22 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Leilani Barnard lives her dream
Compiled by
Tanya Olckers
Leilani Barnard has been in the plumbing industry for the past 23 years and learns new things in plumbing every day .
Leilani Barnard has worked in plumbing for the past 23 years and still looks forward to coming to work each day . She has been with The House of Plumbing for the past two years .
“ It feels good to make a difference daily ,” she says . “ I learn something new every day , and every day I interact with different people looking for advice to solve their problems or help with new projects .”
Barnard began her career as a receptionist / procurement specialist with a company that focuses on both manufactured pumps and pump stations . In that particular job , the company used a number of plumbing accessories . Over time , the branch manager of a large plumbing supply company asked her to join their team . She has never looked back .
“ Some days it can be quite challenging since some people think a woman doesn ’ t have any knowledge about plumbing ,” Barnard says . “ It ’ s then quite satisfying to show them that they underestimated a woman .”
Barnard says she encounters this kind of assumption from people regularly . On a site visit she could see that the client did not think a woman could assist them , but Barnard surprised them by handing them proposals and solutions that they hadn ’ t considered . “ With this you build an exceptional partnership ,” she says .
And her advice to young women who want to enter into the workforce , or who are considering career options ?
Leilani Barnard .
“ Have a dream . Set yourself goals and work hard to achieve them . Stay focused on what is in front of you and never look back . If you make mistakes ( and you will make mistakes in life ) learn from them and move on and better yourself . Most importantly , though , believe in yourself .” PA
Supplied by Leilani Barnard