Rotorua Business Owner

People-first leadership, powered by burgers

Hey, I'm Ash 👋🏻 I run a BurgerFuel, but my real passion is growing people. When I became a franchisee at 21-years-old, I thought leadership was about being a good operator. Turns out, it's not... Four years later I decided to actually learn how to lead, own my gaps, and do the work. Since then, everything has levelled up: my team, my culture, my business, and honestly... me.

What I Believe In

- Creating a workplace where young people feel seen, supported, and capable.
- Mixing empathy with high standards (yes, you can have both).
- Speaking openly about the messy parts of leadership and growth.
- Showing other women and young leaders that ownership and leadership are absolutely within reach.

What I’ve Built Along The Way

- A driver's license program so my team can get independent and moving.
- Regular 1:1s that are actually meaningful—not corporate tick-boxes.
- A culture that celebrates wins big and small.
- A visual training system that my team actually want to be part of.
- The BurgerFuel Women in Business Series, because representation matters.

What I’m Focused On Right Now

- Growing the team at BurgerFuel Fairy Springs.
- Supporting Rotorua Women in Business.
- Building better leadership systems for young teams.
- Helping Rotorua’s next generation of leaders step up.

Ashleigh visiting a local business in Rotorua

I'm usually the youngest in the room and often the only woman—but I show up anyway, say what I mean, and lead in a way that feels like me.

I'm still growing (always will be), but if my journey can make someone else believe they can do it too—then that's the good stuff.

If you're into people-first leadership, youth development, or building cultures that actually work, let's connect 🤝

BurgerFuel Fairy Springs

Wāhine at The Wheel

Years @ The Fuel: 11
Years as owner: 6
Burgers Served: 000,000+

BurgerFuel Rotorua interior with neon lighting

Highlights

2020

Youth Employer of The Year

Rotorua Youth Employment Plus - One Chance Youth Awards

2021

Emerging Store of The Year