ve become increasingly passionate about one question…

How do our leaders become more human as our industry becomes more advanced?

At QME, I’ll be sharing my keynote:

Moving Mountains. Moving People.
Human Leadership in the Age of AI

Together we’ll explore why the future of mining won’t be defined by technology alone, but by the leaders who build trust, develop people, embrace change and never lose sight of the humans behind every tonne, every shift and every innovation.

If you’re heading to QME, I’d love to see you there and continue the conversation.

A huge thank you to the team at @Queensland Mining & Engineering Expo for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with such an outstanding lineup of speakers and contributing to the conversations shaping the future of our industry.

#QME #QME2026 #Mackay #HumanLeadership #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

As our industry becomes more advanced, I believe our leadership must become more human.

I’m starting a conversation.”

That’s the conversation I’m honoured to be bringing to the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) 2026 this month.

After proven years of working across corporate, leadership, civil construction, rail and frontline mining, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing our industry continually evolve. Today, we’re embracing artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation at an incredible pace and rightly so.

But as our technology expands what’s possible, I’ve found myself asking a different question.

How do we ensure our leadership evolves just as intentionally?

Not instead of technology.

Alongside it.

At QME, I won’t be talking about choosing people over technology.

I’ll be sharing a conversation about Human Leadership, why I believe the future belongs to organisations that combine world-class technology with world-class leadership to unlock the full potential of their people.

My session is titled:

Moving Mountains. Moving People.

Human Leadership for a Technology-Enabled Future

I’ll be sharing stories from the coal face, lessons learned over 25 + yrs, and a philosophy I’ve been developing around one simple belief:

Technology expands what’s possible.

Human Leadership determines what’s achievable.

Together, they create the future of mining.

A sincere thank you to Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) for the opportunity to contribute to such an important conversation.

If you’re heading to Mackay for QME, I’d love to connect and continue the discussion.

Because I don’t believe the future of mining will be built by technology alone.

It will be built by people courageous enough to lead alongside it.

As mining continues to transform through technology, what do you believe is the one human quality we’ll need more of, not less?

Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME)

#QME #QME2026 #Mackay #HumanLeadership #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

✨🖤 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁. 𝗔. 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁. 💛✨

The 2026 WIMARQ Coal & Gold Gala Dinner was nothing short of extraordinary.

For one evening, the women of our industry traded their hi-vis for high fashion, steel caps for stilettos, and gathered together to celebrate the strength, resilience, leadership and contribution of women across mining and resources.

And what a sight it was.

A room filled with confidence, courage, laughter, connection and inspiration.

Of course, no great event would be complete without the support of our male champions and allies, who arrived as the dapper gentlemen they are, standing alongside us in support of a more inclusive and diverse industry.

The support for the evening was immeasurable.

A very special acknowledgement must go to Kristy Purdon and the incredible team at WIMARQ for bringing this event to life.

Kristy’s opening address was both powerful and deeply moving as she shared the story of her father — her mentor, champion and driving force. Her reflections reminded us all that legacy is not simply what we leave behind, but the confidence we build in others, the doors we open, and the belief we instill in those who follow us.

Her story was a poignant reminder that many of us stand where we do today because someone chose to believe in us before we fully believed in ourselves.

In an industry that wasn’t originally designed with women in mind, progress has been made because of the pioneers who challenged expectations, the allies who championed inclusion, and the women who had the courage to step forward despite the obstacles.

The Coal & Gold Gala Dinner was a celebration of exactly that.

Of diversity.

Of inclusion.

Of confidence.

Of community.

I was incredibly honoured to share the evening as Guest Speaker and to stand alongside so many remarkable women and allies who continue to make a difference across our industry.

To everyone who attended, thank you for making it such a memorable evening.

🖤⛏️💛

Forged in Coal. Worth Our Weight in Gold.

#WIMARQ #CoalAndGold #womeninminingandresources #connection #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

✨🖤 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧’𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 💛✨

After months of planning, anticipation and excitement…

It’s finally here.

Tonight, we gather for the 2026 WIMARQ Bowen Basin Coal & Gold Gala Dinner.

An evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible women who continue to shape, strengthen and inspire our mining and resources industry.

Tonight is about more than gowns, glamour and champagne.

It’s about connection.

It’s about community.

It’s about recognising the women who show up every day across our operations, offices, workshops, villages and communities, making a difference through their leadership, resilience, courage and commitment.

As I prepare to join you as this year’s Guest Speaker, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to be part of such a special event.

I am looking forward to sharing my journey, celebrating your achievements, and spending the evening alongside some truly remarkable women and allies who continue to champion progress across our industry.

To the amazing team at WIMARQ, thank you for creating opportunities that bring us together, elevate women and showcase the strength of our industry.

Tonight, we celebrate.

Tonight, we connect.

Tonight, we recognise just how far we’ve come—and the opportunities that still lie ahead.

🥂 Here’s to the women who came before us.
🥂 Here’s to the women standing beside us.
🥂 Here’s to the women who will follow in our footsteps.

See you tonight, ladies.

⛏️✨ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹.
💛 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱. 🖤

#WIMARQ #CoalAndGold #ForgedInCoalWorthOurWeightInGold #womeninminingandresources #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen

✨ 𝟭 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗢! ✨

In just one week, I’ll have the privilege of joining an incredible room full of women, leaders, allies, changemakers and industry professionals at the 2026 WIMARQ Coal & Gold Gala Dinner.

And what a milestone it is…

💛 A sold-out event.
🖤 A celebration of women in mining and resources.
✨ An evening dedicated to connection, inspiration and community.

As this year’s Guest Speaker, I’m genuinely excited to share my journey from High Heels to Hi Vis and reflect on the lessons, challenges, opportunities and people who have helped shape my career across mining, rail, construction and leadership.

But more than that, I’m looking forward to meeting the women behind the hard hats, the leaders behind the teams, and the future leaders who are quietly building extraordinary careers across our industry.

These events matter.

They create connections.
They build confidence.
They foster belonging.
They remind us that none of us have to navigate our careers alone.

To everyone attending, thank you for being part of what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

So polish the heels, dust off the boots, add a little Coal & Gold sparkle, and get ready for a night of celebration, laughter, inspiration and connection.

I can’t wait to see you all there. 🥂✨

⛏️ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱. ✨

#WIMARQ #CoalAndGold #BowenBasin #internationaldayofwomeninmining #kick_asswomen by @kick_asswomen