Conversations With #AskAsh

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of diving deep with Bree Carroll, an event strategist and founder of B Carroll Events. Bree shares her journey from being a military wife and mom to becoming a leading figure in the event planning industry.

In our conversation, Bree opens up about her initial career in civil engineering and how her skills as a problem solver and project manager seamlessly transitioned into her passion for event planning. She emphasized the importance of creating events that go beyond aesthetics to deliver real impact and transformation, coining her approach as creating "EPIC" (Experiences with Purpose, Impact, and Community) events.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of event planning, the transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship, and the strategies for building impactful community-driven events.

Episode Timestamps

• 00:03:30 - Brie's Personal and Professional Background
• Brie shares insights into her personal life, her journey as a military wife, and her professional ethos.
• 00:06:08 - Brie's Early Interests and Career Path
• Brie discusses her childhood interests, her admiration for Dr. Mae Jemison, and her decision to pursue engineering.
• 00:08:36 - Transition to Entrepreneurship
• Brie explains how she transitioned from engineering to entrepreneurship and event planning.
• 00:31:23 - Bree's Approach to Event Planning
• Brie shares her philosophy on event planning, focusing on creating impactful and memorable experiences.
• 00:34:05 - Financial Planning for Events
• Detailed discussion on budgeting for events and managing financial expectations with clients.
• 00:37:32 - Beyond the Pretty: Focusing on Impact
• Brie emphasizes the importance of focusing on the impact and transformational potential of events, rather than just aesthetics.
• 00:40:36 - Trust and Authenticity in Event Planning
• The importance of building trust with clients and ensuring authenticity in event planning and execution.
• 00:42:31 - Managing Event Budgets and Expectations
• Brie discusses strategies for managing budgets and setting realistic financial expectations for events.
• 00:47:08 - Structuring Business Services
• Brie explains the different services offered by her business, including VIP days and full-service event planning.

Connect with Bree

Bree Carroll, Military Spouse, Event Strategist and Speaker, transforms spaces and hearts through experience design and purposeful planning. With a background in civil engineering, Bree brings her brilliance of problem-solving and strategic thinking to curate transformational experiences with her company B Carroll Events, LLC.  Her superpower is bringing "hype girl" energy into any room so if you need a personal cheerleader for your scary BIG idea or someone to get people on the dance floor, you know who to call. Her mission is to encourage others to intentionally design experiences from an EPIC event to a life by using her CARE Method as a practical first step towards their goal.

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-epic/id1651891280

Website:

www.bcarrollevents.com

Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

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The person behind the business. There’s nothing like unpacking the finer details of someone’s story. I see the threads of details that aren’t common to the naked eye. With Jess’ story, she shares her personal journey of facing a fatal car accident at a young age and the impact it had on her life. Instead of letting the tragedy consume her, Jess found the strength to turn her pain into purpose and use her experience to help others. But that’s not where the story ends. In fact, her journey is unfolding in spectacular ways and she shares with us how she started in public speaking business and why she blew up a very successful business model to align with her values and goals.

Episode Timestamps

• 00:05:30 - Jess's Journey and Personal Growth
• 00:10:00 - Pivotal Moment: Fatal Car Accident
• 00:15:00 - Making a Decision to Share Her Story
• 00:20:00 - Transitioning to Prison and Finding Purpose
• 00:25:00 - Impact of Incarceration on Personal Growth
• 00:30:00 - Starting a Business Post-Prison
• 00:35:00 - Building a Business Online
• 00:40:00 - Transitioning from One-on-One to Group Coaching
• 00:45:00 - Identifying Blind Spots and Customized Impact

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Connect with Jessica Rasdall

Named one of the top small business experts to watch in 2018 and the founder of one of the top websites for solopreneurs in 2020, Jessica Rasdall is helping small business owners scale their impact and income through tried-and-tested communication strategies.

As a Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, host of The Speak to Scale Podcast, Jessica partners with business owners and leaders to scale their business (and impact) from the stage.

Jessica has shared her story of turning her “mess into a message” for over seventeen years and has been featured on major international media outlets such as ABC's 20/20, Katie Couric, The Guardian, MTV, Netflix, and many more.

Today, Jessica is fiercely dedicated to helping small business owners craft presentations and speaking strategies that connect with their audience and scale their business from the stage.

When she’s not handcrafting presentations for industry experts, she’s homeschooling her children in sunny Florida.

