Tegan Larkins’ story is the kind that reminds you careers rarely follow a straight line.
In Episode 5 of the JRNY Podcast, Paul Cohalan sits down with Tegan from Talent Mining to unpack a journey that starts in New Zealand, takes a detour through fashion and film, lands in WA mining, and evolves into business ownership, leadership, and motherhood.
Originally from New Zealand, Tegan came to Australia for what was meant to be a short holiday. Like many people who arrive in WA with no long-term plan, one opportunity led to another — and she never left. What followed was more than a decade in the mining industry, much of it spent in Port Hedland, where she built a career, raised a family, and gained the experience that would eventually help launch her own business.
The Leap to Entrepreneurship
After 11 years working within major mining operations, including BHP, Tegan made the leap out of the corporate world and into entrepreneurship. That transition is one of the most interesting parts of this conversation. She speaks honestly about the tension between safety and ambition — having the security of a steady role, while also feeling the pull to build something of her own.
That “something” became Talent Mining, a business built around relationships, people, and industry understanding. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, Tegan has leaned into what she knows best: mining, workforce needs, team culture, and placing the right people in the right roles.
Motherhood and Mining
But this episode is about more than business.
It is also about the reality of being a working mum in demanding environments, backing yourself when there is no perfect roadmap, and learning to operate in uncertainty. Tegan shares what it looked like to juggle long shifts, daycare runs, career progression, and the pressure that comes with wanting more for your family.
"She also opens up about building The Mining Mum brand and podcast, and how a side idea sparked by social content turned into a bigger platform for storytelling, connection, and influence within the industry."
Backing Yourself
This episode is honest, energetic, and full of perspective for anyone navigating career change, business growth, or the challenge of building a life on your own terms.
If you’re in mining, leadership, business, or just need a reminder to back yourself, this is one worth watching.