Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another.
Toomanypeoplestartbusinessesforthewrong
reasons—money,status,oraneasyexitstrategy.But thecold,hardtruthisthatsuccessfullybuildinga companyfromscratchrequiresanobsessivelevelofpassion andcommitmentthatbordersonunhealthy.
Ifyourmainmotivatorisjustturningaprofitorhavingan exitplan,yousimplywon'thavethestaminatosurvivethe inevitabletrialsandtribulations.Thelinebetweenworkand lifeblursintooblivionwhenyouareobsessedwithyour business.Youwillfindyourselflivingandbreathingitevery wakinghour,pushingthroughcountlesschallengesmost wouldviewasdeadends.
Theentrepreneurialjourneyisbrutal;youwillbespaton, beatendown,andconstantlyquestionwhyyoustartedinthe firstplace.Anobsessionistheonlythingthatwillmakeyou persistandplowforwardwhenanysanepersonwouldquit. Ithastobesomethingyoulovesomuchthatyouwilldoit forfree.
Ifyouviewyourbusinessasjustanotherjobyoucanclock outofat6p.m.,doyourselfafavorandgetaregular9-to-5 instead.Entrepreneurshipisall-consuming;donotstarta businessunlessyouareobsessedwiththeideaandreadyto makeyourlife'swork.
Highlightingsuchanentrepreneur,AshleyWilson,whose obsessiongavebirthtoAMWWELLNESSLLC,Insights Successbringsforthanedition, The Most Influential Founder & CEO to Follow in 2024, underscoringher remarkablejourneyfromobsessiontosuccess.
Haveagoodreadahead!
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- Roy T. Bennett
Recognizing the importance of genuine interest in one's business pursuits beyond nancial gain.
Fostering Empowerment through Innovation!
Inthedynamiclandscapeof modernity,wherechangeisthe onlyconstantandinnovation reignssupreme,thereexistsarealm thatpulsateswithboundlesspotential: Entrepreneurship.Here,amidstthe swirlingcurrentsofcreativityand ingenuity,individualsforgeuncharted paths,daringtodefyconventionand carveouttheirdestinies.
Apioneeringfigureinthisvibrant ecosystemisAshleyM.Wilson, recognizedforherroleasanadvocate, visionary,andentrepreneur Witha steadfastdevotiontodrivingpositive changeandempoweringcommunities, Ashleyembodiesthespiritofpurposedrivenleadership,leveragingher platformtoaddresspressingsocietal issuesandfosterholisticwell-being.
Throughoutherillustriouscareer, Ashleyhasleftanindeliblemarkon theentrepreneuriallandscape,founding venturesthatresonatedeeplywithher valuesandaspirations.Frominitiatives focusedonwellnessandempowerment toendeavorsdedicatedtosupporting vulnerablepopulations,herjourney exemplifiesthetransformativepower ofentrepreneurshipincreating meaningfulsocietalimpact.
Let's delve deeper to learn more:
NavigatingChallenges,Inspiring Change
AshleytracesheroriginstoStaten Island,NY,whereshespenther formativeyears.Bornintoafamily thatlaterexperienceddivorce,Ashley navigatedthecomplexitiesofblended families,relocatingtoPennsylvania withhermotherandstepfatheratthe ageof10.Despitethechallengesposed byshiftingfamilydynamics,Ashley's parentsinstilledinherarelentless pursuitofexcellenceandresilience,
Ashley emphasizes the necessity of balancing negotiable and non-negotiable aspects of life and business.
fosteringastrongworkethicanda pledgetopersonalgrowth.
Educationheldparamountimportance inAshley'supbringing,withherfamily emphasizingacademicachievement andthepursuitofhighereducationas non-negotiablepriorities.Herclose relationshipwithhergrandmother, whomsheaffectionatelycalled"Nana," exposedhertothevalueofcreativity andhardwork,whetherthrough craftingintricatedolloutfitsor nurturinggardens.
Fromanearlyage,Ashleydisplayed maturitybeyondheryears,earningher themonikerofhavingan"oldsoul" duetoherpreferenceforadult companyandherkeenobservationof theworldaroundher Thisearly exposuretodiverseenvironmentsand lifeexperiencesshapedherworldview andlaidthefoundationforherfuture leadershiproles.
