Ask Ashley

By Ashley RussoBusiness Entrepreneurship

Ask Ashley episodes

August 21 Self-Care, Sour Candy, and Showing Up: Destiny Young
Moving fast can get you to the wrong answer faster. Destiny Young makes that case from her own marathon training, and applies it to how leaders support people through constant AI-driven change. Destiny is Senior Manager, Experience Quality Programs at ActiveCampaign and co-chair of Women of AC. She talks with Ashley Russo about a career that ran from graphic design at a potato chip company to 911 dispatch to leadership in tech, and what that path taught her about empathy, self-care, and helping employees use their voice.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and show intro
00:43 Meet Destiny Young
02:25 A nontraditional career path
06:07 Formative mentors and command presence
10:24 Building connection in a remote company
12:41 Supporting teams through constant change
15:03 Advocating for women in the workplace
18:01 Well-being and AC's employee resources
21:16 Self-care hacks and the sour candy trick
23:34 Therapy, self-awareness, and professional growth
25:18 One shift for business leaders: moving fast vs moving well
28:47 Advice to her younger self
30:53 Closing thanks

You can follow Destiny Young here:
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/destiny-young-24b6a373

Learn more about ActiveCampaign:
Website - https://activecampaign.com
32 min
August 14 Amber Master on Building High-Performing Remote Teams
People operations does not own a company's culture. Amber Master, Director of People Operations at Freestar, argues the people who show up each day create it, and her job is to equip them. She traces a path from running eight campus coffee stores at ASU to leading a global, remote first team, and shares how a Jedi Council, a Bulgarian friendship bracelet mailed worldwide, and a no blame, forward focus keep connection alive. She also makes the case that AI can free people to contribute in more human ways.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Ask Ashley
00:43 Meet Amber Master, Freestar
01:11 From a campus Starbucks to people operations
03:18 Coffee habits and simple choices
04:06 Existing to be a contributor
05:34 Where Amber learns leadership: books and podcasts
06:47 The Jedi Council and authentic culture
08:47 Building connection in a global remote team
12:08 AI: opportunities, fears, and human contribution
15:35 Scaling inclusion and intentional moments
17:12 Psychological safety and a no blame culture
19:20 Staying grounded: walking and quiet space
21:11 The pause button on social media
22:24 Accelerating equality and access
23:26 Advice to her younger self on being unique

You can follow Amber Master here:
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/ambermaster

