Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ashley Lauren Elrod.

Topic: Entrepreneurship, diversity in entertainment, safety in production, and personal resilience.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Ashley Elrod’s journey as a creative entrepreneur and advocate for diversity, safety, and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The conversation also aims to inspire listeners to pursue their own paths with integrity and adaptability.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Visionary Leadership

Ashley defines being a visionary as leading with purpose and merging creativity with healing and impact.

“Being able to merge things together that make sense, to be able to actually help to heal the world.”

2. Entrepreneurial Drive

Ashley founded A Visionary Woman Productions in college, driven by a lack of business education in creative programs. Her journey reflects resilience and self-taught growth.

“It kind of happened overnight… people asking me like, all right, what do you charge for XYZ?”

3. Challenges for Black Entrepreneurs

She discusses the reality of racial bias and the need for constant self-promotion and excellence.

“People can define my work, define my ability to fund a project or complete a project.”

4. Adaptability in Business

Ashley’s career evolved from consultations to casting, directing, and production design. She emphasizes the importance of pivoting with industry changes.

“I’ve always had to pivot in every single season of my business.”

5. Safety & Advocacy

Ashley is passionate about protecting young talent and ensuring safe, inclusive sets. She stresses contract literacy and parental involvement.

“Make sure you are knowledgeable of these contracts and what you are signing and going into.”

6. DEI in Casting & Content

She critiques tokenism and colorism in media and advocates for authentic representation, even at the cost of losing clients.

“People are looking for actual authenticity in these films… I never heard from them again.”

7. Age & Opportunity

Ashley shares her father’s late-in-life success in modeling and acting, encouraging older adults to pursue creative careers.

“My dad is now 74… had the best six years anyone could have had at that age.”

8. Secrets to Success

Her advice centers on adaptability, financial literacy, and creating independent opportunities.

“Always being available and adaptable to the pivots of life… learn how to be smart with your finances.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “If you lose the job, so be it. Morals and values are a thing in this industry.”
• “We should be in a position where [diverse casting] is acceptable beyond just Denzel Washington.”
• “Never let age be an excuse.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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