Biggest or best career break?  My first full-time role. I was fortunate enough to have a scholarship as I went through university (in Queensland) which then led to my first full-time position, with BHP in 1992, which then gave me my first exposure to commodities, which is where my career has remained. BHP had introduced scholarships for (bachelors of) international business, and there were only two universities, one in Queensland and one in WA, which offered the course and I was one of the lucky recipients of the inaugural three scholarships.
Describe your leadership style.  I tend to employ a mix of different styles to get the best out of people, depending on the situation. I have a preference to collaborate but I also want team members to realise they have autonomy, and one of the keys for me is to cultivate an environment where we can leverage everyone's skills and their experiences and at the same time ensure everyone clearly understands what they are accountable for.
The teams that I am responsible for work in multiple locations, globally, so while I like to know what is happening, I can't be directly involved in everything (so) for me trust and empowerment are critical and powerful elements. 
Business mentorsrole models?  I've had many fantastic bosses at Alcoa who have provided me with different skills, perspectives, challenges and the ability to be continually challenged. My father (Maurice) was an exceptional role model for me, he instilled a key set of values, honesty, respect and the value of hard work and having a strong and inclusive family environment.
Most memorable business experience?  My career has always enjoyed a large amount of travel in different countries and I find that extremely rewarding. Some of the best experiences are largely off the beaten track. One that springs to mind was spending Chinese New Year in Harbin, in northern China, in the middle of winter. I caught the train (from Beijing), a day and a half on the train and it was minus 25C outside. It's that sort of stuff that for me is a blast.
Best way to improve productivity?  Empower your employees, promote diversity and support, encourage and reward innovation. Sponsor the development and deployment of technology to support continuous improvement and competitiveness in the business. It's the employees who will always be responsible for delivering the productivity improvements that we need. I want every employee to be seen as a business leader. Everybody makes decisions every day that either take the company forward or take the company backwards. I want the people we employ to treat it like a family business. If you have talented and engaged employees who feel they are valued, they will be loyal to you (and) it leads to greater commitment and productivity. One of my key roles (is) to create a culture and environment where we give them the opportunity to deliver their full potential.
Alcoa is splitting in half. What does it mean for Alcoa of Australia?  It's pretty much business as usual. Our 60 per cent share (of Alcoa of Australia; Alumina owns 40 per cent) will be owned by the new company that will be created by Alcoa (and) retain the Alcoa name. The new company (will contain) Alcoa's global primary products unit today -- mining, refining, smelting, casting and energy. 
Biggest challenge facing the Australian business community?  The cost of doing business here: the high cost of labour, the cost of capital and, particularly through an Alcoa lens, the cost of energy. They all take their toll on business competitiveness and ultimately the bottom line. Most Australian companies are exposed to global markets, either directly or indirectly, and they need to remain competitive in order to support their longer-term success. 
Do you use  
social media?  You are talking to someone who has just switched from a Blackberry to an iPhone. And that was very much company mandated! (As far as the rest of the Parker family is concerned) we probably own almost every single Apple product that was ever invented. 
What do you do in your spare time?  A focus on the family, doing the sporting round with the four kids (three boys, one girl, aged 16 to nine) at the weekend and hopefully also finding time to recharge. I am a pretty social sort of person (so) I tend to like to do stuff with others (and) we have a good network in the neighbourhood.
Next holiday destination?  Down south is a favourite for us. We will head to Yallingup in mid-  January. We are going to take the family to New Zealand to go skiing and other adventures in the middle of next year. When we asked the kids, they said they wanted an action-packed holiday.