Learn more about Freestar:
Website - https://freestar.com
27 min
August 07Do You Belong? Stephanie Hernandez on Navigating Imposter Syndrome
In this empowering episode of *Ask Ashley*, host Ashley Russo welcomes Stephanie Hernandez, a dedicated advocate for employee experience and belonging, currently based in Phoenix, Arizona. Stephanie shares her journey from her humble beginnings in El Paso, Texas, to becoming a first-generation college graduate and influential leader in her field. She discusses the challenges she faced while navigating issues of identity and belonging, particularly during her transition from a supportive community to a predominantly different environment in college.
Stephanie delves into her passion for advocacy, discussing how her experiences have shaped her commitment to fostering connections and support for underrepresented voices in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves, highlighting her belief that belonging is a fundamental human need. As a mother and a professional, Stephanie also shares her insights on balancing personal well-being with the responsibilities of raising a family and building wealth, ultimately aiming to model self-care and resilience for her children.
(00:01) - - Introduction to Ask Ashley Podcast
(00:30) - - Meet Stephanie Hernandez
(01:07) - - Stephanie's Background and Early Life
(02:43) - - Moving and Experiencing Difference
(05:00) - - First in Family to Attend College
(06:38) - - Balancing Family Responsibilities
(09:06) - - Guilt of Leaving Family for College
(10:41) - - The Role of Therapy in College
(12:00) - - Giving Back During College
(13:51) - - Understanding Advocacy in Daily Life
(16:36) - - Creating a Space of Belonging
(19:10) - - The Importance of Belonging
(21:17) - - Wealth Building Mindset
(24:25) - - Balancing Wealth and Happiness
(27:41) - - Self-Care and Modeling for Kids
(30:46) - - Advice to Younger Self
(35:56) - - Closing Thoughts and Reflections
belonging, advocacy, employee experience, imposter syndrome, diversity, first-generation, community building, self-care, wealth creation, mentorship
37 min
July 31Mental Health Matters: KK Mayo on Supporting Employees in the Workplace
In this episode of *Ask Ashley*, host Ashley Russo sits down with the dynamic KK Mayo, a leader in people operations at Ava Labs, Inc. With a career that began in civil engineering and transitioned into the tech space, KK's journey is anything but conventional. Over the past decade, she has harnessed her passion for people and operations to foster inclusive workplace cultures and drive organizational efficiency. As she shares her insights, listeners will be fascinated by how mentorship, curiosity, and a commitment to mental health can transform not just individual careers, but entire teams.
KK delves into the importance of feedback in shaping workplace initiatives, emphasizing that understanding employee needs is crucial for creating an engaging environment. She also highlights her innovative approaches to promoting mental well-being, including the launch of a global mental health support app at Ava Labs. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are invited to reflect on their own career paths and the value of embracing change, curiosity, and community support in their professional journeys.
(00:00) - - Introduction to Ask Ashley Podcast
(00:32) - - Meet KK Mayo from Ava Labs
(01:23) - - KK’s Unconventional Career Path
(05:00) - - The Role of Mentorship in Career
(09:15) - - Unexpected Lessons in Tech
(12:30) - - Navigating Diversity and Inclusion
(16:45) - - Importance of Employee Feedback
(20:30) - - Launching Mental Health Support Benefits
(24:00) - - Balancing Personal and Professional Life
(27:15) - - Impact of Family on Leadership Style
(31:00) - - Creative Pursuits and Inspirations
(34:45) - - The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership
(38:00) - - Measuring Success in Inclusivity
(41:30) - - Unlimited Resources for New Initiatives
(44:00) - - Thoughts on Pausing AI Growth
(48:00) - - Advice to Younger Self about Change
(51:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Farewell
leadership, mentorship, diversity, inclusion, workplace culture, feedback, mental health, web 3, employee engagement, curiosity
30 min
July 24How Authenticity Can Transform Workplace Culture with Mao Vang
