In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Ashley Davis, the Founding Partner of West Front Strategies, embarked on her path to success in the world of public affairs and government relations. Join us as Ashley shares her experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided her along the way. Discover what sets West Front Strategies apart in the highly competitive industry, how Ashley navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Ashley’s journey as a business leader and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of government relations.
Personal Journey and Motivation
Early in Ashley’s career, during her second job out of college, she worked in the Bush White House on September 11, 2001. This experience taught her more than she could have imagined about resilience, leadership during crises, and working together toward a common purpose and goal. The work was some of the hardest she had ever done, but it was worth it since the team believed in what they were doing and had incredible leaders who taught them how to remain committed to their shared goal of safeguarding the country.
Ashley was fortunate enough to have numerous incredible mentors and bosses at a young age who taught her about the industry and showed her what it means to be a leader. She genuinely credits them for helping her find her purpose. The decision to start West Front Strategies was a complete leap of faith. Ashley and her partners saw others around them starting their own businesses and thought, “Why not us?” She didn’t allow herself to be overcome with self-doubt and miss the opportunity. She knew surrounding herself with incredibly successful people would lead to her success. Today, she is immensely proud of that decision and the leap of faith it took to get to where she is today.
Significant Accomplishments
One of Ashley’s most significant accomplishments is earning her MBA at almost 40 years old. Many assumed she did this to improve her business leadership capabilities or foster her love of learning. While both are valid reasons, she returned to school to create a pathway to joining corporate boards. Ashley sharpened her business acumen and prepared herself for the corporate world through her MBA program. After graduation, she felt prepared for a corporate board, but it didn’t happen immediately. It took three more years of additional work, networking, and boldly expressing her interest in board opportunities to make it happen. During those years, she joined numerous nonprofit boards and gained hands-on experience to augment her professional background. She also targeted highly regulated industries where she could add the most value as a Director. Her strategy ultimately led to success.
Leadership Style
Ashley’s leadership style is grounded in fearlessness in the face of adversity while remaining committed to the mission and vision of her organization. She believes in empowering her teams and investing in those she supervises, especially mentoring the next generation of female leaders. Honesty, integrity, self-awareness, decisiveness, and reliability are crucial attributes for any business leader to succeed.
Unique Strategies and Initiatives
West Front Strategies differentiates itself by offering a driven team with decades of experience in Washington D.C., including Capitol Hill and the executive branch. Each partner at West Front has served in a senior government role, providing unique perspectives and experiences that not everyone in the industry possesses.
Navigating Challenging Situations
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge for West Front Strategies. Despite the troubled economy and setbacks, the company continued to grow its revenue year over year. Maintaining a strong reputation for delivering results for clients was a key factor in overcoming this setback.
Guiding Values
Ashley’s values are fueled by a sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. She believes in giving back, nurturing the next wave of leaders, and creating pathways for rising women to thrive. True success, in her view, is not just about individual accomplishments but also about creating a ripple effect of support and empowerment for others.
Staying Informed
Ashley is a lifelong learner who stays informed about industry trends and developments by regularly reading LinkedIn posts, business journals, and news articles related to her clients. She believes in being innovative and using “out-of-the-box” strategies to serve clients better.
Factors Contributing to Success
A strong work ethic has been a consistent factor in Ashley’s success. Hard work and determination have been instrumental in achieving her career goals, whether in the White House or as a business owner.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Ashley is proud of West Front Strategies’ growth and trajectory. She aims to expand the team to serve more clients and broaden their services. She is committed to working hard, producing high-quality work, and investing in the next generation of leaders to stay relevant in a changing world.
Accolades and Recognition
Ashley has received numerous accolades and industry recognition, including being named among Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People in 2022 and 2023 by Washingtonian Magazine. She has also been recognized as one of the 10 Most Disruptive Business Leaders to Follow in 2022 by Time Iconic Magazine, among other honors. West Front Strategies has consistently been named a Top-Performing Lobbying Firm by Bloomberg Government in 2020, 2021, and 2022, showcasing their excellence in the field. Additionally, Ashley has received the 40 under 40 award issued by Washington Business Journal. These accolades are a testament to her outstanding contributions to the industry.
