In this episode, we dive deep into overcoming the stigma of “You’re Not Allowed to Make Mistakes” and explore how embracing errors can transform mining teams and leadership. Lindsey Schultz and Stephen Dummitt discuss effective strategies for fostering psychological safety, encouraging curiosity, and building resilient, human-centered workplaces.
You’ll learn about practical coaching techniques that promote growth through teachable moments, the importance of shifting from endurance to true resilience, and ways to prepare both yourself and your teams for the evolving challenges in the mining industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader refining your approach or an emerging professional eager to grow, Stephen’s extensive experience in leadership consulting and mental health advocacy offers valuable insights and actionable advice to support your career and team success.
This episode is ideal for anyone seeking to strengthen leadership skills by combining technical expertise with a focus on trust, communication, and well-being—key ingredients for thriving in today’s high-stakes work environments.
Meet Our Speakers
👤 Lindsey Schultz, our host and CEO of MRC Recruiting, brings expertise in leadership and team development within the mining and related industries.
🎙️ Stephen Dummitt, guest speaker, founder, and leadership consultant at Tradewinds Leadership, shares his deep knowledge in workforce mentorship and mental health awareness in mining.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: ⏱️
[00:00] Welcome & introduction to the May mental health stigma series
[00:52] Stigma Lie #2 revealed: “You’re not allowed to make mistakes”
[02:14] Lindsey on disarming questions and the power of saying “Tell me what I don’t know”
[03:21] Stephen’s story: Blowing up a 480V relay and learning by doing
[06:28] “Don’t rob people of teachable moments”—on leadership and growth
[07:44] Teaching people how you think vs. what to do
[08:56] Why “problem solver” means nothing without the freedom to fail
[10:45] Analysis paralysis: The fear of asking questions and how to break it
[13:21] Disarming leaders with curiosity: “Who helped you learn this?”
[16:00] Tools to invite teaching: “Explain it like I’m five” and spotlighting others
[19:39] Coaching and communication: The power of slowing down and explaining the thought process
[22:01] Learner safety as a pillar of psychological safety
[25:17] 55% of the mining workforce is set to retire—why we need to ask questions now
[28:26] “I want to learn”—how to unlock mentorship through humility and intention
[31:00] How perfectionism damages culture and stunts growth
[34:09] Mistakes as stepping stones: “You don’t learn to ride a bike without crashing.”
[39:22] Permission to fail: The hidden gift of clear, supportive leadership
[41:49] Shocking stat: Only 4.9% use EAPs
[43:20] 90% of people benefit from therapy—why it matters to speak up
[47:06] Greats in sports and business succeed because of their failures
[51:00] Resilience vs. endurance: Thriving is about connection, not isolation
[54:16] Wrapping up with practical tools and the teaser for next week: “Only I have the answers”
Connect with us on LinkedIn and check out monthly episodes of Ore-atory: Elevating Mining Minds on Apple Podcast or Spotify, where we continue to explore the mining industry workspace.
Tune in and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of mining!
Are you a job seeker looking for your next opportunity or an organization looking to hire your next team member? If you have time for a quick chat about your goals MRC can help connect with us.