Néha Singh: “Technological transformations will make it possible for those with disabilities to do jobs they never thought possible”
Néha Singh is CEO at PACE – Partners in Achieving Change Excellence Inc., a change management coaching firm serving the resources sector internationally. The company’s mission is to empower clients by building capacity for continuous improvement. They specialise in being change agents using the latest tools and tailor their techniques to clients’ unique situations. PACE boasts 30% of Canada’s practising LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY™ professional consultants and is one of three national organisations qualified to deliver the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument.
Néha lives in Sudbury, Ontario – the mining capital of Canada – with her husband Jake and her dog Thor.
Why did you choose mining?
Mining actually chose me. When I started my career early on, working in the Sudbury area as a software developer, the consulting company I was working for at the time happened to have contracts with Vale and Glencore.
What is your experience of being a woman working in the mining industry?
My experience being a woman working in the mining industry is very positive, and I have found that, more and more, the mining industry focuses on creating initiatives and incentives to encourage more women to join the mining industry. I often find myself surrounded by very few women.
Could you tell us about some challenges you have faced in the resources sector and how you overcame them?
As the CEO of Partners in Achieving Change Excellence, my current challenge is convincing the mines of the immense value and application of our change management services in the transformation happening in the mining sector. With the recent success of Beyond Digital Transformation and the meetings we are having, I do know we are close to overcoming this challenge.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about change and transformation in the mining sector. There is a major transformation underway – and not just transformation from a digital adoption perspective but transformation from a diversified workforce perspective. One of the things that most excites me is the fact that technological transformations will make it possible for those with disabilities to do jobs they never thought possible. For example, you could be sitting in a wheelchair in Thunder Bay operating a scoop in an underground mining operation in Red Lake [over 500 kilometres away].
Any advice to young women starting out?
My advice for all youngsters who are not sure of the field of study they are looking to pursue is to try getting internships etc. in industries you think you would like to be in before jumping into a university program. I am a big believer in hands-on education and you can only know if you are going to like something once you experience it.
In recognition of women’s contributions to the resources sector and to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2018, Commit Works is publishing a series of interviews with clients and employees this month.