DuringhercollegeyearsatKutztown University,Ashley'sfocuson leadershipandherinnatedesireto assistothersbecameevident.Eagerto embarkonhercareerjourney,she acceleratedherstudies,graduatingsix monthsaheadofschedulewitha BachelorofScienceinClinical Psychologyin2009.Continuingher educationalpursuits,Ashleypursued onlinecoursesandobtainedaMaster ofArtsinManagementandLeadership fromLibertyUniversityin2014.
Throughouthercareer,Ashley dedicatedherselftoserving marginalizedcommunities,particularly youthandwomenfacingadversity Drawingfromherpersonalexperiences andguidedbyasenseofcalling,she approachedherworkwithcompassion andempathy,viewingeachindividual notasastatisticbutasapersonwitha uniquestorydeservingof understandingandsupport.
Asaleader,Ashleyprioritized fosteringenvironmentsoftrust, growth,andcollaborationwithinher teams.Drawingfromherown experiencesunderbothpositiveand negativeleadership,shecuratedspaces whereteammembersfeltvalued, empowered,andheard.Embracinga continuouslearningmindset,Ashley welcomedconstructivefeedbackasan opportunityforpersonaland professionalgrowth,recognizingthat effectiveleadershipisajourneyof perpetualself-improvement.
Throughhercommitmenttoadvocacy, visionaryleadership,and entrepreneurialspirit,Ashleyemerges asatransformativeforcededicatedto creatingpositivechangeand empoweringthosearoundher.
Inherteenageyears,Ashleyfound herselfengrossedincreativepursuits, sketchingshoedesignsand
insecurity,Ashleyadvocatesfor economicempowermentasapathway tofreedomandchoice.Shebelieves thatfinancialstabilityprovides individualswiththemeanstorebuild theirlivesandpursueopportunitiesfor growthandself-improvement.
Despitethereluctanceofmanyto engageinconversationsaboutmoney, Ashleyemphasizesitsfundamental roleinnavigatingtheworld.She envisionsafuturewhereresourcesare directedintothehandsof compassionateandvisionary individuals,drivingpositivechange andinnovationtoaddresspressing globalchallenges.
Withasteadfastcommitmentto makingadifference,Ashleyremains dedicatedtoleveragingher entrepreneurialspirit,resources,and networktocontributetomeaningful solutionsandempowerotherstothrive.
Ashley'sentrepreneurialeffortsare drivenbyadeepsenseofpurpose
beyondjustfinancialgain.Herstrong faithandbeliefinJesusChristguide herdirectionanddecisionsasshe strivestoliveouthercallingand achievesuccessinawaythataligns withherspiritualvalues.
Forher,beinganentrepreneurmeans havingthefreedomandcreativityto prioritizefamilywhilepursuingwhat sheispassionateabout.Shesees endlessopportunitiesinbusiness ownershiptosolveproblems,create valuableproducts,andbuild communitiesthatpositivelyimpact others.Thisabilitytomakea differenceisimmenselyrewardingto her
Entrepreneurshiprepresents independenceandlimitlesspotential forpersonalandprofessionalgrowth. Ashleyembracesthejourney,knowing eachchallengeprovidesvaluable lessonsforimprovement.
Aboveall,hercommitmenttoher familyfuelsherdrive.Contributingto theirwell-being,whetherfinanciallyor throughenrichingexperiencesfromher
work,bringsherfulfillment.Herfaith keepshergroundedasshedirectsthe entrepreneurialpath,ensuringher purposealignswithherspiritual beliefs.
Inthemonthprecedingthepandemic, Ashleyformedanewboardforher nonprofitorganization,necessitatinga shifttovirtualmeetingsviaZoom amidstthechallengesofthepandemic. Concurrently,shediscovereda newfoundpassionforbracelet-making, initiallyasacalminghobby,which laterevolvedintoabusinessfollowing itspromotiononsocialmedia platforms.
Amidsttheupheavalofthepandemic, Ashley'sinterestinholistichealth deepened,promptedbyher observationsofthebody'sresilience duringchallengingtimes.Drawing fromherpersonaljourneywith infertilityandPolycysticOvarian Syndrome(PCOS),shepursuedfurther educationinintegrativehealth, completinganonlineprogramand obtainingcertificationasanIntegrative HealthPractitionerinNovember2021.
