Jade Thomas, Foster Environmental, Health, Safety & Regulatory Advisor
Q: Tell us what led you into your current career?
In my teenage years I was subjected to school bullying which encouraged me to source other means of education outside of school. I became a fully qualified chef at the age of 17. My first position of employment would often see me put in a leadership role, which was by no means an easy task at such a young age.
I always had an ambition to engage with Health and Safety so in 2016, I took the plunge to work within my family’s Asbestos and Roofing business. Looking for bigger challenges and growth opportunities, I moved on to Fosters and haven’t looked back.
Q: What piece of advice or words have you been given that you would pass on to others?
• Don’t worry what other people think. Be unique Be memorable. Be confident. Be proud and most importantly, believe in yourself.
• Learn something new every day. Never think you are too old to ask questions or know too much to learn something new.
• Walk the talk for your vision to have an effect.
• Build mutual trust and respect, criticise carefully and
constructively. Give praise and recognition. Treat people equally.
Q: 3 words that describe you best?
Passionate, honest, approachable.
Q: What challenges do you face within your role?
The emergence of the multi-generation workforce is a significant challenge when it comes to monitoring health and safety. Each generation has different expectations of how things should be done.
Q: What’s your future long term goal?
Become a leader in my field, which will naturally attract a higher earning capacity. As a young mother, I want to provide a secure environment for my son and give him the opportunities to succeed in life and gain a NEBOSH Diploma.
Q: What’s your idea of a work-free day off?
Wining and dining with friends and family, and spending time with my 7-year-old son Lucas and partner. Of course, who doesn’t love a bit of retail and beauty therapy to pamper oneself?
Jael Clausen, Foster Sustainability and Compliance Advisor
Q: Tell us what led you into your current career?
From a young age I was passionate about the construction industry, having grown up around building sites. Being a shy young female, I knew a career in construction would be challenging, however I was determined to follow my dreams and pursue a career within the industry. It is a privilege to have a key role in constructing buildings in which New Zealanders spend a lot of their time, learning, playing, working, building relationships, and making memories.
Q: What piece of advice or words have you been given that you would pass on to others?
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is an important life motto for me. So, don’t give up, keep pushing on to follow your dreams and work hard to achieve your goals.
Q: 3 words that describe you best?
Determined, genuine and loyal.
Q: What challenges do you face within your role?
Building genuine relationships with other women within the industry who share my passion for construction has been my biggest challenge. I am thankful for the support I have received from men and women who have encouraged and inspired me to push through challenges and pursue my goals.
Q: What’s your future long term goal?
My goal is to become a leader in the construction industry to support positive, more sustainable construction practices. I would like to inspire others to join the construction industry by embracing our heritage while shaping and growing New Zealand with iconic buildings.
Q: What’s your idea of a work-free day off?
Fishing off the Raglan coast and spending time with family and friends.
Wendy Barnard, Brand & Marketing Manager, Foster Construction Group
Q: Tell us what led you into your current career?
Being creative in my work has always been important to me. My first job was a hair stylist, but photography interested me far more and is what led me into marketing. Initially, I was focused on website management and design but explored other avenues too. 8 years ago, I joined Fosters as a temp.
Immediately, I felt like part of the team and because I truly believed in the Foster brand, this was the perfect role. I appreciate being trusted to deliver a brand that represents strong values, with marketing to support everything that Fosters does.
Q: What piece of advice or words have you been given that you would pass on to others?
Your job and title don’t define you. You’re stronger than you think. And you can do this! Also, I am grateful to have worked alongside some amazing women during my career, many of whom remain close friends. Keep in touch with people who have shaped your career positively – you’ll build a strong network.
Q: 3 words that describe you best?
True, passionate and compassionate.
Q: What challenges do you face within your role?
Marketing has very quickly developed into such a complex field and it’s impossible to be the master of everything – the challenge is trusting others to present our brand as passionately as I do!
As we grow bigger, so does the challenge of keeping our brand consistent at every touchpoint. With so many projects on the go at Fosters, brand and communications is a fast-moving target and it can be challenging keeping on top of it all. Flexibility is a must!
Q: What’s your future long term goal?
Building a consistent brand gives me enormous satisfaction – I look forward to seeing Fosters cement their position as an industry leader, with the brand I’ve had a hand in creating up high for all to see.
I also like the idea of developing more in the event management space.
Q: What’s your idea of a work-free day off?
Brunch, time with my two wee grandbabies and then quiet time over wine and nibbles with my better half. Note there is no mention of housework!
