Women in natural resources leading the way through example
In a historically male-dominated industry, Lehlogonolo Mashego and Xanthe Taylor stand out as beacons of change, empowerment, and leadership.
With unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and a shared commitment to driving positive impact, these two women have transformed their passions into successful careers, leaving an indelible mark on the field of natural resources.
Lehlogonolo Mashego’s journey into the world of environmental sustainability was sparked during her time as a Girl Guide in high school. These experiences in nature, coupled with a deepening fascination for hiking and camping, laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to safeguarding the environment.
Born in Tembisa and then moving to Benoni, Lehlogonolo’s background provided her with first-hand insights into the challenges faced by underserved communities. This upbringing became the driving force behind her work, fuelling her determination to bring about sustainable change.
While still pursuing her Masters, Lehlogonolo started her professional career at Myezo Environmental Management Services. From there, she went on to work for two other Environmental Consulting companies with a great focus on the mining and renewable energy sectors. With this gained experience, Lehlogonolo made the conscious decision to move into the Sustainability space which brought her to BDO South Africa.
As a Sustainability Manager in BDO’s Risk Advisory Services department, Lehlogonolo plays a pivotal role in guiding various companies on their sustainability journeys. Her responsibilities include devising plans, identifying gaps, and establishing key sustainability priorities for formal reporting and comprehensive sustainability reports. Her past collaborations with industry giants like Anglo American, Tharisa Minerals, and Exxaro Coal, as well as the City of Johannesburg underline her impact and influence.
Importance of technical expertise and confidence.
Lehlogonolo embraces her place in the industry, and believe others like her should too. “Women are natural nurturers and as such, our heightened connection with our surrounding environments and resources allows us to better understand impact and propose sound measures.”
For those aspiring to join the industry, Lehlogonolo emphasises the importance of technical expertise and confidence. She advises investing in personal growth, staying informed about global trends, and unapologetically speaking up in industry discussions.
“Stay true to your why, and let that ground what you do and how it is carried out,” she advises. “The best results come from taking risks and confidently breaking through the structural limitations that are set to tear you down.” Xanthe Taylor’s career is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s true passion. Beginning her professional life in media, Xanthe made a big shift in her late 20s when she pursued her interest in the natural world by studying Environmental Management.
Xanthe’s first foray into the environmental field came as a Junior Environmental Scientist at a small Pretoria-based consultancy with a focus on mining. This initial step paved the way for Xanthe’s future in the industry. She subsequently moved to a larger consultancy in Johannesburg, managing large mining environmental applications, later joining the company’s Sustainability team.
Driven by a desire for impactful change, Xanthe then transitioned to her current role as an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Manager at BDO, driven by her belief that this is where she can truly make a difference and find a sense of purpose and fulfilment. With over a decade of experience consulting within the mining sector, Xanthe has witnessed the industry evolve, becoming more inclusive and respectful of women’s contributions. However, she remains dedicated to increasing female representation at leadership levels.
Xanthe’s advice for women entering the industry centres on humility and continuous learning and growth. Her journey underscores the importance of embracing mistakes and maintaining a forward-focused mindset. As she guides projects with Ivanhoe Mines Decarbonisation Project and collaborates with prominent industry players like Anglo American and Sibanye-Stillwater, Xanthe’s trajectory shines as a guiding light for those aspiring to create a meaningful impact in the realm of environmental sustainability and climate action.
“Everyone goes through an evolution in their career where one gets to a point of feeling confident in one’s own subject matter,” says Xanthe. “But also remember, there’s strength in saying when you don’t know something. My advice to anyone is not to pretend to know everything but know how to showcase the skills you do possess.”
Lehlogonolo Mashego and Xanthe Taylor exemplify the spirit of leadership, determination, and resilience. Their paths have been marked by challenges and triumphs, proving that women in the field of natural resources are not only capable but are also driving transformative change through their unwavering commitment and passion for the environment.