Duringthisperiodofpersonaland professionalgrowth,Ashleyalso seizedtheopportunitytoupdateher professionalimagebyarrangingfor headshotsessionswithaphotographer. Theseheadshots,capturedoutdoors nearherresidence,provedinvaluable forfuturespeakingengagements, underscoringtheimportanceof strategicpreparationandleveraging opportunitieswellinadvance.
Throughherexperiences,Ashley emphasizesthesignificanceofprudent timemanagementandforesightin maximizingtheimpactofone's endeavors.
Ashleyattributeshersuccesstoa combinationofdeepcareforpeople, authenticity,dedication,andhardwork. However,sheacknowledgesthatthese traits,ifnotproperlyhoned,canalso posechallenges.Asavisionary,Ashley possessestheabilitytoseepotentialin individuals,organizations,and ministries,sometimesevenmorethan theyseeinthemselves.Thispropensity occasionallyledtofrustrationwhen desiredoutcomeswerenotachieved.
Recognizingtheneedforashiftinher approach,Ashleysoughtguidance fromtrustedadvisorstonavigateher tendenciesandestablishhealthy boundaries.Throughthisprocess,she learnedtomanageexpectations,clarify herrole,andacceptsituationsasthey werewithoutfeelingcompelledtofix everythingherself.Byprioritizingselfcareanddiscerningwheretoinvesther energy,Ashleyemergedasastronger, moreliberatedindividualandleader
TheselessonsenabledAshleytofocus moreeffectivelyonherowngrowth andareaswhereshecouldmakethe greatestimpact,ultimatelyenhancing herleadershipcapabilitiesandoverall well-being.
Ashleyadvocatesforadaily commitmenttoself-investmentto fostercontinuouslearningandgrowth, therebyenhancingone'sabilityto positivelyimpacttheirspheresof influence.Sherecommendsjoining mastermindgroups,attending conferences,participatinginonline trainingsessions,andlisteningto audiobooksrelevanttothebusinessor specificareasofinterest.Ashley emphasizesthattheseinvestmentsare invaluable,astheyprovideinsights thatcanbesharedinconversations,
utilizedinseizingopportunities,and appliedtoproblem-solvingendeavors.
Ashleyencouragesturninglife's challengesintoopportunitiesfor personalgrowthandteaching. Wheneverfacedwithadversity,Ashley resolvestoovercomeitandbecomean advocateforothersfacingsimilar issues.Professionally,shereflectson bothsuccessesandchallenges,seeking inputfromherboard,committees,and trustednetworkstoexcelinher endeavors.
Ashleyemphasizesthevalueof collaborationovercompetition, recognizingthatpartneringwith individualswhopossess complementaryskillsetsaccelerates progressandtheachievementofshared goals.Sheadvocatesfordelegation, understandingthatfocusingon strengthsandwiselyallocating resourcesoptimizesproductivityand effectiveness,especiallyduring differentseasonsofone'scareer. Withdiscernment,Ashleyadvises carefullyselectingopportunities, consideringtheirimpactontime, energy,andresources.Sheemphasizes theimportanceofrecognizingwhenit's timetotransitiontonewrolesor endeavors,whethertopursuegrowth ortomaintainintegrity
Maintainingabalancebetweencareer andpersonallifeisparamountto Ashley.Shestressestheimportanceof nurturingrelationshipswithfamily members,asaharmonioushomelife positivelyimpactsprofessional endeavors.Additionally,Ashley advisesdiscretioninsharingworkrelateddetailswiththeworld, advocatingforfocusingonessential inputandsharingprogresswhen appropriate.
Ashleyreflectsonthechallengesshe facedwhilebuildinghernonprofit, RewrittenofTiogaCounty,amidst limitedtimeconstraints.Jugglingher responsibilitiesasamotherandwife alongsideherentrepreneurial endeavors,shestrategicallyallocated hertime,primarilydedicatingFridays todevelopingtheorganization.She emphasizesthenecessityofbalancing negotiableandnon-negotiableaspects oflifeandbusiness,highlightingthe importanceofprotectingpersonaland homegoalswhilepursuing professionalsuccess.