In this episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo sits down with the dynamic Mao Vang, an HR professional from Samsung SmartThings. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Mao shares her journey and the influential moments that shaped her perspective on workplace culture, mental health, and the importance of authenticity. Growing up in a large family, Mao learned early the value of connection and support, which she now applies in her professional life by advocating for mental health and creating inclusive environments.
Mao's passion for mental health advocacy stems from her own experiences, particularly during the pandemic, which led her to deeply understand the importance of being open and vulnerable. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create psychological safety in the workplace, allowing individuals to express their challenges without fear of judgment. Throughout the conversation, Mao encourages listeners to prioritize self-care, build community, and embrace their authentic selves, reminding everyone that it's perfectly okay to seek help and find one's own path.
(00:00) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley Podcast
(01:20) - - Introduction of Mao Vang
(03:10) - - Mao's Journey into HR
(06:05) - - Key Influences and Turning Points
(09:45) - - Transition from Large Corporations to Startups
(12:30) - - Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
(16:20) - - Strategies for Supporting Mental Health
(20:00) - - The Importance of Authentic Leadership
(23:15) - - Navigating Community Challenges
(27:30) - - Personal Self-Care and Grounding Routines
(31:00) - - Involvement in Women in Tech Community
(34:45) - - The Power of Human Connection
(37:30) - - Recommendations for Organizational Advocacy
(41:00) - - Advice to Younger Self
(43:30) - - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
HR, mental health, advocacy, community, belonging, leadership, authenticity, startups, employee engagement, personal growth
27 min
June 17Creating Genuine Connections in a Virtual World with Parker Nielson
In this enlightening episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo sits down with Parker Nielson, Head of People Strategy and Operations at Thoropass, to explore the intricate balance between leadership, vulnerability, and the unique challenges of fostering authentic connections within a diverse, global team. Parker shares his journey from a teenager facing a rare health challenge to a leader who embraces the complexities of human connection, the importance of psychological safety, and the power of genuine interactions in the workplace.
Parker highlights the significance of saying "yes" to opportunities, the lessons learned from his unconventional educational path, and the invaluable experiences that shape his leadership style. Through candid reflections on personal struggles with anxiety and the pressures of leadership, he encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and the messiness of life. This episode is a powerful reminder that building connections is not just about strategy but about being human and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
(00:00) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley
(00:14) - - Introduction of Parker Nielson
(01:20) - - Parker’s Career Path Overview
(03:45) - - The Importance of Saying Yes
(05:30) - - Key Turning Points in Leadership
(08:50) - - Overcoming Health Challenges
(12:10) - - The Gray Areas of Life
(14:15) - - Non-Traditional Education Journey
(18:10) - - Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
(21:30) - - Building Connections in a Global Team
(25:00) - - Role of Committees and ERGs
(28:15) - - Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace
(32:00) - - Adapting Leadership Styles
(35:30) - - Influences and Mentorship in Leadership
(39:00) - - Routine and Self-Care Practices
(44:00) - - The Importance of Mental Health
(47:30) - - Designing a Perfect Day Off
(50:00) - - Advice to Younger Self
(53:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Reflections
26 min
June 12Can Authenticity Drive Workplace Culture? Insights from Sunny Myers
In this episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo sits down with Sunny Myers, a multifaceted leader and community builder at Fastly, Inc. Sunny shares her incredible journey from a technical engineering background to her current role as Senior Manager for Employee Experience and Belonging.

