Reckoning With My Why (+ 14 Prompts To Connect You With Yours)

I’m so excited to chat with Jia Zheng of Simply Jia. She’s a self-proclaimed “Swiss army knife that brings your creative visions to life” and we unpack how that title spans across both the personal style and operations consulting branches of her business. While she promotes more of her personal styling online, and more of her operations coaching in-person, we both love that she chooses NOT to choose—at least not for now. She can be her multi-faceted self and bring all parts of her to the conversation while reading the room to know which parts to reveal first and in what ways.  And my brain is constantly drawing parallels and connecting dots, so it was really fun to have this conversation because we do very different work, but in similar ways—with values-alignment, empathy, etc. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode93   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Check out Jia’s operations business at Simply Jia: https://simplyjia.com Check out Jia’s styling business at Simply Jia Style: https://simplyjiastyle.com Listen to Episode 51—Expressing All That You Are with Cate Scott Campbell: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode51 Listen to Episode 84—From Stodgy Networking To Collaborative Community-Building with Sara Alepin: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode84 Grab Jia’s mini training How to Dress On-Brand for Your Event: https://start.simplyjia.com/onbrand (free using the code PURPOSEPROGRESS) Listen to Episode 87—5 Signs It’s Time For A Rebrand: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode87 Watch the Iris Apfel documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4157220 Email Jia: [email protected] Follow Jia’s personal style account on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyjiastyle Follow Jia’s business operations account on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjiazheng Sign up for Jia’s The Friday Fit Newsletter: https://simplyjia.kit.com/style  Connect with Jia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplyjia   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang  Send me a voice memo: https://www.speakpipe.com/AshleeSang  Email me: mailto:[email protected] 

We’re getting a little existential here. I’m unpacking the relationship (and struggle) I’ve been having with “my why,” including some insecurities and opportunities in my business. I’m unpacking the work I do now and the ways my business could evolve in the future based on what might feel GOOD.  I also give 14 prompts for you to reflect on throughout the episode (recapped at the end!), along with context from my own experiences and thoughts recently. All so that you feel a little less alone as you navigate these same questions. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode92   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Listen to my values audit episode (Episode 28—Reframing A Brand Identity Crisis): https://www.ashleesang.com/episode28 Try the 3-word exercise from Episode 87—5 Signs It’s Time For A Rebrand: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode87 Listen to the Values-Aligned Money playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qTleeW7ckPtQJ1UWjZNWv?go=1&sp_cid=47e01ccc409ba20421e22b6f2253a8e1&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=baf557ff83664fac Listen to the Amy Porterfield podcast episode about knowing your “enough” number: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-amy-porterfield-show/id594703545?i=1000706477674 Check out Messaging Momentum (month-by-month feedback from me): https://www.ashleesang.com/month Read James Clear’s newsletter: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/march-27-2025   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit  Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang 

I’m so excited to chat with Devin Brinkley, the Social Media Strategist behind Creative Gravity. We talk about all the ways showing up unapologetically and fully as yourself are essential to not only attracting your perfect-fit clients, but also to building a  business that fulfills (rather than drains) you. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode91   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Check out Creative Gravity Social Media: www.creativegravityllc.com Listen to my interview with Sara of District Bliss: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode84 Download Devin’s Understanding Your IG Insights Guide: https://creativegravity.myflodesk.com/insights Follow Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativegravityllc Connect with Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbrinkley   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang  Send me a voice memo: https://www.speakpipe.com/AshleeSang  Email me: mailto:[email protected] 

