From Mentorship to Industry Impact: Sharon’s Path to Driving Positive Change
At the end of the day, we are all accountable for what the future looks like.
Sharon Lo's journey into the mining industry is a powerful testament to resilience, mentorship, and the courage to seize new opportunities. With a background in Chemical Engineering and Advanced Science (majoring in Microbiology) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), she stepped into unfamiliar territory but emerged as a leader dedicated to creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive and drive industry-wide change, regardless of their age, gender, or background. Sharon is currently the Area Manager for New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Fiji at Weir, where she plays a key role in managing customer relationships and driving business growth in these regions.
Sharon’s career began with a deep sense of curiosity and a hands-on upbringing. “My dad is a motor mechanic and he taught me how to work on cars, ” she shares. “I grew up understanding the value of hard work and problem-solving.” Outside of work, Sharon is passionate about martial arts—a discipline that taught her focus, perseverance, and confidence, all of which have shaped her career journey.
Watch Sharon's video below.
A Challenging Beginning: Finding Her Path in Mining
When Sharon started her studies, mining wasn’t on her radar. "During my university degree, we'd never done anything related to mining. It wasn't an area that was familiar to me," she admits. "I just knew I wanted a career that combined science with real-world impact." As she entered the graduate programme at Weir, Sharon faced a steep learning curve. "So, during the grad programme and rotations, I had to pick up quite a lot of knowledge and really lean on my network, my team, and people who've been in the industry for a long time," she explains. Sharon credits her mentors for their crucial role during this time. "I've had some really amazing mentors over the past four years, and they've been instrumental in helping me make decisions about my career path. It's something I'm super thankful for."
Breaking Through: Sharon’s First Step into Mining
Sharon’s career began with a pivotal graduate programme at Weir, a unique opportunity that exposed her to the full spectrum of the mining industry. Designed to provide young professionals with hands-on experience across various functions, the programme enabled Sharon to explore a variety of roles while developing the critical skills necessary for her future.
"The graduate programme at Weir was more than just a job—it was an opportunity to explore different areas of the business, ask questions, and bring ideas forward," Sharon shared. "We were encouraged to immerse ourselves in different functions and really get involved in the work."
Structured rotations through key areas like operations, engineering and sales helped Sharon identify her strengths. “I was given opportunities to work on real projects—projects that mattered to the business,” Sharon recalls. “It was eye-opening to gain hands-on experience across various areas of the business, from spending time in our manufacturing facility in Artarmon to working with the engineering team on process modelling. I also had two rotations in the sales team—one focusing on cyclone support and sales, and the other as an area manager in Central West New South Wales.”
Weir’s Inclusive Culture: Empowering Grads and Growing the Weir Women’s Network
Sharon credits Weir’s inclusive culture as a pivotal factor in her development during the graduate programme. "The biggest challenge I found was actually not external. It was pretty much me standing in the way of myself," she shares. At the start, Sharon struggled with self-doubt, unsure of the direction she should take. However, Weir’s supportive and open environment played a key role in helping her overcome this challenge.
“The programme was a space where my ideas were valued,” Sharon explains. “We have the freedom to share our thoughts. It’s not just about doing the work; it's about being able to contribute and feel like you’re part of the bigger picture.”
Sharon found that her conversations with other graduates from diverse backgrounds were incredibly enriching. “Having those conversations with people from different backgrounds brought new perspectives that I hadn’t considered. We could bounce ideas off each other and push forward initiatives that we were all passionate about. It was energising to know that the company genuinely listens to us and acts on those ideas,” she says.
Moreover, Weir’s interconnected network of employees across different roles and locations allowed Sharon and her fellow graduates to share insights and drive change across various departments, including sales, engineering, and manufacturing. "We’re all connected, and that’s one of the things that’s really helped—being able to collaborate and get messages out across different teams and states."
By the end of her graduate rotations, Sharon had not only gained valuable industry experience but also discovered her leadership potential. “Having the opportunity to engage with such a diverse, supportive network allowed me to connect the dots and find a clear path forward,” Sharon reflects.