Special Offer from Jessica

The Speak to Scale Roadmap: Your Speaker Action Plan

Your full Speak to Scale action plan - the exact steps you need to take to scale your business with speaking - in the right order! E-book style training on how to flip the script on visibility burnout and start speaking intentionally to move the needle in your business. This guided workbook helps you design an action plan to start scaling your business by speaking on stages, podcasts, and more.

Normally: $49 - Free for your audience at: howtostartspeaking.com/roadmap

Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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Honesty and intentionality are two key components that lead to empowerment, as demonstrated by Gabrielle Haye’s story. In this episode, Gabrielle shares her journey of transitioning from a product management consultant to launching a career empowerment firm.

Gabrielle's insights on finding one's authentic voice, leveraging feedback, and staying true to oneself while pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors serve as valuable lessons for listeners. The episode underscores the significance of self-awareness, resilience, and building a supportive community in achieving personal and professional growth.

Throughout our conversation, we'll uncover Gabrielle's approach to creating a work-life rhythm, her strategies for managing visibility as an introvert, and the power of a supportive personal board of directors.

Episode Timestamps

06:10 Passion for product management led to career change.

07:43 Product manager's journey: serendipity, mentors, self-discovery.

13:20 Prioritize customers, challenge in revenue-driven companies.

20:03 Customer feedback drives business strategy, changes perspective.

21:12 Develop your "why," take risks, analyze data.

25:47 Simplified business approach with help from others.

36:16 Evaluate customer journey, ease of interaction, supporting.

43:09 Introverted in big crowds, but passionate speaker.

45:27 Discussing personal growth, healing, and finding purpose.

50:49 Honesty with self, building from scratch, rhythm.

53:45 Valuing multifaceted roles and finding empowerment.

55:48 Value and criteria in forming partnerships.

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Connect with Gabrielle Hayes

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielleahayes/

Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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In this episode, you will learn from my favorite Business Process Consultant Marquis Murray as we discuss navigating business growth from his early days owning a recording studio to building systems with Think Ditto. Listen in as Marquis reflects on his fascinating path from a childhood passion for Lego and model planes to his present-day expertise in systems and organization. This conversation isn't just about the nuts and bolts of business building; it's an intimate look into how personal interests can lay the foundation for professional pursuits. Marquis candidly discusses the growing pains of leadership, the invaluable lessons learned about team capacity, and the strategic pivots that redefine a company's trajectory. Discover how aligning team workflows and combating workplace burnout can catalyze a business's evolution, and how a chance encounter at a mastermind event can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Timestamps

(00:00) - Building Systems From Scratch

(15:50) - Evolution of Business Systems and Processes

(21:47) - Building a Mentorship Network

(29:45) - Leadership Growth and Learning Pain Points

(40:31) - Entrepreneurial Growth and Visionary Strategy

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Connect with Marquis Murray

Marquis is a Business Process Consultant on a mission to eliminate team burnout and to empower teams so they can focus on the work without the issue of not knowing where or how the work is happening. With over 15 years of experience in various roles, including Digital Marketing Manager, Founder & CEO, and VP of Efficiency, Marquis has gained extensive expertise in improving processes and driving revenue growth. More recently, he started a consultancy firm which he successfully scaled and sold to a competitor within two years after launching.

In addition to helping clients optimize their processes and technology, Marquis is also an accomplished speaker and host of a popular podcast, "In Systems We Trust." He also speaks at in-person conferences, virtual webinars and his own YouTube Channel, where he shares process improvement methodologies and how to get the most out of software applications. Later this year, Marquis will be releasing his book, Process Over Perfect, which will focus on the 4D Process Improvement Framework he developed to help companies improve how they work within their teams and feature case studies from real clients.

When he's not working, Marquis enjoys reading, photography, kayaking, playing bass, and spending time with his family and dog, Taco.

Connect with Marquis

https://marquismurray.com/

Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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How does Software Engineer build a business centered on virtual summits? Krista Miller takes us on a journey from her early days as a website developer to building successful and impactful virtual summits.  

Explore how Krista's faith has impacted her entrepreneurial journey, as she reflects on how God has shaped her trajectory of her business.

Discover the humble beginnings of Summit in a Box as Krista recounts her experience hosting a virtual summit to grow her development business, which unexpectedly led to demand for her expertise in teaching others.

Krista shows us that building from scratch is not just about following a set formula, but about being willing to adapt, learn, and grow along the way.

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Connect with Krista Miller

At Summit in a Box®, Krista helps you replace slow-growth and costly marketing strategies with a high-converting virtual summit that will multiply your revenue and lead to your biggest course, membership, or group program launch yet.

