Leeanne Bond: Together We Engineer – Reflections and Advice for Women in Engineering

As part of the Australian Power Institute’s 2025 International Women in Engineering Day celebrations, trailblazer and engineering executive Leeanne Bond delivered a powerful and personal reflection on her career, the importance of inclusive leadership, and her advice for the next generation of women engineers. With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Leeanne’s story is one of determination, collaboration, and courage. 

Watch the full session recording or read the transcript now:

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Introduction: Finding Her Path 

Leeanne introduced herself with characteristic humility, recalling her early days as a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Queensland in the late 1980s — a time of industry downturns and limited opportunities. “Like most chemical engineers back then, we all wanted to work in the oil industry. How things have changed,” she remarked. Despite the challenging job market, she found her way into engineering design consultancy, laying the groundwork for a diverse and influential career. 

Her progression from technical design to project and business management happened organically: “I got very interested in the client and what we were designing… I naturally moved into identifying the projects… and then putting a team together to deliver.” 

Leadership: From Reluctance to Impact 

Leeanne’s journey into leadership was shaped by taking brave steps into unfamiliar territory. A pivotal moment came when she was invited to serve as the first female President of Engineers Australia’s Queensland Division in 2002. “It was a decision I had to make… I was busy enough,” she said, “but it was an amazing experience, and I grew a lot through that.” 

She openly acknowledged the challenges of being in the spotlight, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. “Up until that time, I was an engineer first. I didn’t want to be seen as a female. Now I realise — well, I actually am seen as a female. Doesn’t matter what I think about it. So get over it.” 

This acceptance led to greater confidence and opened unexpected doors — including her first board appointment, which she initially didn’t fully understand. “I don’t actually know what a board is,” she remembered thinking. But she trusted her mentors and took the leap, leading to a second career as a company director. 

Her message for others is clear: “Be brave and say, well, OK, let’s go for this. That really gives you a lot of advantages in the opportunities that will be presented.” 

Collaboration: Embracing the “Ugly Dance Partner” 

A strong believer in collective intelligence, Leeanne highlighted the role of collaboration and diverse perspectives in engineering. “The theme ‘Together We Engineer’ is very relevant to the way I approach my work — particularly now in the boardroom.” 

She stressed the importance of including voices that challenge us: “One of the things they talk about is… who’s your ‘ugly dance partner’? Who is the person that you don’t get on with that you actually need to work with because they will reflect things to you that you won’t think about?” 

Leeanne believes that engineers must look beyond the technical: “You do need very different voices. It’s not just all about technical — in fact, a lot of it’s not.” Her work across government, business, and infrastructure taught her the value of listening to other sectors and disciplines. 

Reflection and Call to Action: Mentorship, Merit, and Momentum 

In her closing reflections, Leeanne urged women in engineering to seek mentorship and community: “Find someone that you can form a bond with… just be brave and ask them.” 

She also addressed the ongoing tension around meritocracy and diversity: “People don’t get appointed because they are the best candidate — they’re the candidate people know and are comfortable with. More merit probably means more diversity.” 

Leeanne’s career, shaped by moments of courage and supported by strong professional relationships, illustrates the importance of showing up fully, embracing difference, and giving back. “Everyone that I’ve worked with has always leaned out to help me… and I also get it reflected back.” 

As the power sector continues to evolve, her example offers a powerful reminder: we are stronger when we engineer together.