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Soa Palelei
Founder and Wellbeing Ambassador
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.
Soa Palelei
Founder and Wellbeing Ambassador
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.
Lauren Harpham
Mental Health Presenter and Coordinator
Lauren Harpham is a Mental Health Presenter and Coordinator whose work is deeply informed by both lived experience and professional practice. Having navigated her own mental health challenges, she brings a genuine understanding of how isolating and overwhelming these experiences can be. This insight fuels her commitment to ensuring others feel supported, validated, and heard.
With a Health Sciences degree and extensive experience across high pressure and complex environment - including psychiatric intensive care units, custodial settings, offshore facilities, and remote workforce - Lauren has developed a strong appreciation for the psychological demands faced by people working or living in challenging conditions.
In addition to her clinical and operational background, Lauren embraces a holistic approach to wellbeing. She holds qualifications in yoga and reiki and is passionate about the mind-body connection, integrating accessible and practical tools to support emotional regulation and mental health.
Warm, authentic, and grounded, Lauren is dedicated to fostering honest conversations, sharing lived experiences, and equipping individuals with the confidence and skills to care for their mental health and support others both in the workplace and beyond.
Lauren Harpham
Mental Health Presenter and Coordinator
Lauren Harpham is a Mental Health Presenter and Coordinator whose work is deeply informed by both lived experience and professional practice. Having navigated her own mental health challenges, she brings a genuine understanding of how isolating and overwhelming these experiences can be. This insight fuels her commitment to ensuring others feel supported, validated, and heard.
With a Health Sciences degree and extensive experience across high pressure and complex environment - including psychiatric intensive care units, custodial settings, offshore facilities, and remote workforce - Lauren has developed a strong appreciation for the psychological demands faced by people working or living in challenging conditions.
In addition to her clinical and operational background, Lauren embraces a holistic approach to wellbeing. She holds qualifications in yoga and reiki and is passionate about the mind-body connection, integrating accessible and practical tools to support emotional regulation and mental health.
Warm, authentic, and grounded, Lauren is dedicated to fostering honest conversations, sharing lived experiences, and equipping individuals with the confidence and skills to care for their mental health and support others - both in the workplace and beyond.