Ashley Johns’ Post

When I first began to receive invitations to speak, I was not a speaker, and I had no idea how to respond. I usually asked, "How may I help you?" and "What is it you're looking for?" I was invited to speak about how I had balanced my roles as a wife, mother, and volunteer while building and growing several businesses. At the time, I didn't know that how I was living my life could offer value for someone else. After writing two books, speaking and serving all over the World, I've become aware of a few things that I wish I had been able to put into words back then to make the journey easier for myself (and for other women). The first truth is that your purpose has been provided for you. Over the last decade, I've met literally thousands of women who have been seeking to define their roles. Underneath the question of purpose, usually lies an implication that what you are currently doing is not enough. Not true. You are a one-of-a-kind being, living your purpose, just as you're meant to, right now. It's not about what others are doing. It's about your unique life experience that is unfolding for you daily. The second truth is about what really matters in the end. In this season of life, I've lost several loved ones and they have all shared the same thing with me at the end of their lives. In the end, we treasure our relationships and our shared experiences. If we are fortunate enough to learn this as a young person, we'll prioritize having beautiful experiences with the people we enjoy creating memories with. The third truth is that everything you need to realize your goals is always provided, and it's often closer than you think. Without help, we are usually too close to our own lives to see what wants to unfold. When I personally work with a business owner who wants to grow, we start by illuminating her purpose. Since I only partner with spiritually connected woman business owners who want to grow their profits with purpose, she already has a good start. With a little love and patience, It doesn't take long to clarify what she needs to do (in what order) to get her to where she wants to go. Next week I'll be in Arizona working with a small group of women to clarify their goals for their businesses and laying out the actions they need to take to reach them. If you're seeking clarity on how to reach abundance and peace in your own business, I'd love to have you join us. Personalized support is what we offer that changes everything for our Community members. I can offer that to you in Arizona, or we can meet online. Just send me a direct message and let me know you'd like to chat. You may also schedule an appointment to speak with me personally about your business through the link in the comments. Remember, it does not have to be so hard and you can have the business and the life you are dreaming of. You may just need a little support with what you already have in motion. If I can help, let me know. #purposedriven #findyourflow #lifelessons

"Thick skin, tender heart." Being a young woman in business can be hard. Being a young woman in higher ed can be hard. This is certainly not exclusionary toward any other type of 'hard' that exists in our shared professional spaces. Heck, being an adult. A parent. A child. A human. It can all be hard. Add careers to the mix, and here we are. So what do we do as women in business when this shared experience of "ugh" threatens to steal our joy? The same "ugh" that tells us: "You take things too personally." "What makes you qualified to do this?" "First of all, you speak too quickly." "Get to the point faster." "I'll present your idea..." "Don't push back too much." "Wear heels." "Not heels like that." Or my all time favorite - the time two gentlemen on my team were so flummoxed by the idea that I had to approve their marketing budgets, that they quite literally turned their chairs around in my office to conduct the rest of the meeting together with their backs facing me. I wish I was making that up. I wish they were just (weirdly) joking. One of my favorite authors, Rachel Held Evans, worked in the pinnacle of high emotion, boys club industries - theology. In her posthumously published book, Wholehearted Faith, she describes her mantra to criticism: "Thick skin, tender heart". In an interview before her untimely death, she said: "I have to be strong, but I want to keep my tender heart. Because if I close off the part of myself that can be hurt, in an effort to protect myself from criticism, I am also closing off and hardening the part that can: Feel compassion Be moved Be changed Feel empathy And I’m not wiling to sacrifice that." So what do we do as women in business? I think we start there. Thick skin and tender hearts. In the words of Rachel, "sometimes you have to remind yourself that it is okay, and not just okay, but normal and right and good" to feel hurt when you are criticized - fairly or unfairly. We celebrate our ability to feel, we keep it in perspective, and we support one another through it. Big props to all you ladies doing big things. #womeninbusiness #womenineducation

ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT... This has been my mantra throughout my career. If we have worked together, you have heard this expression and encouragement. As women, we can and should offer more grace to one another, lift each other up, and celebrate our collective successes. Yesterday, while waiting in the green room with others scheduled to appear on a lifestyle show, I engaged with two women who appeared right after my spot. After asking what they were there to talk about, they asked me the same question. When I shared a bit about our debut book, Now, Near, Next, and its focus on helping ambitious women reach their full potential, I added (with enthusiasm) that you two are our target audience! The response surprised me. Dismissively, "Well, actually, we've been really successful and are pretty happy with where we are." Before I could respond, clarify, etc., I was ushered to set. It has bothered me since then. I feel terrible that they heard, "You should read our book because you could do more/better." Instead of, "You would enjoy our book because you are a mid-career woman, making your way, pursuing your dreams, and the sky is the limit!" Not every woman is a competition or threat. There is room for all of us. Before jumping to conclusions and assuming negativity, we could all benefit from a little more grace and a lot more assumption of positive intent! ps- If you are an ambitious, professional woman with more value to add, talent to express, and dreams to achieve, you indeed are our target audience! https://lnkd.in/gg75jBjb

