We recently connected with Sierra Henley Ashburn and have shared our conversation below.

Sierra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

As a little girl, I was creative, passionately determined, and had a unique list of what I was going to be when I grew up.

I wanted to be a mom, a farmer, a writer, an athlete, a lawyer, a teacher, and a fire fighter.

My grandmother, never once told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t do that or insisted I had to do or be something else instead.
Prerequisites were also not assigned, or restrictive ideas as to how hard something may be, or that I needed to reconsider because of the income associated with my dreams. And absolutely no declarations that I had to choose just one thing.

Instead she affirmed that I would be great at each and every idea added to my list. She provided loving and safe space for me to explore. As my primary guide, she supported my journey through childhood, said yes when I shared I felt the need to move at a faster pace and transfer out of public school during my senior year, agreed to the college with transfers that had schedule options that worked for me and my multi focused major that aligned with my heart not logic, and into early adulthood as I sought multiple opportunities at the same time to help people and make an impact. Each step of the way, she told me whatever I wanted to do, I could.

She is no longer earthside, for me to tap directly as I am deep into the journey of mom, farmer, homeschool teacher, and business owner. However the space and encouragement she provided to me, is the safe and steady foundation for each dream I say yes to now, and for the new ideas for when I grow up.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Sierra Ashburn, Fractional COO and the passionate founder of Amplified Innovation. We specialize in helping floundering entrepreneurs and small businesses, by meeting them in deep waters and guiding them back to shore to focus on their zones of genius and rediscover joy in their work. Amplified Innovation offers tailored, strategic operational support to realign your business and streamline your operations, allowing you to focus on what you do best. We meet you where you are, help you craft solutions to your pain points, and map out an actionable plan to thrive, not just survive in your business. Let us capture what lives in your head and craft it into reality, bringing you clarity to scalability.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Relationships are both the foundation and future of my business. I love connecting, and hearing about the new connection and who they are as a whole person, in addition to their business and vision. I trust in timing — that if a new person I meet, has potential to be a client that will grow naturally from the relationship we craft together.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Lead with a Collaborative approach, and be intentional with holding space and grace.

Each team member has their own zone of genius, and the things they don’t enjoy. Ask, and listen.

Be transparent and get curious about their feedback and ideas.

With their skills and ideas, is how you allow your team to support you and your clients best. Together with all efforts combined is where you will yield an easeful flow and the best results.

Remember they are human, and they are a whole person in addition to their business skills and team contributions. Connect, be present, and ensure them you value them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amplifiedinnovation.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifiedinnovation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmplifiedInnovation/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierra-henley-ashburn-25561994/

Image Credits
Primary Headshot — Shannon LeBlanc https://lifestylebyleblanc.com/ Photo in graphic — Pamela Claytor https://www.pamelatakespics.com/