Strong Minds, Strong Mines was founded by Soa Palelei, whose personal journey continues to inspire the work we do every day. As a former UFC fighter and three-time world champion, Soa understands the physical and mental pressures that come with high-performance environments. These pressures are familiar to many working in remote and demanding roles across the resources sector.
Soa’s path has not been easy. He overcame a childhood marked by adversity and built a successful career in one of the world’s toughest sports. Along the way, he faced his own mental health challenges, which led him to a powerful realisation: real change starts with connection and honesty. That belief became the foundation for Strong Minds, Strong Mines.
Soa created this program to bring practical support and genuine understanding to workplaces where mental health is often overlooked. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life has helped build trust across the industry. Whether speaking with crews onsite, supporting wellness champions, or engaging leadership teams, Soa brings authenticity and empathy. His message is clear: mental health matters, and no one should face it alone.
Under Soa’s leadership, Strong Minds, Strong Mines has grown into a respected initiative that helps companies create safer, more supportive environments. His lived experience and passion for helping others continue to drive our mission forward.
Soa brings a powerful presence to every mental health presentation. He shares his story with honesty and vulnerability, guiding audiences through the highs and lows of his life. By opening up about his darkest moments, Soa creates space for real connection and helps people understand that support is available and options exist.
With more than 20 years of experience in elite sport, Soa promotes a healthy body and healthy mind philosophy. He designs tailored fitness programs, nutrition plans and wellbeing initiatives that extend beyond physical training. His approach empowers individuals to take control of their health and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Soa is a natural motivator. He brings energy, empathy and purpose to every person he works with. His ability to connect with people and inspire action is a key part of what makes Strong Minds, Strong Mines so impactful.
Meet our wellness facilitator & program co-ordinator, Becky, a resilient and inspiring advocate for respect, equality, and mental health. With a passion for equality, Becky delves into vital topics such as workplace respect, personal value, positive self-perception, consent, and resilience. Drawing from personal experiences, she navigates these conversations with sincerity, providing valuable insights and fostering a culture of understanding.
Becky is a beacon of integrity and sincerity. Whether captivating an audience or engaging in one-on-one conversations, her inspiring and candid words resonate.
In the heart of Becky’s journey lies her remarkable resilience as a survivor who has faced sexual misconduct. Becky delicately and compassionately shares her experiences, transforming her pain into a powerful purpose with trauma informed practises in mind. Her passion centres around fostering a world anchored in respect, understanding, and knowledge, unravelling the impact of culture and upbringing on behaviours. Through Strong Minds, Strong Mines, Becky advocates for mental health and suicide prevention by creating safe, inclusive spaces and fostering compassion on our shared journey toward wellbeing.
Growing up amid mental health challenges, Becky cultivated empathy, resilience, and self-care skills. Witnessing her parents’ struggles, she embarked on a path of advocacy, fuelled by determination to break down barriers hindering help-seeking.
In June 2021, Becky launched The Resource Podcast, addressing workplace sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination, diversity, and inclusion.
This platform unites professionals, psychologists, administrators, consultants, experts and lived experience operators, aiming to be the comprehensive resource of education.
Becky is a catalyst for change, striving for workplaces where diversity is celebrated, and every individual feels respected. Join her on International Women’s Day as she shares her journey, challenges societal norms, and inspires respect for survivors and advocates. Together, let’s foster a world embracing empathy, understanding, and empowerment.
Need more information about our programs? Fill out the form, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss how Strong Minds, Strong Mines can support your workplace’s mental health and wellbeing.