This is how I stepped out after decades of measuring my self worth on the scales...knowing that I am enough as I am. It is my mission to help women to see that they ARE ENOUGH too. I didn't always believe in myself or know my own worth and if you read my post yesterday would know I measured my self worth on the scales for years. 📸 This photo was the catalyst for a cosmic shift in my and my identity. Nearly 2 years ago I was writing an article for a newspaper about Body Confidence and celebrating women and encouraging them to embrace themselves as they are. I had 4 incredible women share their stories and I fully saw how amazing they were as they were. They held signs with I AM...e.g. spirited, resilient, strong and brave. My sign said I AM ENOUGH. Roll forward a few weeks and the article was published. My article was on the front page and it got the coveted double page spread. I should have been over the moon but when I saw it I felt nothing, no joy, no pride, no well done me, no whoop whoop. I was so proud of the women featured who shared their stories but when I looked at my photo with my sign I AM ENOUGH, this voice inside me said 'you don't believe that. There it was. I thought I believed it... I wanted to believe it...I actually believed it to be true logically but I didn't believe it in my bones. I could be saying it on repeat all day long but if I didn't truly believe it and let go of my stories and limiting beliefs around it I might as well be reciting "hickory dickory dock". I needed to believe something radically different to change how I felt and how I showed up in the world. They say what you resist persists so I was going to tackle it. This time I wasn't going to numb it or squash it down...it was time to let it go. I took time out and journaled and journaled some more. I took myself through a process using my unique skill set using personal style and personal development to change my identity. I brought myself through my SASSY System™️ powerfully let go of stories that were holding me back and stepped into me that I was meant to be. 🚀 Once, I started to embody the belief that I was ENOUGH everything changed, the stories and BS that I was telling myself, my attitude, my standards, my style, opportunities etc. I have worked with hundreds of women that have seen huge transformations in their lives, elevating how they look, dress, think and feel every day so they can get out there and do what they want to do....no more playing the "weighing game". If you are ready to step into the you that you know you are meant to be with style and confidence then I am here to help you. 📞 DM me to book your complimentary STYLE CLINIC call. I am opening my diary for 10 of these calls next week. I will help you get incredible breakthroughs to elevate your impact, influence and income with style. #brandyou #getinthepicture #womeninbusiness #youareenough #empoweringwomenthroughstyle

Nobody likes this question...👇️⁠ "Tell me about yourself and your work" Steal this strategy to answer this question like a pro. You can learn the answer in these 4 questions... 👇️⁠ ⁠ Nobody likes the question 'tell me about yourself and ⁠ your work?'. Nobody. ⁠ ⁠ But we have an exercise to help you get good at answering it... ⁠ ⁠ 1️⃣ What is your name? ⁠ ⁠ 2️⃣ What is the change you want to see in the world? (eg. What problem does your work try to solve?)⁠ ⁠ 3️⃣ What is your superpower? (eg. What are you good at? If you don’t know ask your colleagues or someone you trust) ⁠ ⁠ 4️⃣ What is your actual job? (eg. What do you actually do when you are at work? Why does your job exist?)⁠ ⁠ Now let’s weave it all together... We’re going to use the example of a young woman called Madonna who works as a copywriter at a health food company to show you how it works....⁠ ⁠ “Tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do?”⁠ ⁠ Hey, I'm Madonna! ⁠ ⁠ I get up and go to work every day because I want to live in a world where everyone has access to healthy food. ⁠ ⁠ My job is helping the product team use words and story telling to reach the most people we possibly can. ⁠ ⁠ I do this by turning complex ideas into simple and compelling stories. ⁠ ⁠ NOW IT'S YOUR TURN. ❤️🔥⁠ ⁠ All these people you look up to who you hear on podcasts and on stages, who talk about themselves effortlessly. They have been practising for years. Practice makes good enough.⁠ ⁠ Practise in the comments below, write out your answers and post it - we dare you 😉👇️⁠ ⁠ P.s This exercise is from our 6-week online programme, Bond 8.⁠ A bond is the collective noun for a group of women, where you learn to build your confidence and the confidence of the women around you. ⁠ ⁠ It all happens LIVE alongside thousands of curious women from all over the world.⁠ ⁠ UPFRONT Bonds are the world's top choice for women and organisations that want to increase their confidence. Sign up to Bond 8 now at weareupfront.com 🔥 We kick off 9th September 2024.

WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR? Last night I watched a documentary about the imminent US Presidential election that is happening on November 6th. It's focus was on both Presidential candidates and their differences. The question that came up, and has been a recurring question in the media since Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate, was 🤔 What does Kamala Harris stand for? 🤔 What are her policies and what will she do for the American people if she wins? In order for voters to be able to choose who they want to lead them and run their country, they need clarity around who she is, what she stands for and what she will actually do. This morning I hosted my fortnightly AllBright Business Breakfast and brought this same question to all the women on the call. They are a diverse mix of women, ranging from business owners to Drs, Accountants, Coaches and those who are seeking inspiration from others to help them navigate their own journeys. 🎯 We discussed and shared with one another what our own personal and business Mission Statements are or may become. 🎯 What drives us to do what we do in terms of our careers and businesses. 🎯 What our purposes in life and business are. Here's some of the key takeaways from our conversation. 🕰 Your Why, purpose and Mission can change an evolve over time, as your life changes and evolves. That's OK. 🐥 You don't have to have all the answers to start. Remember, the mother duck's chicks do not line up until she starts to move! So just move. 🛫 If you don't try, you'll never know what might have been. Take the leap! 👂 Use all your senses when figuring out your why. It's not just about 'doing'-ask yourself how you want to 'feel' and what you want to 'hear' when you're 'on-purpose'. Fully embody who you are and why you're here. If you're pondering over what you want in your life, are at a cross roads and are questioning what your purpose is and would like some help unravelling what this is, book in an exploratory call with me using the link 👇 https://lnkd.in/e_G_6iNv Please also sign up to my email list to ensure you don't miss out on the free resources and events that I provide. Sign up here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eR2WUcA9 And finally, I'm running a FREE webinar on the 28th August to help you clarify and find out more about who you are so sign up below to register and get more information about how to join me. 👇 https://lnkd.in/ewWnE6sR Have a wonderful weekend all 💛 Huldah Immanuel Lauren Ingram Laura Cloke Lisa Talbot - Award Winning Personal Stylist Tara Benkel Cynthia Adewole GMBPsS Rachel Pinkstone Dr Nuthana PB Shirin Elizabeth Khorsandi Natasha Gabriel Sophie O. Lucy Trewhitt Victoria King Alicia Morrin #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #coachforwomen

💖 Breaking Free from Judgment: Embrace Your I MATTER Mission 💪🌟 Let's have an honest conversation about judgment and its impact on our lives. 👭💔 In a world that constantly scrutinises our every move, it's easy to feel like we're walking on eggshells. Whether it's our career choices, parenting styles, whether we breast or bottle feed, our appearance, or self-care routines, the pressure to conform can be overwhelming. 😣💁♀️ Judgement makes us feel like our worth is in the hands of others, but it's time to change that narrative! 🚫🙅♀️ It’s time to focus on US, and our needs. Not what others think we SHOULD be or do. This is why I’ve created the I Matter mission - so we get present to what matters to us regardless of what others think.  🌟 What is the I MATTER MISSION? 🌟 It's a month-long journey dedicated to self-care, self-acceptance, and self-love. 💕💆♀️ 🌟 Why is the I MATTER MISSION important? 🌟 Because you matter, and it's time to live that! By prioritising self-care and shifting how we engage with ourselves, we can break free from the chains of judgement and remember our inherent value. 🌹💖 🌟 What can you expect from the I MATTER MISSION? 🌟 ✨ Weekly group calls - to process the blocks to you mattering to you ✨ Supportive community - to affirm and validate that you matter ✨ I Matter meditations - to wake up to your worth ✨ I matter skills - to change from self loathing to securely attached to you And so much more!  Join us and embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and self-love. 🌠🌟 Let's create a safe space where women lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. 🤝👑 Embrace your uniqueness, stand tall, and let the world know that you matter, just as you are! 🌍💪🙌 Are you ready to embark on your I MATTER MISSION? 💃👣 Use #IMatterMission to share your journey with us, and together, we'll prove that women are strong, resilient, and unapologetically authentic! 💪🥰💫 Let's break free from judgment and rise together! 🌟🚀💃💖 Pop I MATTER below to get the link.  #restoringlove #neglect #childhoodneglect #trauma #traumarecovery #selfcare #selflove #selfhealers #selfhealing #traumahealing #selfhealers #cptsd #cptsdrecovery #brainspotting #selfworth #youmatter #worthy #therapy #imattertome #therapysession #therapysessions #attachment #attachmenttrauma #healingprocess #healing #healingjourney #emotionalneglect #selfcare #sexism

She crept in again and tried to plant the seed.... The dark and stealthy woman of self doubt..... Except this time, I caught her, stopped her and told her gently to leave for I had no need of her services any more. I had put out an offer - a FREE offer - for my services - a mentoring session with women. And apart from 4 women who commented - it bombed. (thank you to those women who took it up - appreciation xxx) It left me wondering if what I was offering was of value, and it seemed, not many others did - gracious! Then she stared to creep in, that quiet , insidious, confidence sucking voice that threatened to derail me, shake me and put me off balance once again. The "me" of 3 or 4 years ago would have slunk off to my chair, poured myself a wine, opened a bag of chips and proceeded to slip into a space of lack - lack of self worth, lack of being enough, lack of love for myself and then a big old dose of imposter syndrome. The "me" of NOW handled it differently. I sat with it for a while, this time with a cup of heart warming cacao and no chips and looked at it from a different perspective. I didn't dwell on the negatives - "no one wants my wisdom" (boo hoo) - instead I looked at the potential. And here's what I came up with: 💜I cannot control the algorithms of the socials -who ACTUALLY saw my post??? 💜 Regardless of how many saw it as a good opportunity for some mentoring, my wisdom and what I offer to this world IS worthwhile 💜 The lack of engagement has nothing to do with me being enough, worthy, or deserving of self love 💜 The women who engaged may be the very ones who need it the most - and their replies allowed me to give all to them, rather than having to choose who received the gift It is indeed a beautiful space to be in, when you can look at a situation and see it from the perspective of detachment to the outcome rather than beating yourself up and allowing old creepy face critical woman to take over again and have you questioning yourself. Then it's easier to step back into your place of authentic feminine power, calm and peace - shake it off and start creating the next wonderful thing to enhance your life and hopefully, the lives of others. 💜 I love who I am 💜 I love what I have to offer and the "work" I do 💜 I love working with women to help them see and feel what is truly possible in their lives when we pull back the veils of conditioning and deep seated beliefs and allow them to shine the way they were born to And I can't wait to sit with those 4 amazing women and bring more light and love into this amazing, magical world. In peace, love and a sprinkle of magic Chelle xxx

International Women's Day - So many fabulous women have a special place in my world - they nurture, support, motivate and ultimately inspire me every day. Some know who they are, others I admire from afar. My top tips to share - Live life with integrity, stand by your principles, do the right thing, have a plan, be useful, be kind, be honest, leave no stone unturned and don't have sleepless nights. Arm yourself with the right tools to scale the mountain - mind, body, spirit and good people to share the journey. Smile, practice gratitude. Learn to scale the mountain one step at a time - but always have the vision to get to the top.

We admire brilliant, accomplished, and self-assured women and wonder how we could lose ourselves. Yet, it happens. Just like most other women, we too yearned for love, companionship, meaningful connections, and someone to share our lives and successes with. However, in our pursuit of these desires, some of our cherished values and boundaries were unintentionally breached. Our self-trust and confidence wavered. Over time, we gazed into the mirror and no longer recognized the woman staring back at ys. An internal struggle persisted, as we believed we should have known better. Hovering above our heads was the fear of being branded as failures because another relationship didn't work out, especially one we had invested high hopes in. The anticipation of blame, mockery, and probing questions from society, family, and friends made it difficult to walk away. Yet, we did find the strength to walk away. Still, an ever-present cloud of disappointment, regret, and shame cast a shadow over our ability to be our authentic selves in the various aspects of our lives. Know this: you don't have to carry the burden of shame. When we strip away titles, accolades, achievements, and knowledge, we are human. You are still human. Above all, remember that you are a woman first. Regardless of how intelligent, successful, and self-assured you are, you are susceptible to making mistakes, even those with significant consequences. There is no shame in that. Here's another unshakable truth: Deep within you resides the innate strength, confidence, and resilience to recover your true self. You possess all the resources necessary to rediscover yourself and reclaim the woman you once were. A judgment-free, safe, and sacred space awaits you to help in the restoration of your identity through Regain Your Core™. Explore and apply for the program that resonates most with your soul at www.regainyourcore.com. 🫶🏼 #FindYourTrueSelf #ReclaimYourIdentity #RediscoverYourCore #EmpoweringWomen #CoachingProgram #PersonalGrowthJourney