When Leighanne joined Elara in January 2023, she wasn’t chasing a promotion or a plan. She was simply looking for someone to believe in her.
After years away from work caring for her partner through illness, Leighanne faced the difficult reality of returning to work after his passing. With a long career gap behind her and self-doubt creeping in, opportunities felt scarce. But then she met Bev.
“Bev called me and she gave me the chance and here we are.”
It was a quiet moment, but a pivotal one. Leighanne started as a cleaner, worked with focus and determination and before long was leading a team across nine showrooms. With support from Bev and Rebecca, she stepped into the role of Commercial Field Supervisor. Today, she supports multiple sites, leads audits, solves problems and still makes time to check in on those who work solo on site.
A path built on growth and steady resilience
Leighanne joined with no expectations but quickly set her sights on growth. Her drive and ambition to progress turned opportunity into a clear path forward.
“I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds… there’s been a lot of personal growth as well as professional.”
Leighanne’s confidence has grown with every step. She’s brushed up on tech, completed her CSCS card and taken on fire marshal and first aid training. She says each day brings something new to learn, whether from the team, the sites, or the job itself. And her ambitions are growing just as much. “My ultimate goal? Take on Bev’s role one day and become Rebecca’s right-hand woman!”
Making space for others to thrive
Now in a leadership role, Leighanne’s proudest moments aren’t just about her own progress. They’re in the everyday check-ins, the moments that make people feel seen and valued.
“There’s some people that work alone on site. It’s just nice to get round and see them, reassure them that we’re here and they are part of the team.”
Having once been given the chance she needed, Leighanne now does her best to pass that belief on to others. “Bev did that to me, and I’m hoping I can give that to a bit of everybody.”
The culture behind the confidence
Leighanne describes the team at Elara as one that truly backs each other. That means sharing a laugh, checking in, and cheering each other on. Even on tough days, she knows she’s supported.
“Rebecca has been a massive support. She’s always there at the end of the day if I need her, she’s a very good listener. And obviously without Rebecca then the rest of us wouldn’t have a job.
Donna does all the magic behind the scenes. I ring her multiple times a day and she’s always there to help me sort things out.”
And let’s not forget Allan, who Leighanne says wears shorts year-round and makes training videos to stop the vacuums being blamed for things a good filter clean could fix.
First Aid fun to everyday joy
One standout memory? The First Aid course.
“Watching Donna do the manoeuvre on Bev was brilliant. Poor Bev ended up properly squashed, which had us all in stitches. It broke the ice for a lot of us and brought out so much laughter. It wasn’t just about learning first aid, it was a rare moment where everyone got to bond properly. We all left that day knowing each other better and feeling more like a team.”
Those light-hearted moments matter to Leighanne. She loves the laughs along the way, from funny team stories to shared banter on site. They remind her, and everyone else, that work can be full of joy as well as purpose. One of her favourite traditions? Bon Jovi Day. Every Wednesday, the team marks the halfway point of the week with a singalong or a cheeky message. It’s the kind of ritual that lifts spirits and brings a bit of fun into the daily routine.
Leighanne’s advice for anyone thinking of joining?
“Join! Hard work is always recognised here. You’re not just a number, you’re a person.”
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