9 Feb 2026
Debbie French on Financial Planning for Women in Mining and Resources
In mining and resources, the pay gap doesn’t just show up in your payslip. It shows up in your super, your options, and your future choices.In this episode, James Marshall sits down with Debbie French — financial adviser and ESS strategist — to talk about how women in mining and resources can build real financial confidence (even when they’re time poor, juggling caregiving, and navigating complex remuneration like executive share schemes).Meet the GuestDebbie shares her global upbringing through a “family of bankers” (Botswana, the UK, New Zealand, then Australia), how she found her way into finance through university, and why she’s built a niche supporting women — especially those in male-dominated industries — to take control of their financial futures. Her work spans mining and resources executives, professionals, and business owners with demanding schedules, fluctuating income, and remuneration packages that aren’t always straightforward.Why the Wealth Gap Still Hits HardDebbie breaks down the difference between the pay gap and the wealth gap — and why mining still ranks among the sectors with the highest median total remuneration gap when you factor in superannuation, bonuses, allowances, and executive share schemes. She also speaks to the “sandwich generation” reality: women balancing careers while caring for children and ageing family members, and how career breaks (plus life disruptors like relationship breakdowns) can compound quickly without a plan.The Foundations: Super, Insurance, Cash Flow, Property, Estate PlanningDebbie outlines the non-negotiables that create long-term security. From understanding what “comfortable retirement” benchmarks actually look like, to making sure insurance cover matches the realities of physically demanding roles and travel, to automating cash flow so you’re not relying on willpower. She also reinforces why estate planning matters — especially for blended families — and how getting the basics right can create wellbeing that’s mental as much as it is financial.Executive Share Schemes (ESS): Where Smart Women Can Get Caught OutIf you’ve got shares as part of your package, this section is worth a replay. Debbie explains why “every scheme is different” and why your grant letter terms, vesting schedule, and tax treatment should be understood early — not when vesting hits and you’re scrambling. She shares a simple rule of thumb to avoid nasty surprises at vesting, the importance of diversification (because having your income and most of your wealth tied to one employer is a risky game), and why record keeping is crucial to save you serious pain later.Start Small. Start Today. Keep Reviewing.A recurring theme: the biggest hurdle isn’t always money — it’s time. Debbie’s advice is to start with one manageable step, automate what you can, consolidate where it makes sense (without accidentally losing important insurance cover), and review your plan regularly instead of “set and forget.
