People-first leader building teams, culture, and community

Franchisee/Director BurgerFuel Fairy Springs, Rotorua

Rotorua Business Owner

People-first leadership, powered by burgers

Hey, I'm Ash šŸ‘‹šŸ» 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 šŸ¤

BurgerFuel Fairy Springs

Wāhine at The Wheel

Years @ The Fuel
12
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

BurgerFuel Purple Carpet Awards

2022

  • Cleanest BurgerFuel Store

BurgerFuel Purple Carpet Awards

2023

  • BurgerFuel Store of The Year
  • #1 BurgerFuel in Health & Safety
  • #1 BurgerFuel in People & Culture

BurgerFuel Purple Carpet Awards

2023

  • Rotorua Employer of The Year
  • Finalist in Manaakitanga Tourism and Hospitality
  • Finalist in Emerging Business Leader

Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards

2024

  • #1 BurgerFuel in People & Culture
  • 2nd in BurgerFuel Store of The Year

BurgerFuel Purple Carpet Awards

2024

  • Rotorua Emerging Business Leader
  • Finalist in Retail

Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards

2025

  • #1 BurgerFuel in Health & Safety
  • #1 BurgerFuel in Training & Development
  • 5th in BurgerFuel Store of The Year
  • Finalist in #1 BurgerFuel in People & Culture

BurgerFuel Purple Carpet Awards

In The Media

Testimonials

Voices from the people Ashleigh collaborates with

Leaders, suppliers, and teammates share what it feels like to work with Ashleigh.

Shyrone Pubben profile

Shyrone Pubben

Former Employee

Ash is more just than a BurgerFuel franchisee and store owner: she is a role model for young employees and to other employers. She embodies strong work ethic, passion, and drive- all of which young people can learn from her to set themselves up for success in both their personal and professional lives. Ash supports and grows her crew; inspiring them to work towards a successful future.

Melanie Howell profile

Melanie Howell

People & Culture Manager, BFHQ

Ash has grown so much as a leader over the past 12 months, not from a place of necessity but a place of desire to be the best she can be, not just in her own business but in the community. Ash's passion for helping other people to be the best versions of themselves and her desire to provide not only a roadmap for others to follow but the inspiration that if it's possible for her, it's possible for them too is the kind of leadership I want to see more of in this world. The positive ripple effect from the places Ash touches is truly humbling - she is one to watch in the future!

Aidan Nairn profile

Aidan Nairn

Website Developer / Brother

Ashleigh is a powerhouse of energy and passion. Her dedication to her team and community is truly inspiring. She's not just a boss; she's a mentor who genuinely cares about the growth and success of those around her. Her ability to lead with empathy while maintaining high standards creates a positive and motivating work environment. I'm proud to call her my sister and can't wait to see all the amazing things she'll continue to achieve.

Visit Aidan's website

Connect with Ashleigh

Media inquiries, community collaborations, or general enquiries are all welcome.