Whether it be dealing with Malaysian and Australian government authorities, Japanese customers, American defense officials, or shareholders large or small, Lacaze seems to manage all with aplomb.

And always with good humor at the fore.

Asked by MNN how long she might be at Lynas given the seventh anniversary of her appointment passed just last month, Lacaze pointed to her "pin up boy" on this score being former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir.

A PM at 94!

Lacaze's seventh year was a stellar one for Lynas and its shareholders.

The company's share price rose more than 200%.

And a $425 million fundraising successfully competed means the key foundations for Lynas' future growth are now funded and well in train.

Lynas was capitalised at about $250 million when Lacaze was appointed in June 2014.

The company is now the Western world's pre-eminent rare earths company with a current capitalisation of more than $5.5 billion.

"We're a tough lot at Lynas and I've said this before, rare earths is not for the lighthearted," Lacaze says.

"There are many over the years who would have been quite happy to see Lynas fail, particularly the Chinese, who aren't keen on the fact that we've broken their monopoly.

"That's spilled over into political challenges in Malaysia.

"So we've really toughened up over the years … if we weren't already tough in the first instance."

Always quick to credit the Lynas team, Lacaze says a key to successfully operating across jurisdictions is focusing on similarities rather than differences.

Ensuring a safe workplace is an allegory of sorts.

"There is no cultural relativity to safety because human bodies are broken the same way everywhere in the world," Lacaze said.

"In the same way when we talk about engaging with governments, with customers, or other stakeholders, no matter where they are in the world, ultimately they are all human beings.

"And for most of us as human beings we seek the same sort of outcomes.

"So, although there are days when you don't think so … people in governments are trying to deliver a better outcome for their communities and their people.

"Really engaging in understanding what those drivers are and being able to engage is the critical part of success.

"Customers all over the world are ultimately seeking the same thing … the opportunity to grow their business, do it more cost effectively and serve their customers better.

"So, when you are talking to someone else, actually listen to what they say and remember the old adage ‘two ears, one mouth'."

Lynas Rare Earths managing director Amanda Lacaze is a nominee for CEO of the Year in the 2021 MNN Awards.