Meet Ashli Pollard | Strategic Consultant, Podcast Host, Founder of Me Time

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashli Pollard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashli, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me, unless we’re talking about actual physical risk or anything with true danger, risk is such a false narrative within our minds. If we think about it, the “risk” we assess in a situation, particularly entrepreneurship, comes back to the internal triggers we’ve ignored from childhood or our upbringing or when we were young. Many people want to say that they don’t want to follow their dreams because the “risk” attached to it – maybe they’re worried that they won’t make money. But that’s a symptom, not a problem. The problem can’t be fixed by “no you will make money i’ll show you how” – that will only work until it doesnt. The real fix is actually to ask yourself the tough questions. Questions like “if you don’t make money, what will that mean is true about you? Does that mean you’re unworthy? Unlovable? Alone?” and when we truly look in the mirror to see our truest fears, risk dissolves. As corny as it is, to me it’s way more risky to ignore or look away from unresolved pain than it is to take a leap in life when it actually is exactly the path you’re supposed to walk.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In Feb 2020, I was working a high stakes job in New York and now in November 2021, I run three businesses and have a high ranking podcast, all built from $0.

Necessity breeds invention, as we know, and Team AP Consulting, my agency, is no different. After 10 years working in the cutthroat industry of the fashion industry in NYC, working for brands like Prada, Rebecca Minkoff, Sam Edelman, Kendall + Kylie, Hunter Boots and more, I took the same tactics I used to grow those businesses in the millions to digital entrepreneurs who were working to scale to their first six figures, to multiple six figures, or past the seven figure line. Team AP Consulting is an all female team of 10 serving hundreds of women with tech solutions, consulting and data analysis as well as copy and graphic design services.

I also launched a wellness product Me Time, which is a morning routine kit that sets you up for success in the morning. Comprised of a journal (created in the specific way that I journal), eucalyptus essential oil and affirmation cards, this incredible routine level sets your mind, gives you a feeling of calm control and all under twenty minutes.

My third business is our podcast production company Fast Forward Productions, launching on February 2022, which serves young entrepreneurs who want their podcast to be their top of funnel, or just want an outlet for themselves. They record, we do the rest. The idea for Fast Forward Productions came from my own top ranking podcast, The Daily Hype, which serves thousands of women Monday-Friday with 5-10 minute episodes that help them see themselves + the world a bit differently, clearer, and with a stronger self awareness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love visiting Atlanta and I used to travel to ATL for work often. I would start the day having brunch at White Oak, then head to the aquarium to see the viewing room and watch the whales (a must for any out of town guest!), I would go see a baseball game, and then I would finish the evening with dinner at Two Urban Licks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my mom, who shows me every single day that it doesn’t matter what happens to you but how you choose to see the world every day. I am the way I am because my mom selflessly chose paths for her children that made them her focus and I hope to give back to her through my life as a thank you. People really tried to take my mom down and she stays positive, stays strong, stays clear in who she is, and is unapologetic about who she knows she is. Whether or not we agree or disagree on anything in life, it’s incredibly powerful to see her nonstop strength and optimism.

Website: www.ashlipollard.com

Instagram: @teamapconsulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlipollard/