Self-confessed social addict Ashley Gray, passionate about initiatives challenging the norm, is proud and privileged to work in New Zealand’s beef and lamb sector.
The general manager of Auckland-based Beef + Lamb NZ is responsible for domestic marketing, loves to be challenged and is constantly in search of inspiration.
Last month she was instrumental in launching the professional networking initiative, Meat Business Women (MBW) and is excited about the positive challenges it will have for women seeking meat industry careers.
MBW wants to develop the image, culture and landscape to make the industry more attractive to female talent.
“We also nurture new female entrants into the sector through networking, education and mentoring,” Gray, the inaugural chairwoman, said.
Gray, 29, was born in Britain but raised on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast. The then firmly city girl left Auckland University in 2011 clutching her communications degree, majoring in public relations.
Part of her course involved a session where the she was paired with mentors and while she saw herself as initially wanting to work for a glossy public relations agency, she was paired with B+LNZ chief executive Rod Slater and Tanya Hart.
During her six months with them she shaped her future career in the red meat sector.
She took a one-year placement with B+LNZ and to her surprise found she loved the work.
“I fell in love with the people in the industry and the opportunities for work and I haven’t looked back since.
“I am very proud to say I work in the meat industry.”
It was her work in the meat industry that took her as a delegate to the International Meat Secretariat (IMS) in Uruguay in 2016.
“It was there I met with the most incredible woman, Laura Ryan. She founded MBW in 2015 and presented her talk about what led to this, how she was sick of being just one of a few women in the industry.”
Ryan and colleague Pamela Brook worked for Britain’s Agriculture and Horticultural Development Board when they came up with the idea to attract more women into the meat industry.
Their MBW quickly gained traction in Britain.
“Laura motivated me that day. I was really inspired by her and she became someone I have connected with over time and now for me she is a business and personal mentor,” Gray said.
She was involved with Ryan in the launch of MBW in Australia earlier this year, joining Ryan and Australian chairwoman Stacey McKenna as the initial threesome on the fledgling global council.
MBW will have branches in the United States, Canada and Brazil this year.
“Once I began on this journey the interactions I had with women working in the supply chain were, for me, revolutionary.
“Women in our sector are incredibly passionate. They are forward thinkers, conversation starters, game changers, shakers and movers and, I believe, collectively have a huge role to play in shaping how the meat industry is perceived and operates in years to come,” Gray said.
“I can see how a young woman looking to choose her career path could overlook this industry.
“I almost was that woman eight years ago but I’ve had some unforgettable experiences and opportunities to create change.
“I know that if we can develop an environment that attracts talented women into our industry and nurture their development the whole sector will reap the rewards.”
“If we want a thriving industry change needs to happen quickly through innovation, cultural shifts, challenging perceptions and a whole new approach to how we think about our sector.
“Research shows us that having more gender diverse company boards and workforce facilitates enhanced financial performance and governance.
“As someone who is passionate about the meat industry I know we can make a positive impact with Meat Business Women,” Ryan said.
Gray said “Women do have a different way of thinking and networking and we do have a lot to offer, especially now when the industry is going through so many challenges.
“The world is changing and that’s exciting.
Gray’s is also strategic director of Retail Meat NZ and chief executive of the World Butchers Challenge.
