From self-doubt to award-winning success, Kelly Newland’s story shows how an apprenticeship can do more than boost a career. Faced with challenges that would make anyone second-guess their path, Kelly chose to dig deep, keep learning, and rise through. We sat down with her to hear how her apprenticeship journey shaped everything.  

Hult: What did your academic and professional journey look like before joining the program? 

Kelly: I did my A Levels in English, Sociology, and Psychology to become a primary school teacher. I had secured a place at Ripon University—on the condition that I gained childcare experience. That summer, I worked at Haven’s under-five play area, organizing activities for children. It ticked the box for the university, but more importantly, it introduced me to the hospitality industry—an industry I was immediately drawn to.  

The experience opened my eyes to the joy of creating lasting memories for both guests and team members. It was such a pivotal moment that I chose not to attend university and instead began a full-time career with Haven. Over the years, I’ve moved up the ranks, supported by various development programs and apprenticeships. One of the biggest milestones was earning my ILM Level 5 qualification, which gave me the confidence to apply for the Executive Master’s in Leadership and Management (EMLM) apprenticeship at Ashridge. 

H: What motivated you to pursue this program, and how did it relate to your role? 

K: I wanted to become a stronger leader. The program offered the strategic thinking, leadership development, and business insight I needed to support my growth as a general manager. It aligned perfectly with where I was in my career and provided exactly what I needed to elevate my performance and prepare for future progression. 

H: How has the apprenticeship journey contributed to your growth, particularly in your leadership approach? 

K: My approach to leadership, work, and personal tasks has changed—it is more considered and has matured throughout the apprenticeship. I’ve shifted from being reactive to becoming more proactive and from relying purely on gut instinct to making informed decisions backed by data, external market insights, and academic literature. Working alongside students from a range of industries during the live sessions has supported my growth and deepened my understanding of external markets and the challenges faced across different sectors. Having worked at Haven for 27 years, this broader insight has been especially valuable, and I plan to continue building on it. 

“My leadership is no longer just based on experience—it’s backed by evidence, strategy, and a broader market view.” 

H: Can you share some of the biggest challenges you faced and how you overcame them? 

K: Returning to academic learning was a big hurdle. I hadn’t written formal assignments in years. The self-doubt crept in—was I smart enough for this? At first, it was overwhelming. But I realized that mindset is everything. Negative self-talk was my biggest barrier. Once I shifted that narrative, I started to believe in myself again. Balancing study with work and personal life was also tough. I fell behind on four assignments and took a six-month break. I’m so grateful for the support from Ashridge—they helped me re-engage and find my rhythm again. 

“Mindset is everything. Once I stopped telling myself I couldn’t do it, I proved that I could.” 

H: On the flip side, what were some of the most rewarding moments in your apprenticeship journey? 

K: Some of the most rewarding moments came from mastering areas where I had previously felt unsure of my abilities. For example, strategy—once a recurring focus in my appraisals and development plans—is now a strength where I feel confident and capable. I also gained a deeper understanding of ecosystems, which helped me appreciate the interconnectedness of business and its impact on long-term decision-making. Additionally, learning to critically engage with peer-reviewed articles sharpened my ability to analyze complex research and apply evidence-based insights. 

H: Was there a turning point during the apprenticeship that had a significant impact on you personally or professionally? 

K: When I returned after the six-month break. I had four assignments outstanding and a work-based project ahead. That could’ve been the end, but it became a turning point. I submitted every assignment ahead of schedule and dove into the project with renewed energy. That’s when I realized how much I’d grown—not just as a leader, but as a person. 

H: Congratulations on your recent company award! How does it feel to receive this recognition, and what does it mean to you? 

K: Surreal. I went from leading a small business to a medium-sized one, and during the apprenticeship, I was named Joint General Manager of the Year in 2022 and again in 2024, along with Park of the Year. This level of recognition is something 18-year-old me in 1998 could never have imagined. These awards reflect not only my own growth but also the hard work and dedication of the amazing team around me. 

 “This recognition is something 18-year-old me in 1998 could never have imagined.” 

H: Now that you’ve completed the program and received this recognition, what’s next for you?  

K: I’m passionate about learning and believe in the importance of continuous development—both for myself and my team. As for what’s next, I don’t have a specific direction yet, but I know it will involve further development courses to continue growing and evolving as a leader. 

Thank you so much for sharing your story Kelly, and all the best for your future!