Her method incorporates highly-targeted positioning and feel-good, engagement based strategies that lead to  higher than average conversion rates, true connections, and making a difference through your summit in a way that creates ongoing benefits for months after the event wraps up.

https://www.summitinabox.co/

Krista’s Offer:

https://www.summitinabox.co/series

Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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In this digital-first world, we are seeing a shift in the way we are approaching everyday work. From AI to Automation, the focus is on adopting a mindset for agility and the increasing reliance on technological advancements to streamline project execution. The motivating catalyst behind these technological advancements is efficiency

This is the central theme of many teams and organizations. How can we become more efficient?

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the Next-Gen digital PM, covering organizational awareness, data acumen, and the ability to foster cross-functional collaboration, developing efficient workflows, and key elements of building digital operations for your organization.

Future of Work & Project Management

• [00:02:00] Discussion on the evolving work environment and the role of project managers.
• [00:03:00] Overview of a Harvard Business Review article on the future of work for project managers.

Next Generation Skills

• [00:09:00] Skills for the next generation of project management.
• [00:10:00] Discussion on organizational awareness, data acumen, and cross-functional collaboration.

Team Operations

• [00:15:00] Transition into team operations and the importance of building better workflows.
• [00:17:00] Re-evaluating team operations and the concept of "blowing things up."

Self Awareness & Team Dynamics

• [00:18:00] The value of self-awareness and understanding team dynamics for effective operations.

Workflow Refinement

• [00:24:00] Strategies for inventorying and refining workflows across the organization.

App and Tool Evaluation

• [00:27:00] Evaluating current tools and apps, considering replacements or new adoptions.

Collaboration Plan

• [00:29:00] Introduction to creating a team agreement or collaboration plan to enhance teamwork.

Action Items & Wrap-Up

• [00:33:00] Summary of action items and the importance of piloting projects.

Link to Article Mentioned:

https://hbr.org/2023/11/what-the-next-generation-of-project-management-will-look-like

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Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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Are you ready to risk it all? This is the question that I love to ask everyone! Every project is risky. That’s the nature of the game. You will always be uncertain about the outcomes, tasks, budget, and how it’s all going to get done.

But the real question is, how do you plan for project risk? In today’s episode, we will follow Casey Nicole Jackson as she navigates identifying and managing risks.

Whether you know nothing about risk management or think you don’t need it at all, this episode is necessary for your project success.

Episode Timestamps

• [00:00:00] - Introduction to Risk Management
• Welcome and overview of the Built From Scratch series.
• The significance of risk management in project leadership.
• [00:05:00] - Exploring the State of Work 2023 Report
• Insights from Slack's State of Work 2023 report.
• The impact of a digital-first work environment on project management.
• [00:10:00] - Flexibility and Trust in Work Environments
• The role of flexibility in fostering a productive work environment.
• Trust as the core of healthy team dynamics.
• [00:15:00] - Team Agreements and Productive Collaboration
• The importance of team agreements in ensuring effective collaboration.
• Strategies for managing work schedules and locations purposefully.
• [00:20:00] - Tech Stack Integration and Efficient Workflows
• The significance of integrating tools for streamlined workflows.
• Examples of siloed tools and recommendations for centralization.
• [00:25:00] - Case Study on Risk Management: The Journey of Casey
• Introduction to Casey's project and its challenges.
• Delving into risk identification and mitigation strategies.
• [00:30:00] - Ongoing Risk Management Process
• The continuous nature of risk management throughout project stages.
• Practical steps for identifying, evaluating, and managing risks.
• [00:35:00] - Leveraging Tools for Risk Management
• Recommendations for using Miro, ClickUp, Asana, and Coda in risk management.
• The collaborative approach to risk management as a team effort.

Links & Resources:

• Slack's State of Work Report 2023: https://slack.com/blog/news/state-of-work-2023

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Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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We gotta talk about the MONEY!

A budget can make or break your project. We do not have enough conversations on creating and developing a budget strategy for projects and programs.

In this episode, we discuss the critical role of budgeting in project management, insights from the Slack report on productivity and the potential of AI and automation, and continue with our episodic case study involving Casey, a digital project manager, and the challenges of managing budgets for app development.

Episode Timestamps

[00:05:00 - 00:10:00] The Slack Report & Productivity Insights

Discussion on "The State of Work" report from Slack, focusing on productivity challenges and the untapped potential of AI and automation.

