A positive attitude and a commitment to succeed are qualities that made Lynnese (Lilly) Lee-O’Donoghue stand out when it came to selecting Fortescue Metals Group’s (Fortescue) eighth CEO for a Day. Lee-O’Donoghue, a Ngarluma woman, started with Fortescue in 2013 through Fortescue’s Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) in Roebourne. On gaining full time employment, she quickly progressed into her current role as a valued Advisor for the Health and Safety team at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek mine site.

“I feel extremely grateful to be supported by Fortescue to develop a career in a role that I am passionate about, making sure people go home safely every day,” Lee-O’Donoghue said.

Never one to shy away from an opportunity, she jumped at the chance to spend time with CEO, Nev Power and the Executive team. “I’ve learnt at Fortescue that every door can be opened if you are motivated and seek avenues to grow,” she said.

Power said, “Spending time with bright, enthusiastic young women like Lilly is very inspiring. Lilly is proof that business can make a real, positive impact on Aboriginal communities by empowering and supporting the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.

“At Fortescue we encourage our people to look out for their mates and it is great to see that Lilly does this in her community and at work.”

Inspired by GenerationOne’s CEO for a Day competition, Fortescue’s CEO for a Day initiative sees Power host an aspiring Aboriginal leader for the day at each quarterly results release.