Every month, The Northern Miner gets to know a different executive in the mining industry by asking them about everything — except mining.
This month, we feature Randy Smallwood, president and CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals in Vancouver, B.C.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I grew up in a family auction business, so my first job at the age of eight was working the auction floor. Every day brought new treasures and challenges as you handle a wide range of items and interact with a diverse array of people, from passionate collectors and sellers to curious onlookers.
Q: If you weren’t in mining, where would you be?
A: I would be in another profession that allows me to travel the world and experience new places and cultures.
Q: What is the most used app on your phone?
A: Strava—I use it almost daily to track various activities like biking, hiking, walking, running, etc.
Q: What’s your favourite reading?
A: Bloomberg Markets, sometimes The Economist.
Q: What do you drive?
A: I’ve been driving a Tesla Model S for 10 years now. Electric vehicles are the way of the future.
Q: Favourite band?
A: Pink Floyd / Van Morrison
Q: Marvel or Quentin Tarantino?
A: Quentin Tarantino
Q: Window or aisle seat?
A: Always window.
Q: Favourite sports team?
A: Chelsea FC
Q: What’s your kryptonite?
A: My knees.
Q: What are you really into these days?
A: Striving to reach 100 countries! I have visited 87 countries so far.
Q: What are you avoiding?
A: Nothing, I prefer to tackle any issues head on.
Q: What’s your biggest fear?
A: Deglobalization is high on my list of concerns. While globalization is not without its challenges, I believe it promotes equality, economic growth, fosters innovation and cooperation, and facilitates the movement of goods to those that need them.
Q: Who is your mentor, guide or guru?
A: I worked for Ian Telfer for eight years early on in my career. He was an incredible mentor who greatly influenced the way I lead today and my approach to business in general.
Q: What have you learned along the way?
A: To respect my instincts. They serve as an inner compass, alerting us to risks or opportunities even before we consciously analyze a situation. The older I get, the more I’ve learned to trust these gut feelings.
Q: What’s your next task?
A: Taking Wheaton to the next level, for Wheaton to reach 1 million gold equivalent oz. of annual production!
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