If you’d told Ashley Mason when she left school that in a couple of decades she’d be standing on stage accepting an Emerging Leader Award, she would likely have scoffed at you.
But that’s exactly where Ashley was on November 15 – being handed the trophy at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Ashley’s career path has evolved organically. When she left school she worked as an EA for about 15 years. At one point she did a year’s study to be a secondary school maths teacher. Despite being “good with numbers”, she realised she wasn’t cut out for teaching.
“I was on a full scholarship and if I’d completed the degree I was up for a $30,000 incentive to stay in New Zealand and teach. But I quickly realised it was not my cup of tea and I wasn’t passionate about teaching. So I went out to work and thought ‘I won’t do anything until I know what I want to do’.”
As an EA, Ashley looked after “some pretty awesome and inspiring people in senior leadership teams” and through that she gleaned a lot about management and leadership.
Having had her second child, Ashley, then 31, returned to work as an EA.
“I had this moment when I realised I needed more, I needed to be challenged and I asked myself ‘where am I going and what am I doing?’. I used to sell myself short and say that I don’t need a career. But I realised that if I’m going to work eight hours a day and be away from my kids that I needed it to be worthwhile and fulfilling.”
So she quit and enrolled in full-time study to qualify as a quantity surveyor. It ticked the box in terms of her being good with numbers, and she had loved the journey with her builder husband, Daniel, building their own family home, seeing their vision come to life.
Daniel was a contract builder to Sentinel Homes Waikato at the time and owner Nate Alley was advertising for an accounts person.
“I met with Nate and said I don’t have the experience you’re looking for, but I do Daniel’s accounts, I have the right attitude, and I’ll work hard.”
Nate could see Ashley’s potential, and it was him who nominated her for the Emerging Leader Award.
For the next three years, Ashley worked at Sentinel Homes as well as completing her Diploma in Construction (quantity surveying).
The team was small and lean back then, but as the company grew Ashley had the opportunity to “try a bit of everything”. She worked as a QS while implementing some integral systems and processes for the business. Ashley has now found her passion in her role as head of delivery.
“Essentially, it’s a construction manager role but broader. I look after the construction, QS, and on-site labour teams. I oversee the delivery arm of the business, and I make sure jobs are financially and operationally managed throughout.”
And while Ashley wouldn’t have predicted where her career would take her, she has proactively worked towards personal and professional growth over the past few years.
Sentinel Homes had invited workplace wellness practitioner and leadership coach Rhonda Parry in to run a wellbeing programme for the team. Ashley felt an immediate connection with Rhonda and decided she needed to work with her.
“I wanted to grow into a leadership role, I wanted to look after people, foster relationships and help the business and people grow. But I knew I had a lot of work to do personally to get there. Back then I didn’t quite understand what it would take from a strengths or values perspective to be a good leader.
“When I was named as a finalist for Emerging Leader, I looked back at the person I was when I came into this business and who I am now. And I’m really proud of that growth and the person I am now.”
Ashley readily admits that being a woman in the construction industry is challenging.
“I’m a strong personality so I can hold my own, but it’s still very much a man’s world. The QS qualification gave me the confidence to know I have earned my seat at the table.”
In the spirit of her organic career evolution, Ashley is happy to continue along that path.
“I’m right where I want and need to be in my career journey, which has me feeling very content and continually motivated and fulfilled. Now I’d really like to do more for women working in the construction industry.
“I feel I owe it to the industry to do more. I’m part of the National Association for Women in Construction, and we now have two female apprentices working here. I feel like now it’s time for more focus on my industry contribution.”
