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

In this enlightening episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo welcomes Jyl Feliciano, the Global Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging at Highspot. With over 20 years of experience, Jyl shares her inspiring journey from the financial services sector to becoming a leader in culture and belonging. She reflects on the challenges she faced, including impostor syndrome and the pressure of conforming in a male-dominated industry, and how these experiences shaped her mission to create workplaces where authenticity thrives.

Jyl emphasizes the importance of courage in leadership and the necessity of data-driven decision-making within DEIB initiatives. She also discusses the role of mentorship in her career and how her upbringing as the granddaughter of civil rights activists influenced her passion for advocacy. Throughout the conversation, Jyl encourages leaders to prioritize human connection while navigating the complexities of modern workplace dynamics. This episode is a powerful reminder that fostering an inclusive culture is not just a trend but a vital component of organizational success.

• (00:00) - - Introduction to Ask Ashley Podcast
• (01:15) - - Meet Jyl Feliciano
• (02:30) - - Jyl's Career Journey
• (05:00) - - Inspiration for Focus on Inclusion
• (08:20) - - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• (10:40) - - The Role of Mentorship
• (13:15) - - Impact of Upbringing on Leadership
• (15:30) - - Balancing Data and Human Elements
• (18:45) - - Navigating Skepticism in DEI
• (21:00) - - The Importance of Language in DEI
• (23:15) - - The Influence of Parenting on Leadership
• (26:30) - - Practicing Self-Care as a Leader
• (29:00) - - Courage in Leadership
• (31:45) - - Advice to Younger Self
• (35:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude