In this dynamic episode of Ore-atory: Elevating Mining Minds, host Lindsey Schultz welcomes Leah Murphy, a mechanical engineer turned leadership coach, who now helps professionals unlock their potential through purpose-driven coaching and career strategy.
Leah starts by sharing how a chance panel appearance at the Women in Mining conference opened doors to an entirely new industry. As a first-time attendee, she was struck by the vibrancy and authenticity of the mining community—and how her work as a coach could complement the industry’s growing need for inclusive, people-first leadership.
She recounts her journey from technical roles in engineering and operations to procurement and finally corporate strategy. Leah emphasizes the importance of “calculated risk taking” and strategic pivots. A pivotal moment came when she was paired with an executive coach—an experience so transformative that she became one herself, dedicating her work to helping others, particularly women and people of color, access the same level of support.
The conversation digs into a common industry challenge: promoting technical professionals into leadership roles without proper preparation or desire. Leah and Lindsey reflect on how organizations often mistake high performance for management potential—and the harm that can come from that misalignment. Leah advocates for creating dual career tracks that allow technical experts to grow without becoming people managers.
They also explore the power of psychological safety and authenticity in the workplace, especially for those who may be “the first” or “the only” in their roles. Leah encourages organizations to foster environments where people can bring their whole selves to work and outlines how leaders can model that change.
One of the most practical and empowering segments centers around salary negotiation. Leah reframes negotiation not just as a financial conversation, but as a career-defining skill. She outlines the difference between monetary and non-monetary compensation and shares real-life examples of how her clients have negotiated paid time off, flexible schedules, and professional development—without triggering the fear of offer rescission. Lindsey adds her recruiter’s perspective, validating that respectful negotiation rarely backfires.
The episode wraps with Leah’s final two gems:
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You weren’t meant to navigate your career alone—seek help and invest in coaching.
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You don’t get what you don’t negotiate for.
This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to transition, grow, and lead with intention—and for organizations eager to retain top talent by fostering purpose and belonging.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: ⏱️
[00:00] Lindsey sets the stage and introduces Leah Murphy’s impressive background.
[02:15] Leah reflects on speaking at the Women in Mining Conference and the power of calculated risk.
[06:05] From mechanical engineer to corporate strategist—how a rotational program launched Leah’s career.
[11:05] Leah shares how having an executive coach shifted her career trajectory—and inspired her pivot into coaching.
[15:55] How Leah transitioned from engineering to operations, then into business strategy.
[19:16] Why promoting technical experts to leadership without support can backfire—and what to do instead.
[25:22] The link between psychological safety, DEI, and workplace performance.
[35:41] Leah breaks down how purpose and intention lead to fulfillment—and retention.
[46:40] How to navigate compensation with confidence—monetary and non-monetary examples included.
[57:18] Leah and Lindsey address one of the biggest fears around job offers.
[01:08:38] Leah leaves the audience with two powerful messages about asking for help and advocating for yourself.
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.
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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.