EPISODE · Jun 7, 2026 · 46 MIN
The Remuneration Specialist: Mining Pay Structures Are Breaking & How to Fix Them | Allan Feinberg
from Hearts & Mines · host ivy & gecko
In this episode of Hearts & Mines, David sits down with Allan Feinberg, MD of Remsmart, a remuneration and reward strategy consultant with more than 20 years of experience advising boards, REM committees, and HR executives with a particular focus on the mining industry. Far more than a conversation about pay structures, this is a masterclass in understanding what truly drives people, builds trust, and shapes culture inside resource companies. Allan unpacks why mining remuneration is fundamentally different from every other industry, how poorly designed incentive plans can quietly destroy a culture, and why the difference between an incentive and a retention plan matters far more than most boards realise. He also shares refreshingly candid reflections on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to show up well as a consultant and as a leader. Whether you work in mining, people management, or any business where relationships are the currency, there's something here for you. # Allan Feinberg 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-feinberg/ David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ ivy & gecko 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko Timecodes: (00:00) Preview & Highlights (01:00) Welcome introducing Allan Feinberg (01:45) Early life: growing up in Johannesburg & moving to Perth (06:50) The red tractor dream something not many people know about Allan (09:05) What Allan loves about working in the mining industry (10:40) Leaving Hay Group to start Remsmart (12:15) Launching during the 2008 crash (13:30) Why mining remuneration is unlike any other industry (17:20) The non-negotiable qualities of great leadership (19:50) How to build trust with clients (22:40) What makes a good remuneration framework (25:10) The difference between incentive, retention, and capability plans (30:10) How a poorly designed incentive structure can damage company culture (32:25) Advice for a first-time REM committee chair (38:30) Rapid fire: proudest moments & what's still ahead (40:20) Most admired leader: Thomas Edison (41:35) The book that shaped Allan's thinking The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt (43:35) Allan's daily productivity habit knowing when NOT to pick up the phone (44:45) Advice to your 25-year-old self (45:45) Closing reflections Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐 LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.
What this episode covers
In this episode of Hearts & Mines, David sits down with Allan Feinberg, MD of Remsmart, a remuneration and reward strategy consultant with more than 20 years of experience advising boards, REM committees, and HR executives with a particular focus on the mining industry. Far more than a conversation about pay structures, this is a masterclass in understanding what truly drives people, builds trust, and shapes culture inside resource companies. Allan unpacks why mining remuneration is fundamentally different from every other industry, how poorly designed incentive plans can quietly destroy a culture, and why the difference between an incentive and a retention plan matters far more than most boards realise. He also shares refreshingly candid reflections on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to show up well as a consultant and as a leader. Whether you work in mining, people management, or any business where relationships are the currency, there's something here for you. # Allan Feinberg 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-feinberg/ David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/ Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/ ivy & gecko 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko Timecodes: (00:00) Preview & Highlights (01:00) Welcome introducing Allan Feinberg (01:45) Early life: growing up in Johannesburg & moving to Perth (06:50) The red tractor dream something not many people know about Allan (09:05) What Allan loves about working in the mining industry (10:40) Leaving Hay Group to start Remsmart (12:15) Launching during the 2008 crash (13:30) Why mining remuneration is unlike any other industry (17:20) The non-negotiable qualities of great leadership (19:50) How to build trust with clients (22:40) What makes a good remuneration framework (25:10) The difference between incentive, retention, and capability plans (30:10) How a poorly designed incentive structure can damage company culture (32:25) Advice for a first-time REM committee chair (38:30) Rapid fire: proudest moments & what's still ahead (40:20) Most admired leader: Thomas Edison (41:35) The book that shaped Allan's thinking The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt (43:35) Allan's daily productivity habit knowing when NOT to pick up the phone (44:45) Advice to your 25-year-old self (45:45) Closing reflections Follow Hearts & Mines 🌐 LinkedIn 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearts-mines Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios: https://podwavestudios.au/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.
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The Remuneration Specialist: Mining Pay Structures Are Breaking & How to Fix Them | Allan Feinberg
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