Refining Leadership: Maria Piastre’s Gold Standard in the Precious Metals Industry
Maria Piastre, CEO of the precious metals refinery Metallix, embodies a leadership philosophy grounded in her passion for continuous learning, cultivating strong interpersonal relationships, and surrounding herself with the best in the field. Since joining Metallix in 2005, Piastre has played a key role in shaping the company into one of the most respected names in the industry.
“I’ve always had a passion for learning, and I firmly believe that continuous learning is key to excelling in any industry,” Piastre said. She emphasizes how important it is to learn the technical aspects of any field, regardless of one’s background. “Numbers never lie,” Piastre said. “Being able to understand the math behind what we do is crucial. Even if you’re not an expert at first, your curiosity can take you a long way.” This curiosity not only helped her excel in her technical role at Metallix but also fueled her desire to lead a company known for innovation and expertise in precious metals refining.
In addition to continuous learning, Piastre also believes that interpersonal skills are just as important for success. “Methodology and innovation are crucial, but you can’t accomplish anything without the right people,” she explained, referring to how she balances technical innovation with a people-centered approach at Metallix. Her leadership style prioritizes creating a workplace where employees can thrive—not just technically, but in terms of safety and personal well-being.
Furthermore, she emphasizes that these meaningful relationships are built with a team of talented people—those who bring both expertise and a passion for excellence. She believes that one of the best ways to grow as a leader is to ensure you’re always learning from others. “I always say that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” This mantra has guided her leadership style and helped her build a team at Metallix that is diverse, highly skilled, and committed to innovation.
"In our industry, I don’t want people who just push numbers. I want a team that’s always looking for the next improvement, that isn’t afraid to challenge the numbers when they don’t make sense,” Piastre explained. Holding the title of the prestigious "Woman in Manufacturing" STEM award and leading the creation of the most modern and complete precious metals laboratory in the United States, she attributes her accomplishments to the people who helped make it possible. “Innovation is something we can only achieve when we have the right people in place,” she said.
Whether it’s embracing new technologies, building a high-performing team, or staying curious about the world around her, Piastre’s passion for growth and her commitment to excellence are central to her success. In her words of advice to the next generation, “It’s about having the hunger to learn…For younger professionals, I look for that spark—the desire to grow and push the boundaries of what they know."
"Stay curious, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better every day." Perhaps the first step toward building one’s own gold standard company lies in refining leadership through the words of Maria Piastre, an icon of success in the precious metals industry.