Despitethechallenges,Ashleyandher dedicatedteammadesignificant progressinraisingawarenessabout humantraffickingandproviding supporttosurvivorsthroughRewritten. Throughstrategiccollaborationand conflictresolutionmechanisms,her organizationbecameamodelforantitraffickingeffortsinruralcommunities. Rewritten'scommitmenttobeing donor-fundedanddebt-freeoperations contributedtotheaccoladesand recognitionreceivedforthe meaningfulimpactmadeonthelives ofthoseserved.
Now,withherappreciationfor pivotingwhenappropriate,Ashleyis transitioningthisimpactfulworkfrom hernonprofittoherLLC,FREED Communities.Navigating opportunitiesandadjustingstrategies asneeded,shefurtheracknowledges thegritrequiredtobalance entrepreneurship,leadership, motherhood,andmarriage.Despitethe challenges,shefindssolaceinthe meaningfulpurposebehindher endeavors,recognizingthateach assignmentcontributestohercalling andpreparesherforwhatliesahead.
Ashley M. Wilson announces the upcoming launch of a course titled "Pursuing the Root," aimed at addressing various aspects of everyday wellness from a holistic perspective. This comprehensive course is designed to assist individuals in enhancing their overall well-being.
Ashley anticipates that "Pursuing the Root" will resonate with a wide audience, as prioritizing holistic self-care contributes to sustained effectiveness and impact in both personal and professional spheres, particularly for leaders and entrepreneurs. She looks forward to empowering individuals to optimize their health and well-being through this transformative course.
Ashley M. Wilson is an advocate, visionary, and entrepreneur with a common theme: helping others feel seen, cared for, renewed, and inspired. Ashley founded a nonprot ( Rewritten of Tioga County) that addressed human trafcking issues for a number of years but recently pivoted her focus to the creation of her new LLC called FREED Communities, which is due to launch soon and will help a number of communities and organizations care for vulnerable populations well by having an emphasis on trauma-informed care and economic empowerment. Simultaneously, she creates content for several social media platforms, is an integrative health practitioner at AMW Wellness, LLC, and is an artist of different mediums through her business, A. Wilson Creates. Beyond these roles, her most important ones include being a proud mama bear to her three children and being a wife to her favorite guy, Jason, of 13 years.
Anti-Trafcking Advocate
2024 Marquis Who's Who Honored Listee
Member of the Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative
Tioga County Change Maker Award in Recognition of Outstanding Service to Educate & Protect ( presented by Develop Tioga)
Former AHEC board member ( resources for health education/health careers)
Former HAVEN board member ( domestic violence awareness & assistance)
Former Task Force Member to Bring a Pregnancy Center to Tioga County
Former Ansamn Board Member (rebuilding family relationships in Haiti)
Tioga County IF Gathering 2017 - 2018 Team - Public Relations
Former MOPS Member/ Former Discussion Leader Dearden Leadership Academy Program ( while at MHS)
Former Speaker at Tabor Community Services, Inc.
Who's Who Amongst Colleges and Universities Award Kutztown University's Commencement Speaker to the Class of 2009.
A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
- Martin Luther King Jr.
Leadersinanyfieldarerequired tobeskilledinpersuasion.Itis thecapacitytoconvinceothers bypresentingcompellingevidenceand arguments.Inbusinessenvironments, peopleneedtopersuadeothersto considerotherpointsofview. Persuasionskillsmightbebeneficialin avarietyofprofessionalorganizations andworkplaces.
Itmaybeusedintheworkplaceto promotegoods,hireteammembersand boostoutput.Itispossibletoadvise someonepersonallyorinwritingby employinglogicalargumentation, statisticalanalysisandverifiablefacts todemonstratetheviabilityand validityofone’sposition.
Thearticledescribesanunderstanding ofpersuasiveleadership'sfundamental ideasandstrategiesandhowtoacquire theskillsnecessarytobecomea capableleader
ThreeTypesofPersuasion:
Threenaturalstrategiesforpersuading alisteneroraudiencearetheuseof ethics,reasoning,andemotion.To effectivelypersuade,onemustdevelop asolidawarenessofthesefactors.
