Ashley

I started my career in the nonprofit sector because I wanted to create impact in my local community. After business school, I found my way into the world of innovation – teaching, coaching and guiding people to apply innovation methods to create positive change.

I never set out to become a small business owner. But after unexpectedly getting laid off in 2017, I realized I had a set of "tools" in my toolkit – namely, the same innovation skills I'd been using and teaching for many years – that I could use to design the next phase of my career.

One night, on a red eye flight, the name "Wayfinders Collective" popped into my head, and I realized that we're actually all wayfinders finding our way through life's twists and turns. After using these innovation methods to redesign my own career and start my business, I realized the power and potential of sharing these methods with others to create careers and lives they love. It is one of my greatest joys to be able to guide people who feel stuck, confused or unsure of their next step, and to help them design what's next with authenticity and creativity.

Outside of my business, I'm a mom to an incredible 12 year-old boy. I live in Richmond, VA with my husband, son and our happy dog. When I'm not working, you'll find me out for a walk, making art, or trying a new gluten-free recipe in the kitchen.