What name are you known by and why (nickname)?

I have a few nicknames. The most unusual one is "The Elegant Alpha" which is a play on the mathematical reference to elegance as ingenious and simple. In senior secondary school, I was called “Discovery” – like the documentaries, because of my curiosity, love of reading and thirst to know more about a broad range of topics.

Tell us about your role and how you became interested in engineering.

I am a graduate mechanical engineer in Zambia. The country produces around a fifth of the world’s emeralds, and copper mining is critical to the economy. So, I feel like I’m making a difference when I help our customers select and operate their equipment optimally. I help customers buy the right technology for the job and ensure that it is well maintained so that their plants run optimally at the lowest total cost of ownership.

What’s the most exciting/innovative project you’ve worked on?

I was really excited by my Masters’ degree thesis. I used SolidWorks 3D CAD design software to design a system that details how to manufacture a bearing. It included the written steps to transform a metal block into working bearings alongside the computer simulation showing which tools to use.

What would you say to other young people who may be considering a career in engineering?

A career in engineering is the best way to challenge yourself creatively other than art. As you conquer obstacles one by one, you'll realise that there is no limit to your personal growth. And always remember to love maths! It’s fundamental to everything we do.

What makes you feel that you can be yourself and belong at Weir?

I love Weir’s culture of continuous improvement. My manager at Weir Minerals in Zambia, Khaled Al Zaylaa has an incredible work ethic. He makes me feel heard and like I matter. I am inspired by the leadership qualities and behaviours I see, and that motivates me to be my best. I have received all the training I need to develop and grow, and I feel supported by Bathabile Mosala and Emirly Padi in the learning and development team in particular.

How do you see your future career?

I am working to become an established engineer who has mastered the trade and added other skills to complement what I already have. I would love to be part of Weir’s sustainability story and help transform mining technologies to get more from less.

I believe that there is no limit to personal development. The more we work to become better people – showing love and respect - and add value to others, the more we grow into the best version of ourselves. That is what I am working towards.

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at Weir. Why is it important to you?

A sustainable business is a win-win for everyone. It would be entirely selfish not to add value to one another and do what is right for each other, our communities and the planet.

What is your greatest achievement/most exciting thing you’ve done outside of work?

In my last two years of university, things got really tough, and I needed money to pay for my studies. So, I did photography and worked tirelessly to make finishing my studies possible. I’m so proud that through hard work, tenacity and perseverance I could pay for my graduation and thesis expenses and become an engineer.