Leadership Conversations From the Heart: Rod Ballinger GM of BHP Newman

Leadership Conversations From the Heart is a special podcast series within The Upside Podcast, created as part of the Men's Health Project 2026. Through authentic conversations with leaders from across Australia, this series explores the human side of leadership — beyond titles, success and achievement. Together, we unpack vulnerability, resilience, mental health, wellbeing, purpose and what it truly means to lead from the heart. In this episode, we're joined by Rod Bellinger, General Manager at BHP Newman, leading people, culture and performance in one of Australia's most demanding and high-pressure industries. With extensive experience in the mining and resources sector, Rod shares his perspective on authentic leadership, the weight of responsibility leaders carry, and the importance of staying connected to people in environments where safety, trust and wellbeing are critical. Together, we explore the realities of FIFO life, the impact of remote work on mental health and relationships, building cultures of care, balancing accountability with empathy, and why genuine human connection remains one of the most powerful tools for supporting wellbeing. This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't about having all the answers — it's about showing up, creating safe spaces for others, and leading with humanity. Happiness Co Foundation Making happiness attainable https://happinesscofoundation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happinessco_foundation/ https://www.facebook.com/happinesscofoundation/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-co-foundation/