Samantha Massey, Doyenne Co-Founder
What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a woman in this field?
I've faced my fair share of challenges, but one topped them all: gaining the trust and support of a male boss to take a risk on me running our department.
It wasn’t easy; navigating a predominantly male space meant constantly proving my capabilities and advocating for my ideas. However, I realised that resilience and authenticity were my greatest allies. I focused on building solid relationships, consistently delivering results, and demonstrating my passion for our work.
After persistent effort, my boss finally saw my potential and gave me the chance to lead. Taking on that role not only empowered me but also opened doors for others in the company.
Can you share your happiest memory from your time in the industry?
I have two key memories for two very different reasons. Becoming Vice-chair for the IRPM before the merger with ARMA and becoming TPI. As a woman, and a woman of colour in this position I was filled with a mix of pride, responsibility and determination, the second was the day I launched SAMAS the journey was filled with hard work, resilience and passion. I am glad I took the leap and finally brought my vision to life.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life can be a struggle, but I make sure to set boundaries, prioritise self-care, and have a strong support system in place to help me manage both aspects effectively. Working for myself is freeing but also comes with its challenges, but it has been worth it.
What book has had the most significant impact on your life and why?
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, encouraged me to assess my perspective on leadership and the power of purpose. That you should always influence someone by inspiring them rather than manipulating them. It helps with leading a team rather than simply managing them. I read it again when starting SAMAS to identify and communicate the core purpose of my business.
What motivates you to get up and go to work every day?
What motivates me to get up and go to work every day is the drive to make a difference, learn something new, and contribute to something bigger than myself.
What's a personal goal you are currently working towards?
Surviving
Would you rather have the ability to speak all languages fluently or be a master of every musical instrument?
A tough one, at first, I would have said to speak all languages because being able to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds in their nature language is a valuable asset. But, then being a master of every instrument would allow me to do the same but it would also allow me to create a feeling.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Potatoes because I could do so many things to it to make it different – mash, chips, soup, curry, roasties, and hasselback…
How do you unwind after a long day at work?
A hot bath with an Epsom and Himalayan salt mix, or the gym I use has a spa retreat and a couple of hours in there does the trick.
What's a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I have been a Kylie fan since 1987.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to do a tour of Japan. From Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Fuji and onto Miyako Island.
What's your favourite inspirational quote or mantra?
Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will and ‘you didn’t come this far to only come this far.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in life?
Don’t hesitate when you should act. More often than not, we fail to act due to a lack of confidence or courage (or at least I did). That kept me from moving forward and left me wondering what might have been.
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