Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard Fossils by Firelight - GSSA

Keeper of the Keys: Dr. Craig Smith on a Life in Geology

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In this episode of Fossils by Firelight, host Noleen Pauls sits down with Dr. Craig Smith — long-serving executive manager of the Geological Society of South Africa — at his home in Hout Bay as he reflects on a remarkable career that’s taken him from solitary months in the Wyoming field to laboratories, boardrooms, and what he jokingly calls being a professional “cross-dresser” between academia and industry. As Craig heads into retirement after nearly 16 years of guiding the GSSA, he shares stories, surprises, and insights into how the geosciences — and the Society — have transformed along the way.
Chapters
  • 00:08 Introduction to Fossils by Firelight and Dr Craig Smith
  • 02:10 Craig's background and entry into geology
  • 03:42 Field experiences and coming to South Africa
  • 06:05 Career transitions and corporate culture
  • 08:15 Interesting experiences at the GSSA
  • 10:48 Achievements at the GSSA
  • 12:35 Challenges and future directions
  • 14:54 Perspectives on AI and career evolution
  • 17:54 The future of geology
  • 20:38 Legacy and transition
  • 25:14 Conclusion and recognition
15 Dec 2025 English South Africa Personal Journals · Earth Sciences

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