Fuelled by Ambition...Alyssa Luke

We caught up with one of our incredible members Alyssa Luke, People & Culture Assistant Manager at minerva Foods to get to know more about her career journey and ambitions for the food industry. As part of our campaign 'Fuelled by Ambition' we're sharing the stories of our community and asking them to define ambition in their own terms, as well as give us as insights into their career journeys so far.

Please share your current role with us and tell us more about your career journey so far. 

I am currently in the role of People & Culture Assistant Manager and have been since 2023. I started in the HR department as a People & Culture Officer and quickly discovered how much I loved the role. Just over six months later I was offered the Assistant Manager position. I’ve always been passionate about supporting people and doing what I can to make our workplace a space where employees enjoy coming to each day. Working in the Meat Industry is not something I had pictured for myself, but now that I am here I wouldn't have it any other way. There is so much on offer that I don't think others realise. 

What would you say your top strength or superpower is and how has it helped you in your role? 

My top strength would probably be communication. Being able to communicate clearly and confidently has helped me build strong relationships with employees, managers, and stakeholders, even when I was new to the role. It’s allowed me to handle difficult conversations, provide guidance, and establish trust with those in the business.

Tell us about one of the biggest challenges to date in you career and one key learning you took from it? 

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been commencing in my role at a young age and being new to the Meat Industry. Having to earn the trust and respect from those around me is normal in any role, but being younger than most adds an additional challenge. The key learning for me has been that age or time in an industry doesn’t define your ability to contribute or lead, confidence, continuous learning, and a willingness to ask questions and grow makes all the difference.

Who do you look to as a role model and why? 

I look up to Jo McMahon, our Head of HR. She has taught me everything I know and has invested a lot of time and effort into mentoring me. Her leadership style, drive, patience, and ability to bring out the best in people make her someone I would like to be in my own career. 

Our campaign this year is called ‘Fuelled By Ambition’ where we'll celebrate everyone's ambitions, no matter how big or small they are. What does ambition look like to you? 

For me, ambition means actively trying to be better every day, whether it is learning something new, supporting my team, or finding ways to make a positive impact at work or in the community. It’s about personal growth, improvement, and staying passionate about what you do. I also believe that recognition is a big part of ambition, recognising our own strengths and weaknesses as well as our team’s, allows us to keep pushing forward, improving, and achieving both personal and joint goals.

What would an ambitious future for the meat industry look like? 

An ambitious future for the meat industry would include more innovation in sustainability practices and workforce development while also keeping strong connections with local communities. For myself, it would also mean seeing more women in leadership roles and making sure everyone has the equal chance to grow, develop, and be recognised at all levels in the industry.

Quickfire questions...

What’s your favourite cuisine? 

Too hard to choose! I like anything with pasta, or pancakes! But not sure if that counts as a cuisine ;)  

Favourite pastime or hobby? 

Volunteering for the CFA , I turn out to over 100 jobs a year and have been a member for over five years.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be? 

Anything James Blunt! 

Favourite holiday destination? 

New Zealand, it’s where I was born and in my opinion it is one of the prettiest places in the world.