Podcast thumbnail for Ask Ashley

by Ashley Russo

5.0(5 reviews)
10 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors

Podcast Overview

In Ask Ashley, Founder, Thoughtleader and award-winning media personality Ashley Russo sits down with leaders who bring purpose and humanity to business. Each episode explores how people navigate uncertainty, lead with empathy, and create meaningful change in their organizations and lives. Listeners gain practical insights on resilience, leadership, and financially confident decision-making amid disruption. This podcast is brought to you by Ask Ashley. If you’re interested in building a confident, purpose-driven wealth plan, reach out to Ashley at ashley.russo@nm.com.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

10/30/2025

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for How Authenticity Can Transform Workplace Culture with Mao Vang

July 24, 2026

How 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. <ul><li>(00:00) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley Podcast </li> <li>(01:20) - - Introduction of Mao Vang </li> <li>(03:10) - - Mao's Journey into HR </li> <li>(06:05) - - Key Influences and Turning Points </li> <li>(09:45) - - Transition from Large Corporations to Startups </li> <li>(12:30) - - Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace </li> <li>(16:20) - - Strategies for Supporting Mental Health </li> <li>(20:00) - - The Importance of Authentic Leadership </li> <li>(23:15) - - Navigating Community Challenges </li> <li>(27:30) - - Personal Self-Care and Grounding Routines </li> <li>(31:00) - - Involvement in Women in Tech Community </li> <li>(34:45) - - The Power of Human Connection </li> <li>(37:30) - - Recommendations for Organizational Advocacy </li> <li>(41:00) - - Advice to Younger Self </li> <li>(43:30) - - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude</li> </ul> HR, mental health, advocacy, community, belonging, leadership, authenticity, startups, employee engagement, personal growth

Episode thumbnail for Creating Genuine Connections in a Virtual World with Parker Nielson

June 17, 2026

Creating Genuine Connections in a Virtual World with Parker Nielson

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p></p><ul><li>(00:00) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley </li> <li>(00:14) - - Introduction of Parker Nielson </li> <li>(01:20) - - Parker’s Career Path Overview </li> <li>(03:45) - - The Importance of Saying Yes </li> <li>(05:30) - - Key Turning Points in Leadership </li> <li>(08:50) - - Overcoming Health Challenges </li> <li>(12:10) - - The Gray Areas of Life </li> <li>(14:15) - - Non-Traditional Education Journey </li> <li>(18:10) - - Embracing Diversity and Inclusion </li> <li>(21:30) - - Building Connections in a Global Team </li> <li>(25:00) - - Role of Committees and ERGs </li> <li>(28:15) - - Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace </li> <li>(32:00) - - Adapting Leadership Styles </li> <li>(35:30) - - Influences and Mentorship in Leadership </li> <li>(39:00) - - Routine and Self-Care Practices </li> <li>(44:00) - - The Importance of Mental Health </li> <li>(47:30) - - Designing a Perfect Day Off </li> <li>(50:00) - - Advice to Younger Self </li> <li>(53:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Reflections</li> </ul>

Episode thumbnail for Can Authenticity Drive Workplace Culture? Insights from Sunny Myers

June 12, 2026

Can Authenticity Drive Workplace Culture? Insights from Sunny Myers

<p>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.</p><p><br>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.</p><p></p><ul><li>(00:00) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley Podcast </li> <li>(01:00) - - Introduction of Sunny Myers </li> <li>(02:45) - - Sunny's Background and Community Work </li> <li>(04:30) - - Transition from Engineering to HR </li> <li>(06:15) - - Early Career Challenges and Discoveries </li> <li>(08:50) - - Importance of Diversity in Tech </li> <li>(11:20) - - Balancing Technical and Human Focus </li> <li>(15:00) - - Data-Driven Decision Making </li> <li>(18:30) - - Fastly's Unique Company Culture </li> <li>(21:10) - - Navigating Polarizing Topics at Work </li> <li>(24:40) - - Protecting Company Culture and Values </li> <li>(28:15) - - Personal Challenges in Leadership </li> <li>(32:45) - - Parenting and Work-Life Balance </li> <li>(35:50) - - Supporting Kids with Disabilities </li> <li>(39:00) - - The Role of Community in Parenting </li> <li>(42:30) - - Lessons from Personal and Professional Life </li> <li>(45:15) - - Advice to Younger Self </li> <li>(48:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude</li> </ul>

10 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Ask Ashley?

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

Each episode explores how people navigate uncertainty, lead with empathy, and create meaningful change in their organizations and lives. Listeners gain practical insights on resilience, leadership, and financially confident decision-making amid disruption.

This podcast is brought to you by Ask Ashley. If you’re interested in building a confident, purpose-driven wealth plan, reach out to Ashley at ashley.russo@nm.com.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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