Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashlee Samuels. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashlee, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Courage, Consistency, Commitment, the ability to adapt and adjust to situations…Resilience, Persistence, self discipline and ultimately a willingness to not just want to “succeed” but a desire to want to grow and show up “better” every single day.

Ashlee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a creative director and filmmaker. I have been a creative force behind hundreds of companies, brands, public figures, campaigns, TV/Film productions and events over the last 15+ years.

With experience in brand development, content creation and event coordination, I have been blessed to have become a highly sought after figure within the athletic and entertainment community.

I would say that I am fueled by connection and impact, and the moment I recognized the transformative power of creative design and visual storytelling, I was captivated by the possibilities. From those early moments of inspiration, I formed CRASH! Creative as a way to pour into my passion and share my expertise with others.

Working with hundreds brands and projects in all creative capacities, CRASH! Creative quickly evolved into a full-service agency with a clear focus on delivering impact at every stage, from the concept to market.

CRASH! Creative is available for projects in sports, entertainment and film. We love brand development, brand activations, event design and full/comprehensive film creative, from the script to the screen.

As for me, I am currently focused on filmmaking and creative direction. I have a passion for visual storytelling (short or long-form content), amplifying brands through brand consultancy and identifying collaborative opportunities with other brands, creatives and producers who are doing passion-oriented work.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Establishing a strong and trusted reputation within my market has been a direct result of my core principles; which are authenticity, dependability, and unwavering commitment to quality.

At the foundation of my approach lies authenticity—an unwavering dedication to operating my business in alignment with my core values and beliefs. By consistently demonstrating transparency, honesty, and integrity in all my interactions, I’ve been able to foster genuine connections and build trust within my network. This authenticity not only strengthens existing relationships but also attracts like-minded individuals who resonate with my business culture.

I’ve prioritized dependability as a cornerstone of my professional ethos. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, honoring commitments, or delivering on promises, I’ve made it a point to be a reliable partner and service provider. This reliability instills confidence in clients and collaborators alike, fostering long-term partnerships built on mutual respect and trust.

Equally crucial has been my unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in every endeavor. Regardless of project scale or complexity, I approach each undertaking with a steadfast dedication to producing work of the highest caliber. This commitment to quality not only distinguishes me within the market but also serves as a testament to my professionalism and competence.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of authenticity, dependability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that has enabled me to cultivate a strong reputation within my market. By consistently embodying these principles, I’ve not only forged long-lasting relationships but also positioned myself as a trusted authority and valued partner in the eyes of my peers and clients.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

“Hard Work Does Not Always Equal Success”

One of the most transformative lessons I’ve encountered was the realization that the equation of hard work directly leading to success isn’t always accurate. Coming from a background in athletics, where the correlation between effort and results is often unmistakable, I initially subscribed wholeheartedly to the notion that relentless dedication would invariably yield success in all aspects of life.

However, as I transitioned into entrepreneurship, I confronted a starkly different reality. Despite pouring immense effort into my ventures, I found that the returns didn’t always align with the intensity of my labor. This dissonance forced me to reassess my approach to work and success.

Through introspection and experience, I came to understand that while hard work remains a fundamental component of achievement, its efficacy is contingent upon strategic implementation and intelligent decision-making. Simply exerting effort without a clear plan or adaptability can often lead to diminishing returns or even burnout.

Therefore, I’ve adopted a more nuanced perspective that emphasizes working smarter rather than harder. This approach recognizes the value of efficiency, innovation, and discernment in navigating the complexities of pursuing one’s goals. It acknowledges that while there are occasions where intensive effort is warranted, such as overcoming significant obstacles or seizing fleeting opportunities, indiscriminate hustle isn’t always the most effective path forward.

Ultimately, this lesson has reshaped my understanding of success, emphasizing the importance of balance, adaptability, and informed action. It’s a continual process of refinement, where the pursuit of excellence is guided not only by diligence but also by wisdom and discernment.

Contact Info:

• Website: ashleesamuels.com
• Instagram: @ashhsamuels
• Linkedin: Ashlee Samuels
• CRASH! Creative: crashcreative.net
• Blueprint Series: http://bluprintseries.net/
• Ashlee Samuels: ashhsamuels.com