This leadership took on the form of being involved in the Global and Australian Weir Women’s Network (WWN) Steering Committees. For Sharon, this was the clear next step in advocating for women in mining and in STEM. “We work with WWN local chapters around the world to create events and resources focused on the advancement and retention of women. There is a lot of behind the scenes work from everyone in the network,” she shares. “We don’t focus only on women. A big part of it is including men and allies into the conversation and encouraging them to take action too.”
Sharon is positive that we will be able to turn the dial on the future of the industry. “ We have 15 established local chapters in the network now and are still growing, exploring industry partnerships and allyships with other networks,” she explains. “We’re working together and leveraging off each other. At the end of the day, we are all accountable for what the future looks like.”
For Sharon, Weir’s graduate programme wasn’t just a job—it was the launchpad for a career she hadn’t initially envisioned but now cherishes. The company’s culture of listening, collaboration, and support empowered her to thrive and embrace leadership roles, particularly in advocating for women in STEM.
Exploring Roles: Finding Her Place Through Mentorship
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in Sharon’s career, helping her navigate challenges, clarify her career path, and gain the confidence needed to excel in a male-dominated industry. Reflecting on the impact of her mentors, Sharon emphasises the importance of their guidance.
“One of the things that really helped me was having mentors,” Sharon shares. “I’ve had some amazing mentors over the past four years who have supported me through tough situations and helped me figure out my career path. I was really indecisive about what I wanted to do. I didn’t know if I wanted to be more hands-on, talk to people, or stay technical—and it was difficult to make a decision about the direction my role should take. My mentors helped me enormously in deciding what area to focus on and what role would suit me best.”
Sharon views mentorship not just as a way to receive advice, but as a tool for self-discovery and growth. “They used different tools to guide me through the process, and they taught me how to approach challenges with confidence,” Sharon explains. “What they shared with me, I now use to make decisions and plan for my career.”
Sharon believes that mentorship is especially valuable for those starting out in their careers, as it provides a sense of direction and confidence. “Listening to my mentors and learning from their experiences helped me realise what I could achieve. It gave me the reassurance to push forward,” she says.
For Sharon, mentorship has been about more than just career advice—it’s been about learning to lead and finding her place in the industry. “Mentorship isn’t just about learning the job, it’s about learning how to navigate the bigger picture, how to communicate and solve problems. It’s about finding the confidence to step up and lead.”
Reflecting on how mentorship shaped her career, Sharon adds, “If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to listen to your mentors, learn from their experiences, and apply it to your own journey. It’s something I’m incredibly thankful for.”
Shaping the Next Generation: Sharon’s Advice and Legacy
Reflecting on her journey, Sharon is committed to paying forward the guidance she received. “I want to empower the next generation of women in mining,” she says. “We need to show young women that careers in STEM are achievable. They’re impactful and rewarding.”
Her advice for future leaders:
- Ask questions and embrace learning. You don’t need to have it all figured out.
- Seek mentors and build networks. There’s so much to learn from others.
- Take risks and back yourself. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.
Driving Positive Change
Sharon believes in the importance of driving positive change for future generations. “We want to inspire the next generation and showcase the incredible initiatives that have already been implemented,” she explains. “By sharing what we’ve done, we can encourage others in the industry to learn from us, and vice versa. This continuous exchange strengthens us all.”
She also highlights the significance of creating a safe space for conversations, especially on sensitive issues. “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to bring up those tough topics—issues that may feel taboo or sensitive. It allows people to be vulnerable and open about the challenges they face. I’m always happy to answer any questions about what needs to be done to create change, help women succeed, or attract more women to the industry,” she says.
Sharon emphasises that feedback and knowledge-sharing are essential to fostering positive change. “I love giving feedback and sharing my experiences,” she adds. “Spaces like International Women’s Day create the chance to have these conversations openly. It’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about making positive change part of our daily conversations.”
Looking Ahead: Sharon’s Vision for Equality
Sharon envisions a future where women in leadership roles are the norm, not the exception. “I hope for a time when gender diversity isn’t a discussion point—because it’s already ingrained in our culture and industry,” she says. Until then, Sharon continues to advocate, lead, and inspire, reminding us that real change starts with action. “We need to keep pushing boundaries, fostering mentorship, and creating opportunities for women to thrive. That’s how we unlock the full potential of the mining industry.”