"One thing I love about Webb’s is that no day and no auction are the same. We work in such a fast-passed environment which involves a lot of multi-tasking and focus across various areas of the business, but this ever-changing environment keeps things interesting and exciting.” Webb's has a regular roster of auctions, each requiring an enormous amount of work and research. What is one of the main drivers that keeps you motivated in such a fastpaced environment? Simply, my team. I am so fortunate to work with an incredible team of highly skilled, knowledgeable and passionate individuals who all have something different to offer. We are a diverse group of different ages and genders which has created a great balance and working environment. We have built quite a close-knit group over the past two years, bonding over times of challenge. We all support each other in our one common goal: to be the best auction house in New Zealand. There are often pressure points with such a busy schedule, however we always work as a team to get the job done. In a small business like ours, no job is beneath you and I love getting stuck in to help the team no matter the job.
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Over the years you must have experienced some pretty special moments. What is one that has stood out? Moving into our very own premises on Normanby Rd in Mount Eden was a very special moment for the team. Our gallery is a purpose-built 800-square-metre converted warehouse space, now state of the art gallery and exhibition space, fit to house and showcase items from across our multi-faceted departments. Designed by interior architect Rufus Knight of Knight Associates, our Mount Eden Gallery and Webb’s Wine Room has given Webb’s a brand-new home and space for clients to enjoy for years to come. What has been a career high? I was recently awarded Outstanding Young Executive of the Year, as part of the New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards. This award is in honour of a young executive who has made an exceptional contribution to their employer and engaged with the wider industry in a significant capacity above and beyond their scope. As a young woman working in a competitive industry, it was an amazing feeling to be recognised, giving me the confidence, motivation and courage to continue driving forward for those things I want to achieve in my career. What has been one of the hardest career lessons you have learnt to date? As I have grown in my career and developed into senior leadership roles, I have learnt that being a hard worker and delivering results is much more important than being popular. I take my obligation and responsibility to our investors very seriously and being a great leader means having to sometimes make hard decisions for the greater good of the business.
Do you have any advice for our readers about auctions? Buying at auction has so many benefits. Not only is it a more sustainable and conscious way to shop, but it offers the opportunity for each buyer to inherit an item of provenance, becoming the new custodian of each unique piece they purchase, each with their own story and history. This connection to each piece makes the entire buying experience that much more rewarding. Buying at auction also offers an alternative investment opportunity with the right items bought at auction often appreciating in value and gaining further interest and demand as the years go on.
‘He who does not surpass his master fails his master’ Leonardo da Vinci This has always resonated with me, reminding me that there is always so much to learn not only from those you look up to, but those around you and below you also. I learn as much from my junior team about how to be a better manager and leader as a I do from my most respected mentors. This is a reminder to continuously look for ways to evolve our practices in anything and everything we do. A more personal quote which has become my daily mantra was passed on to me by the head concierge and longest serving staff member at The Ritz London, Michael DeCoza. On my final day with the company, he said to me, "Christine, no matter what you do, remember to always be Ritz." This constantly reminds me that excellence is a mindset and to never accept mediocrity.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WEBBS AUCTION HOUSE AND TO VIEW AVAILABLE ITEMS, VISIT WEBBS.CO.NZ