There’s a lot of talk around the world (and amongst people in my orbit) about AI. And regardless of if, how, when, and where you use AI, I always recommend leaning into that human element you bring to your messaging, marketing, and decision-making. Especially if your vision is to have a human-first, values-led business. My reflections, these crowdsourced use cases, and some bonus research give you lots of food for thought as you leverage (or avoid) AI in your life and business. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode90   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Read how ChatGPT summarized my client testimonials: https://ashleesang.com/im-not-always-anti-ai Listen to Episode 37—Determining What You Want To Be Known For: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode37 Book a Quick Win Consulting Call with me: https://www.ashleesang.com/quickwin Listen to my interview with Erika Rodriguez: https://ashleesang.com/episode43 Check out The Human Stack’s AI for Anyone: https://thehumanstack.com/academy/aiforanyone Watch this video about how “Using AI In Motherhood Will Change Your Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En3qpB-p0Jo Listen to Episode 68—Crafting An Impactful Brand Messaging Strategy: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode68 Check out the Messages That Matter Brand Messaging Intensive: https://www.ashleesang.com/vip Check out this Alt Text Generator: https://popupsmart.com/tools/ai-alt-text-generator Watch this video about “Using AI to Make the Most of Your Content”: https://youtu.be/R7o1S0zeUsU?si=qX6r6xrDnNn8nG5R Watch this Reel for ADHD prompts: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF7ximlOa0R/?igsh=cmZrY3UwMjBmODN0 Read this Thread about “8 Hidden ChatGPT Commands That 90% Of Users Don’t Know”: https://www.threads.com/@anjela.marketing/post/DGNl01vyUzS?deeplink_ig_tifu=1&xmt=AQGz58TmpsW-DfkMbJU-ftxBA5FmTbYaR2LY3fYR7xPj_5E Check out Boardy: https://www.boardy.ai Check out Sarah’s Brand AI Starter Pack*: https://www.wellnesswriter.com/a/2148060569/AeLE4EFz Read this article about The Environmental impact of AI: https://www.gittemary.com/2024/07/the-environmental-impact-of-ai-chatgpt-is-sending-your-individual-carbon-footprint-through-the-roof.html Read this about using manners with AI: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/i-stopped-saying-thanks-to-chatgpt-heres-what-happened Read this article about the differences between human and AI-generated text: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-differences-human-ai-generated-text.html Listen to Episode 18—Showing Up With Courage and Curiosity with Gaby Moss: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode18 Watch this video about AI use in education: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/auandrew_this-is-one-of-my-favorite-takes-on-ai-and-ugcPost-7308304599176658944-pu7D?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAkGI3YB72cu3ke6PqbBW1dG7rs9K5YioRA Check out Google’s Career Dreamer: https://grow.google/career-dreamer/home Consider a private About You Audit: https://www.ashleesang.com/audit Read the Total Annarchy newsletter: https://annhandley.optin.com/newsletter/totalannarchy Subscribe to Seth’s Blog: https://seths.blog/subscribe Check out my Messaging Momentum offer: https://www.ashleesang.com/month   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit  Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang 

I’m so excited to chat with Michele Parad, Intuitive Guide, Business Mentor and Founder of the Multidimensional Leaders. I really appreciate that Michele doesn’t believe in prescriptive ways of creating offers, introducing or positioning herself, building a business, or living life. She draws on her intuition to draw her client’s brilliance out of them. And we unpack ways you can step into your own brilliance in this episode. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode89   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Listen to my interview with Sara Alepin: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode84 Check out Michele’s personal website: www.micheleparad.com Learn more about Multidimensional Leaders: www.multidleaders.org Take Michele’s Brilliance Archetype Quiz: https://micheleparad.com/brilliance-archetype Grab your free ticket to the Build Your Influence Ecosystem Summit*: https://ashleesang--multidleaders.thrivecart.com/summit Listen to Episode 82: Behind The Scenes Of A Quick Win Consulting Call—Elevator Pitch Edition: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode82 Check out Gene Keys: https://genekeys.com/free-profile Read the Multidimensional Leaders Substack: https://www.multidimensional-leaders.com Connect with Michele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleparad Follow Michele on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michele.parad   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang  Send me a voice memo: https://www.speakpipe.com/AshleeSang  Email me: mailto:[email protected] 

Whether or not you identify as a “high achiever,” you likely are one. The women I work with are smart, ambitious, experienced, and definitely high-achieving. The women who listen to this podcast are all those things too. And so often they—you, we—struggle to talk about ourselves. And how special our point of view is. And how all our interests and passions converge into one coherent online presence or personal brand or business idea. That’s what I work with my clients on. And that’s what we work through. Both because I think there’s inherent value in being in tune with your vision and values and unique voice. But also because those things all add up to your ability to connect with real humans and make a real impact through the money you earn, the ideas you share, and the movements you’re part of. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode88   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Listen to Episode 43—Seeking Connections In & Through Business with Erika Rodriguez: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode43 Learn about the True Colors (green type): https://www.truecolorsintl.com/tciblog/the-green-type Take the 4 Tendencies Quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz Book a Quick Win Consulting Call: https://www.ashleesang.com/quickwin Book a Private About You Audit: https://www.ashleesang.com/audit Listen to Episode 37—Determining What You Want To Be Known For: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode37 Listen to Episode 82—Behind The Scenes Of A Quick Win Consulting Call—Elevator Pitch Edition: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode82 Listen to Episode 63—Introducing Yourself With Confidence: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode63 Listen to Episode 27—Maturing As A Business Owner & Leader with Rebekah Grmela: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode27 Check out the ergonomic expert Erika mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/theergoexpert   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit  Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang 

