Liebherr Australia’s Commitment to Diversity and Empowerment in the Mining Industry, with Lyndia Wombold

In the realm of mining, where rugged landscapes meet cutting-edge technology, Lyndia Wombold emerges as a trailblazer, navigating the challenges of mining with grit, grace, and unwavering determination.

Her journey, intertwined with Liebherr Australia, mirrors the evolution of women's roles within the mining industry, illuminating a path towards inclusivity, empowerment, and progress. 

Hailing from the mining town of Mackay, Queensland, Wombold's odyssey began over a decade ago when she embarked on a mining career with Liebherr Australia. Joining the company in 2010, she embarked on a journey marked by relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication, fueled by ambition, determined to make her mark and challenge the status quo.

From her beginnings in the Parts Team to her current role as Operations Manager, Wombold's ascent through the ranks is a testament to her resilience, ambition, and work ethic. 

“It was clear there were many functions, departments, and career opportunities that existed within Liebherr and across mining in general. Learning different aspects of the Liebherr business and gaining a variety of skills allowed me to progress into other roles. I found not just doing my role, going above and beyond to learn more laid the foundation of my career path,” shares Lyndia.  

As Wombold climbed the corporate ladder, she encountered challenges and obstacles, each serving as a stepping stone towards personal and professional growth. Through internal and external training programs and strategic role transitions, she honed her skills, expanded her knowledge base, and emerged as a formidable leader within the organisation.

From her initial role in the Parts Team to several Supervisor roles, Lyndia took a leap and moved her family to the Hunter Valley in NSW to be the Parts Manager. Within a few years, she was promoted into the Operations Manager role, and then became Regional Manager of NSW mining, before returning to Mackay in her current position as Operations Manager.   

At the helm of operations, Wombold leads with a blend of compassion, integrity, and strategic acumen. Her leadership style, characterised by inclusivity, collaboration, rationality, and a deep-seated commitment to driving operational excellence, fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated as drivers of innovation and progress.  

“My leadership approach evolves constantly. I admire and learn from many managers within Liebherr and the industry. I take something away from every interaction I have with leaders, my counterparts and the customer support team. I feel I am always adding to my basket of skills, with some of my biggest inspiration coming from our customer support team closest to our customers,” shares Lyndia. 

Under her stewardship, Liebherr Australia's operations have flourished, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. 

Amidst her professional achievements, Wombold remains grounded by her roles as a mother and wife. Balancing the demands of career and family life, she demonstrates that success in the mining industry is not mutually exclusive with personal fulfillment and familial responsibilities. She is a firm believer in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and strives to lead by example, showing other women that it is possible to pursue a successful career while also being present for their families. Her journey serves as an inspiration to women everywhere, proving that with courage, determination, and a willingness to seize opportunities, the possibilities in mining are limitless. 

Liebherr Australia's stance on Diversity and Inclusion extends beyond rhetoric to tangible action. The company's Diversity & Inclusion Council, of which Wombold is a proud member, spearheads initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, fostering an inclusive workplace culture, and championing the advancement of women in mining. Through targeted programs, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy efforts, Liebherr Australia is paving the way for a more equitable and representative industry landscape. As Wombold advocates, "True progress requires not just policies and programs but a fundamental shift in mindset – one that recognises the inherent value of diversity and actively cultivates an environment where all individuals can thrive." 

In Wombold's eyes, the role of women in driving innovation within the mining industry cannot be overstated. With their unique perspectives, experiences, and skillsets, women bring a wealth of ideas and insights to the table, enriching the industry's collective intelligence and propelling it towards new frontiers. As Wombold fittingly puts it, "Innovation thrives on diversity. It's about harnessing the power of varied perspectives to tackle challenges and seize opportunities." 

As Wombold continues to pave the way for future generations of female leaders, her connection with Liebherr Australia serves as a guiding light, illuminating a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Together, they forge new frontiers, challenge the status quo, and inspire future generations to dream big and reach for the stars in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of mining. 

Liebherr Australia is supporting and participating nationally for AusIMM's International Women's Day Event Series. For more inspiring stories like Lyndia's, follow AusIMM on social media using the hashtag #CelebratingWomeninMining or catch up via our latest news!

Registrations for AusIMM's national International Women's Day Event Series for 2024 close Thursday 29 February. 

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