[00:10:00 - 00:15:00] The Importance of Mindset in Productivity

Ashley dives deeper into how a mindset shift towards intentional use of technology can enhance work efficiency.

[00:15:00 - 00:20:00] Exploring AI and Automation

An exploration of how AI and automation are reshaping the landscape of project management and operational efficiency.

[00:20:00 - 00:25:00] Case Study Introduction: Budgeting for Success

Introduction to Casey's case study, focusing on the importance of budgeting and resource allocation in project management.

[00:25:00 - 00:30:00] Budget Strategy and Resource Management

Learn effective budget management strategies and the significance of having a contingency plan.

[00:30:00 - 00:35:00] Internal and External Failure Costs

Discussion on managing internal and external failure costs and their impact on the project's budget and success.

[00:35:00 - 00:40:00] Quality Management in Project Execution

The role of quality management in ensuring project deliverables meet or exceed standards.

Links & Resources:

Slack's State of Work Report 2023: https://slack.com/blog/news/state-of-work-2023

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Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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If you don’t have the right foundation, nothing that you build will last. For most project leaders, we’ve experienced the pain, confusion, and outright frustration of being dropped into a middle of a project with no documentation, wondering what is going on.

Perhaps, you’ve been handed a project with barely any direction or scope.

This is why the start of a project is just as important as how it is completed.

In this episode, we dive into Slack’s 2023 State of Work Report. Why? Because the world has been turned upside down and the way we work and communicate is drastically different before 2020 vs. now.

Plus, I've got a case study that's all about initiating state-wide change with a mobile app aimed at serving underserved communities. Whether you're a project leader, a team member, or just curious about efficient project execution, this episode packs insights, laughs, and some real talk on navigating the digital era of teamwork and productivity.

Episode Timestamps

• [00:02:00] Launching the 'Built From Scratch' Season: Unveiling what it means to build projects from scratch, setting the stage for a season filled with insights and case studies.
• [00:05:00] The Future of Work and Productivity Tools: Discussing the dramatic shift in work culture and how tools like Slack facilitate better communication and project management.
• [00:10:00] Executive vs. Non-Executive Perspectives on Productivity: Delving into differing views on productivity and work efficiency between management levels.
• [00:15:00] The Power of Automation and AI in Project Management: Highlighting the untapped potential of automation and AI in enhancing project efficiency.
• [00:24:00] Case Study – Casey Nicole Jackson's Challenge: A deep dive into a case study involving a state-wide initiative to design a mobile app for underserved populations, highlighting the importance of requirements, scope, and stakeholder engagement.
• [00:34:00] Building a Requirements Template: Guidance on crafting a comprehensive requirements template for successful project outcomes.
• [00:41:00] Concluding with Project Management Best Practices: Summarizing key strategies for project vision, preventing scope creep, and organizing for success.

Links & Resources:

• Slack's State of Work Report 2023: https://slack.com/blog/news/state-of-work-2023

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Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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Welcome to the explainer episode of Season 7 - Built From Scratch.

If you are like me, you have a favorite home-cooked meal, perhaps it’s apple pie or homemade biscuits.

I know when I take a first bite of that apple pie, it makes me wanna scream!

And I always say this, “What did you put in this pie?”

The response is always, “A little this and a little that.”

Similar to your favorite home-cooked meal, this podcast season explores the intricate process of starting projects, programs, and initiatives from scratch.

This episode provides an introspective look at defining the concept of building from scratch, emphasizing its significance in both personal and professional growth.

Episode Timestamps:

• [00:01:00] Explanation of the explainer episode format and season preview
• [00:03:00] Discussion on project management, operations, and the importance of structure and systems
• [00:05:00] Overview of what to expect this season: solo episodes, case studies, and interviews
• [00:08:00] Interviews with people who have built from scratch and those rebuilding from the ground up
• [00:09:00] Introduction to the concept of the project economy
• [00:12:00] Discussion on the shift towards project-based problem solving in organizations
• [00:14:00] The impact of remote and hybrid work on project management
• [00:16:00] The role of the next-gen project manager: leadership, strategy, and execution
• [00:19:00] Definitions and personal anecdotes related to building from scratch
• [00:28:00] Insights from studying Ezra and Nehemiah on vision, commitment, and faith
• [00:33:00] The importance of patience and sustainability in building from scratch
• [00:37:00] Closing remarks and invitation to follow the season

Links & Resources:

• Slack's State of Work Report 2023: https://slack.com/blog/news/state-of-work-2023

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Connect with Ashley

Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler

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Project Management & Leadership Development Coaching:

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