Today’s we’re talking about the golden question: how do I know if I need a rebrand?  The quick answer: when it just doesn’t feel, sound, look like you anymore. The full answer…obviously more nuanced. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode87   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Listen to my interview with Kimberly in Episode 73—Knowing Your Numbers: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode73 Listen to Episode 50—Celebrating Milestones For Continued Momentum: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode50 Listen to Episode 61—Committing To Consistency Amidst Constant Change: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode61 Listen to Episode 82—Behind The Scenes Of A Quick Win Consulting Call—Elevator Pitch Edition: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode82 Listen to Episode 28—Reframing A Brand Identity Crisis: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode28 Listen to Episode 68—Crafting An Impactful Brand Messaging Strategy: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode68 Watch The Balanced Black Girl “271. How to Rebrand Your Life in 2025”: https://youtu.be/8rD-nFAPQNs?si=3Yh8bpFyLi7rwWX0 Learn more about your “style language”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9HLCHiWkx0 Listen to Episode 59 for exercises around Living Out Your Brand Values: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode59 Listen to Episode 85—Sharing Small Progress In Public (And Giving Others Permission To Do The Same): https://www.ashleesang.com/episode85 Check out Kimberly’s accounting firm: www.taracpafirm.com   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit  Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang 

I’m so excited to chat with Marti Statler, the Founder of Rebel Queen and a self-proclaimed Publisher, Podcaster, Speaker, Author. This was an energy-filled conversation about sharing your thoughts, building your brand, publishing your book, and staying true to yourself along the way. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode86   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Listen to my interview with Rosa Sarmento: http://www.ashleesang.com/episode64 Book a Quick Win Consulting Call with me: https://www.ashleesang.com/quickwin Listen to The Rebel Maker podcast (including our episode together): https://rebelqueen.co/2024/06/18/e32-the-importance-of-an-outside-perspective-and-4-simple-ways-to-write-your-book-with-ashlee-sang Grab the Rebel Queen Prep Guide to Kickstart Your Damn Book: https://bit.ly/RQWritingGuide Connect with Marti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martistatler Follow Marti on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martistatler   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang  Send me a voice memo: https://www.speakpipe.com/AshleeSang  Email me: mailto:[email protected] 

Let’s talk about the power of small progress—not because you should play small, but because you’re probably doing more and making bigger progress than you think. Progress builds to momentum, even when it doesn’t feel linear. But no matter the path, the goal is always to take confident, meaningful action.  BONUS: Be sure to join my free About You Audit on April 3 (linked below)—your chance to get real-time feedback on your intros and About Pages so you can show up with more confidence. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode85   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Listen to Episode 78 — Pricing Panel with Frenchie Ferenczi, Melissa Mittelstaedt, & Bri Seeley: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode78 Read The Perfectionist’s Guide To Losing Control: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60880794-the-perfectionist-s-guide-to-losing-control Listen to Episode 66 — Marketing Yourself As A Marketer with Cyndi Zaweski: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode66 Listen to Episode 77 — Reflecting On A “Successful Launch”: https://www.ashleesang.com/episode77 Sign up for a free About You Audit: https://ashleesang.com/aboutyou Connect with Melissa: https://www.melissamitt.com   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit  Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang 

I’m so excited to chat with Sara Alepin, CEO and Founder of District Bliss. Her energy is absolutely contagious and she is constantly finding ways to spread positivity and generosity. She’s also super business savvy after 20 years of entrepreneurship, and really self-aware. This combo makes our conversation about messaging, branding, and collaboration both tactical and insightful. For the full show notes, visit https://www.ashleesang.com/episode84   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Check out District Bliss: districtbliss.com Attend the Collaborations that Monetize Summit*: https://ashleesang--districtbliss.thrivecart.com/district-bliss-membership Sign up for Sara’s Effective Networking Workshop: https://districtbliss.myflodesk.com/networking-freebie Listen to The Wedding Dish Podcast: https://www.theweddingdishpodcast.com Check out Photos From The Harty: https://www.photosfromtheharty.com Follow District Bliss on Instagram: instagram.com/districtblissevents Follow District Bliss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/district-bliss-events   CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Sign up for the Toward Purpose & Progress Newsletter: http://www.ashleesang.com/orbit Download A Visionary’s Guide To Elevator Pitches to talk to real people about what you do and why it matters: https://ashleesang.com/podcastfreebie  Download the About Page Architect to connect with the people who need and want what you have to share: https://ashleesang.com/about-page-architect/  Book a free Alignment Call to chat about if we're the right fit to work together: https://www.ashleesang.com/align  Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleesangconsulting  Add me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesang  Send me a voice memo: https://www.speakpipe.com/AshleeSang  Email me: mailto:[email protected]