How PCM’s Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women from across the industrials sector – whether they work in quarrying, mining, road transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail and infrastructure.
In 2021, Quarry is partnering with various Prime Creative Media (PCM) titles to acknowledge exceptional women for their leadership, innovation and commitment to their sectors.
Rachael Ashfield, from ifm, took home the award for Business Development Success of the Year in 2020, and is this year an ambassador for the 2021 awards. In her first guest column for Quarry, Rachael encourages more women to nominate for the awards.
Welcome to my first column as Ambassador for the Women in Industry Awards.
I am currently the marketing manager at an advanced automation company, and my career has been challenging yet rewarding so far.
I started out as the executive assistant to the managing director. My training and experience had provided me with a career in administration, but I felt I had more to be achieved.
Then five years ago, I was appointed as marketing assistant. As I grew within the role I was seeking newer and more exciting challenges, and as a result invested a lot of time learning many aspects of the company’s product offering. This proved to be quite complex and challenging but extremely rewarding.
I am now in my fourth year as marketing manager and firmly believe that the more you strive, the more you will be fulfilled within your career.
In 2020 I was nominated by my peers for the Women in Industry Awards. This was a surprise to me, and I was honoured that my colleagues felt so highly about my efforts. The nomination itself was extraordinary, and then to reach the list of finalists and subsequently win the award was a personal and career defining highlight.
The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding success in industries traditionally dominated by men, including manufacturing, mining, engineering, transport and logistics and waste management.
My aim as ambassador is to encourage you to nominate for these fantastic Awards, so that you receive recognition for your efforts in building a strong, well-defined and lasting business.
Women bring alternative viewpoints and experiences to a business which often fosters creativity and change. Yet the career pathway for women can be quite challenging, especially in an industry that is not highly represented by women. The Women in Industry Awards give you an opportunity to highlight key aspects and career-defining moments of your many years of success and dedication.
The journey is extraordinarily rewarding, and when you have been with a company as long as I have, you can dig deep into the knowledge base that you have built and realise you can contribute exponentially to your company, and industry more broadly.
I look forward to celebrating all of your success at the 2021 Women in Industry Awards.
Rachael Ashfield
2021 Women in Industry Ambassador
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