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

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

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