Providefacts,evidence,historical information,andlogicalreasoningto backuptheclaims.Whenusinglogic asapersuasivetechnique,makesure thereasoningmakessensetothe persononeistryingtoconvince. Ratherthancriticizingothers'pointsof vieworanyreasoningtheymayhave used,trytohelppeopleunderstandthe othersideoftheargument.
Itcanbeeasytoconvincesomeoneif otherstrustthem.Increasingcredibility iscrucialforthedesiredresult.The leader'sReputation,background,and credibilitycansupportone’s trustworthiness.It'softenthecasethat onehastopersuadetheaudiencethat themotivationsaregenerous. Establishingandretainingone’s credibilitymaytakeyears.
Persuasionbyemotionistheprocessof influencingandpersuadingsomeone byappealingtotheiremotions.When utilizingemotiontoadvise,it'scrucial toavoidmanipulatingothersinan immoralway.Whenusingemotional appeals,thepersuadermustaccept accountabilityfortheresults.
TheSixRulesforEffective Persuasion:
ThefamousPsychologistandAuthor Dr.RobertCialdiniidentifiedsix universallypersuasiveprinciples.
Ifsomeonefeelstheyhavegained somethinginreturn,theyaremore likelytocomplywitharequest.Asa leader,youcantakeadvantageofthe reciprocityprinciplebylending assistance,providingresourcesor expressinggratitudebeforerequesting
anything.Thetacticpromotes camaraderieandteamworkamong members.
Ifindividualsobserveothersengaging inabehaviour,theyaremorelikelyto followit.Socialproofisausefultool forleaderstofosteraninnovativeand cooperativeculture.Tellsuccess stories,acknowledgegroup accomplishmentsandinspireteam memberstoimparttheirknowledge andinsightstoothers.
Peoplearemoreinclinedtonoticethe adviceofsomeonetheyconsidertobe knowledgeableorauthoritative.Asa leader,onecanraisetheperceptionof one'sauthoritybydemonstrating others'knowledge,keepinguptodate onmarketdevelopments,and improvingone'sabilitiesovertime.As aresult,onecanbecomemorecredible andhavemoreinfluenceontheteam.
Someonethatpeoplelikeandtrusthas agreaterchanceofinfluencingthem. Establishconnectionandtrustwiththe teambybeingreallyinterestedintheir personalandprofessionallives, praisingandacknowledgingtheir accomplishmentsandpayingattention totheirideasandworries.Building strongbondswithpeoplewillhelpyou influenceandinspireyourgroupmore effectively
Anopportunitymayappearmore preciouswhenthereisasenseof scarcity.Theideacanbeappliedina leadershipsettingtoinspireasenseof urgencyandmotivateaction.
Ifsomeonemakesapledgeinwriting orinpublic,theyaremorelikelyto keepit.Asaleader,youcanusethis ideatopromoteresponsibilityby havingteammembersmakeapublic commitmenttotheirobjectivesor tasks.Buildingcredibilityandtrust alsorequiressomeonetoshow dedicationandconsistency.
Effectivepeopleskillsareessentialfor everyleaderormanager,including persuasionandinfluenceasemotional intelligencestrategies.Havingtheright peopleorsoftskillsisjustasimportant ashavingtheauthoritytoexecutein today'scomplexandchanging corporateclimate.
Whenitcomestomanagingcrossfunctionalinitiativesorinteracting withstakeholdersattheboardlevel, theeffectivenessofthepersonin chargeultimatelydetermines performance.Whenhandlingopposing viewpointsorpeopleinpositionsof authority,discretionoutperforms power
Effectiveleadersandmanagerscan leverageinterpersonalskillssuchas sensitivity,judgment,persuasionand influencetoestablishwin-win situations.Consideringthechanging natureofthebusinessenvironmentand thedynamicsofthebusiness, executivesstandtogainmorefrom establishingstrongerbondswith others.
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Inanunpredictableenvironment, leadersoftenfindthemselvesat thefrontlinesofunanticipated crises,demandingquickjudgmentsand decisiveactions.
Crisisleadership—theabilitytoleada groupororganizationthroughhard times—becomesimportantinthese circumstances.Anorganization's outcomeandlong-termviabilitycanbe greatlyimpactedbythewayits executivesrespondtocrisesandlead theirstaff.
