In this episode of Engineering Success, Melinda Sietsma interviews Neil Hunt, Managing Director of McLanahan Group, for a conversation that blends personal resilience, engineering leadership, and an extraordinary company legacy spanning 190 years. Neil shares his unconventional career journey, immigrating to Australia and navigating multiple industry pivots, to ultimately leading one of the world’s oldest family-owned engineering businesses. His story looks at how perseverance, curiosity, and the right mentors can shape a remarkable career.

Neil also dives into McLanahan’s fascinating 1835 origins and its evolution from a Civil War-era foundry to a global leader in mineral processing and Australian manufacturing. He offers candid insights into building the brand locally, the strength of the Hunter region’s engineering ecosystem, and the strategic shifts redefining modern mining. Packed with history, leadership lessons, and industry knowledge, this episode is a must-listen for engineers, leaders, and anyone who loves a great story.