Interview: Jessica Bell

It’s amazing how far natural curiosity and a desire to learn can take you…

Even without a clear life path mapped out, Jessica Bell has already achieved some great things. Becoming a Director of her own company this year has been a highlight, and we expect this is just the start.

Read about Jessica’s journey, and how she’s using her marketing skills and grit determination to create a successful business, in our latest Industry Women interview.

Please provide your name, job title and company name.

Jessica Bell, Director, (aka Digital Marketing, Social Media, Brand Partnership Strategy Manager, Assistant Producer, Compliance and Contracts Officer, HR Manager – i.e. “everything but the tool belt”), Scott Brown Carpentry.

How long have you spent in your current position?

Since January 2020.

What job did you have before your current role?

Marketing Coordinator at Auckland Museum and prior to that, Marketing Coordinator at Carter Holt Harvey Futurebuild.

To date, what has been your career highlight?

Becoming a Director of my own company with my partner this year!

Who have you admired or learnt from the most in your career and why?

My personal coach and friend Ella Stuart, who owns her own business in professional and team coaching. Her guidance and wisdom in entrepreneurship have been instrumental in growing my confidence, skills, and creativity in our business.

I also admire Roz Calder, a family friend who built a successful market research company with her partner, Michael Cook. I have always looked up to Roz’s intelligence and measured approach to business and relationships and I’m inspired by the success of her and her partner’s relationship, both personally and professionally.

Are you doing what you thought you’d be doing when you were younger? If not, what type of job did you expect you would have?

Definitely not! I have never had a clear image of what I wanted to do, and I still don’t! I am a very tactile person; I need to follow my curiosity and always try new things.

If you were to ask me this question in 10 years’ time, I think the answer would still be the same!

What do you think is the most important quality or skill you need to succeed in your current role?

My marketing experience and skills in photo and design software have been extremely useful but ultimately, a natural curiosity and desire (and determination) to learn.

What’s one thing you hope to achieve this year, either at work or in your personal life?

With 2020 turning out the way it has, our main goal for this year is to continue to build a sustainable business and marketing channels that will survive and thrive through whatever comes our way.

Do you have any tips or advice for those just starting out in the industry?

You never know where an opportunity can take you, so grab any that come your way and focus on building relationships. The New Zealand construction industry is exciting and innovative and there is so much potential for women to grow and contribute.