My guest today is Ashley Swartz, founder and CEO of Furious Corp. In today’s episode about women in business leadership, Ashley shares how being raised by her single-father, a Vietnam vet with two purple hearts shaped her identity. Why being an Alpha female doesn’t preclude you from also being feminine. And why women need to stop questioning their worth and instead go into their lives and Ashley says, and ” Take help, take other people’s money and act like they deserve it.”
What feminism means to Ashley Swartz
What is feminism? How does it relate to women in business? In today’s episode, Ashley Swartz talks about her definition of feminism, why women’s issues are important today, and what she would say to women who don’t seem to get it. As Ashley shares her story with us, her definition of feminism and her vision for women in business becomes clear. Join us for this inspiring conversation!
How strong-willed women become effective leaders
Today I asked Ashley Swartz, “What should other women who are strong-willed and fierce think about in becoming effective female leaders? What’s the balance?” Her answers to those questions, in combination with her own story, will motivate you and enable you to get out of listening to those voices in your head and move forward into the space in business leadership that you belong in. Listen in and get ready to be a strong and effective leader!
What are the challenges that women face in business leadership?
Women in business leadership face challenges that men do not have to face. In today’s episode, Ashley Swartz talks about those challenges and gives examples from her own story. From meeting to pitch her company and having a man act like it was a date, to struggling with asking for money, Ashley has been through it all. Listen as she talks honestly about these and other challenges we face and gives us great insights to help us move past the obstacles and into being a strong leader.
Are men important to women’s business leadership?
As a strong female leader, are men important to you and should you engage them in the process? If so, how? In today’s episode, Ashley Swartz explains the reasons why she thinks men are important to the process and then talks about keys for effective communication with them and what will cause them to reciprocate. If you are a woman in business leadership, this episode is definitely for you!
Outline of This Episode
- 0:55 – Introduction to this episode and guest Ashley Swartz, founder of Furious Corp
- 2:03 – Ashley’s story of how her relationship with her dad helped to shape her identity
- 6:12 – What feminism means to Ashley
- 13:22 – How Ashley decided to start Furious Corp
- 18:00 – What should other women who are strong-willed and fierce think about in becoming effective female leaders
- 24:33 – What are the challenges women face in business leadership
- 34:49 – Why is asking for money and help so difficult for a woman
- 38:47 – We need to remind one another to get out of the shame headspace
- 41:32 – Why is there still a gap in funding for women
- 43:40 – Why men are important to women’s leadership
Resources Mentioned
- Ashley’s e-mail and Twitter
- Audio CD: The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
- Book: Rising Strong by Brené Brown
- Book: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
1. Favorite book for women?
- Rising Strong, by Brené Brown
2. Favorite self-care hack?
- Going to the gym and telling myself that I am strong and that no one can ever put me in as much pain as I put myself.
3. Best piece of advice and who gave it to you?
- It’s never 50/50. In healthy relationships someone is always giving more. (Random person)
4. Female CEO or thought leader you’re into right now?
- Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,
5. One piece of advice you’d give your 5 years younger self?
- “The voices in your gut are usually right. The voices in your head are usually wrong.”
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