Today'sbusinessenvironmentmakes crisesinevitableandaleader'scapacity toguideateamthroughadversity frequentlymakesthedifference betweensuccessandfailure. Additionally,itisimpossibletopredict whenacrisiswillend.Theduration canbeasshortasadayortwooras longasseveralyears.
Inthisarticle,wewilldiscusscrisis managementtechniquesforteam leaders,alongwithlessonslearnedthat applylongafterthecrisishaspassed.
Uncertaintyiscausedbycrises.People looktotheirleadersatthesetimesfor
consistency,wisdomandinspiration.In thefaceofconstantdisruptionstotheir personalandprofessionallives,great leaderspromoteregularandhonest communicationthatkeepsstaff membersinformedandencouraged.
Thepracticeofcrisisleadership involveshandlingsudden circumstancesthatmaydestroy organizationalcohesionoreven obstructchancesforprofessional advancement.Anorganizedand analyticalapproachtocrisis managementcanfacilitatefinding creativesolutionstokeepemployees motivatedandproductivewhile reducingtheorganization'slosses. Thereareafewstrategiesthatcrisis managersandorganizationscanuseto adjustandleadduringacrisis.
Everyoneturnstoaleaderintimesof crisisfordirectionorconfidence; therefore,itisoneofthemost importantthingsaleadermustdo, especiallyduringacrisis.Itspreads likeacontagiousdiseasetoeveryone aroundaleaderwhomanifestsfearand anxiety.Forthisreason,itisimperative thatleadersprojectanairofdominance overthecircumstances.Workersdon't needtobereassured;theyneed someonetheycantrust.Butleaders mustexhibitmorethanjustconfidence. Honestyisalsoessential.Itwillbe extremelytemptingtosay,"Everything willbefine,"butitiscrucialfor leaderstohavearealisticoutlook.
Therearecertaincircumstancesin whichleadersmustactquicklyor decisively.Oneofthemisacrisis. Leadersmustpossesstheabilityto makesnapdecisions,andincertain situations,thatcanentailmakingtough
decisions,whichtheyareawarewill costthempoints.
Thereisn'ttimetohesitateoreven considertheadvantagesand disadvantagesofachoicecarefully.A leaderwhochoosestowaitandnotact willnotbeassuccessfulinweathering acrisisasonewhoactsdecisively, takesinitiativeandisflexibleenough tomodifytheirdecisionstofitthe circumstances.
Stressandfeararethemainemotions thatrunstrongduringanimmediate crisisandthiscanquicklyleadto chaosintheworkplace.Aleadermust seizetheinitiativeandpreventthe panicfromgrowing.Infact,when wordofacrisisspreads,aleader's initialinstinctisusuallytotakeaction. Thiscouldbeassimpleasbringinga spaceintoorderorascomplexas swiftlyassigningtasks.Inanycase, startingacrisisactionplanrequires thateveryoneinvolvedbededicatedto completingthecurrenttask.
Exceptinextremecaseswherethereis nootherchoice,acrisisisnotareason toabandoncautionandtake unnecessaryrisks.Rather,leadersneed tobebothmeasuredandrapid.Here, it'simportanttoassessalltheavailable informationassoonaspossibleand thendecideonthebestcourseofaction aftercarefulconsideration.Although thismightappearlikean overwhelmingeffort,itisactuallya habitthatcanbedevelopedgradually. Utilizingasharpmindisavaluable qualityforleaderstohavebecauseit helpsalotindifficultsituations.
Intimesofcrisis,effectiveleadership demandsempathy,braveryandthe capacitytoleadandassistyourteam.
Throughvaluingopencommunication, adaptability,cooperationandwellbeing,leadersmayassisttheirteamsin overcomingobstaclesandcreating strongerbondsintheprocess.
Leadingduringdifficulttimescanbe challengingandfrightening.By implementingsomeoftheabove advice,onecanensurethattheteam staysmotivatedandcohesiveto overcomeanyobstacles.
Leadersmaysucceedindifficult circumstancesbystayingorganized, beingadaptable,attendingtoasenseof communitywithintheteam,and gettingexpertassistancewhenneeded. Teamswillhavethebestchanceof succeedingiftheirleadersexhibit fortitudeandresilienceinchallenging scenarios.