Throughout the conversation, Sunny articulates the nuances of balancing technical prowess with a people-centric approach in leadership. She discusses not only her professional challenges and triumphs but also her personal experiences as a mother of four, including her journey of parenting children with disabilities. This episode dives deep into the mental and emotional aspects of leadership, the value of community, and the necessity of self-care—all while maintaining authenticity in both personal and professional realms.
(00:00) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley Podcast
(01:00) - - Introduction of Sunny Myers
(02:45) - - Sunny's Background and Community Work
(04:30) - - Transition from Engineering to HR
(06:15) - - Early Career Challenges and Discoveries
(08:50) - - Importance of Diversity in Tech
(11:20) - - Balancing Technical and Human Focus
(15:00) - - Data-Driven Decision Making
(18:30) - - Fastly's Unique Company Culture
(21:10) - - Navigating Polarizing Topics at Work
(24:40) - - Protecting Company Culture and Values
(28:15) - - Personal Challenges in Leadership
(32:45) - - Parenting and Work-Life Balance
(35:50) - - Supporting Kids with Disabilities
(39:00) - - The Role of Community in Parenting
(42:30) - - Lessons from Personal and Professional Life
(45:15) - - Advice to Younger Self
(48:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
31 min
May 29Building Hope: Dorion Baker's Journey in HR and People Operations
In this inspiring episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo sits down with Dorion Baker, a leader in HR and People Operations at BTI360. Dorion shares his compelling journey from an early fascination with human connections to becoming a pivotal figure in shaping inclusive workplace cultures. He reflects on the importance of presence over titles, emphasizing that true leadership lies in the genuine connections we make with others.
Dorion’s experiences, including growing up in a single-parent household and navigating the complexities of diversity in the workplace, have shaped his approach to leadership. He discusses the significance of mentorship, both in his personal life and in the professional realm, revealing how he aims to provide the support he lacked during his own career journey. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on others when we lead with empathy, humility, and a commitment to uplifting those around us.
(00:01) - - Introduction to Ask Ashley Podcast
(00:34) - - Meet Dorion Baker from BTI360
(01:00) - - Dorion's Professional Journey
(02:14) - - Early Influences on Leadership Values
(03:39) - - Key Moments of Pride in Career
(05:00) - - Building Inclusive Workplace Cultures
(07:09) - - Strategies for Supporting Minority Groups
(09:49) - - Importance of Mentorship in Leadership
(11:00) - - The Role of Presence and Representation
(12:38) - - Personal Stories of Mentorship
(14:11) - - The Impact of Life Experiences
(15:36) - - Finding Meaning through Service
(18:27) - - Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World
(20:56) - - Prioritizing Relationships Over Speed
(22:53) - - The Role of Gratitude in Success
(25:07) - - Influences and Mentors in Dorion's Life
(27:08) - - Advice to Younger Self on Asking for Help
(29:07) - - Conclusion and Reflection on Impact
31 min
May 22Finding Your Voice: Jyl Feliciano on Leading with Culture and Belonging
In this enlightening episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo welcomes Jyl Feliciano, the Global Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging at Highspot. With over 20 years of experience, Jyl shares her inspiring journey from the financial services sector to becoming a leader in culture and belonging. She reflects on the challenges she faced, including impostor syndrome and the pressure of conforming in a male-dominated industry, and how these experiences shaped her mission to create workplaces where authenticity thrives.
Jyl emphasizes the importance of courage in leadership and the necessity of data-driven decision-making within DEIB initiatives. She also discusses the role of mentorship in her career and how her upbringing as the granddaughter of civil rights activists influenced her passion for advocacy. Throughout the conversation, Jyl encourages leaders to prioritize human connection while navigating the complexities of modern workplace dynamics. This episode is a powerful reminder that fostering an inclusive culture is not just a trend but a vital component of organizational success.
(00:00) - - Introduction to Ask Ashley Podcast
(01:15) - - Meet Jyl Feliciano
(02:30) - - Jyl's Career Journey
(05:00) - - Inspiration for Focus on Inclusion
(08:20) - - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(10:40) - - The Role of Mentorship
(13:15) - - Impact of Upbringing on Leadership
(15:30) - - Balancing Data and Human Elements
(18:45) - - Navigating Skepticism in DEI
(21:00) - - The Importance of Language in DEI
(23:15) - - The Influence of Parenting on Leadership
(26:30) - - Practicing Self-Care as a Leader
(29:00) - - Courage in Leadership
(31:45) - - Advice to Younger Self
(35:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
26 min
May 15Is AI a Friend or Foe? Ari Gett Explores Workplace Innovation
In this enlightening episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo sits down with Ari Gett, the Head of People Operations at mabl, a company dedicated to software test automation. Ari shares her unconventional journey from executive assistant to HR leader, highlighting the pivotal experiences that shaped her career in human resources. With a background in healthcare technology and a passion for theater, Ari emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection in the workplace, advocating for a culture that values inclusivity and support.
Ari also addresses the complexities of the current work environment, particularly the intersection of financial health and mental well-being. She discusses the impact of a scarcity mindset on employees and the necessity of fostering an atmosphere where individuals feel secure and valued. As the conversation shifts toward the evolving role of AI in the workplace, Ari offers insights on how organizations can navigate this technological revolution while maintaining the human touch that is vital for success.
Join Ashley and Ari as they explore themes of authenticity, adaptability, and the importance of creating policies that genuinely support employees in their personal and professional lives.
(00:01) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley
(00:30) - - Introduction of Guest Ari Gett
(01:00) - - Ari's Career Journey
(02:30) - - Early Career Experiences
(03:40) - - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(05:20) - - Family Background and Influences
(06:30) - - Financial Health and Mental Health Connection
(08:40) - - Diversity and Inclusion Challenges
(10:40) - - Importance of Authenticity in DEI
(12:00) - - Personal Experiences Shaping Policies
(13:30) - - Navigating AI in the Workplace
(16:00) - - Human Skills in the Age of AI
(18:30) - - Balancing Speed and Thoughtfulness
(20:00) - - Influential Leaders and Lessons
(22:30) - - Staying Grounded as a Leader
(24:00) - - Advice to Younger Self
(30:00) - - Closing Remarks and Takeaways
31 min

About Ask Ashley

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In Ask Ashley, Founder, Thoughtleader and award-winning media personality Ashley Russo sits down with leaders who bring purpose and humanity to business.

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Ask Ashley episodes

About Ask Ashley