We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Burns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
From a young age, I realized the importance of seeking guidance and mentorship outside of my immediate environment. My professional journey began when I was just 14 years old, working at TLC TNT in Portland, Oregon. It was a life-changing experience that not only provided me with my first job but also introduced me to lifetime mentors who instilled in me the values and principles I live by today.
Working at TLC TNT, a nonprofit summer camp that offered free sessions for children, opened my eyes to the power of community support and the impact of positive leadership. One of the most profound lessons I learned from my mentors was that “nothing you do goes unnoticed.” This quote has stayed with me, reminding me that our actions, whether big or small, have the potential to inspire and influence others, often in ways we may not even realize. Another guiding principle was, “nothing will change unless you change,” which taught me the importance of personal accountability and the power of self-initiated change.
As I progressed in my career, particularly in nursing, I encountered a range of leadership styles—some that were less than ideal. I experienced authoritarian management that lacked empathy and respect, which only reinforced my belief that there was a better way to lead. On the other hand, I was fortunate to work under a manager named Andrea, a social worker who exemplified the kind of leader I aspired to be. Andrea’s approach was unique—she didn’t just trust her team; she took the time to understand each of us as individuals. She got to know our strengths and weaknesses, both as individuals and as a collective, and she identified who could fill in the gaps. This allowed our team to function seamlessly, with everyone playing to their strengths and supporting each other where needed. Andrea was the opposite of a micromanager; she trusted us to do our jobs, showed her humanness, and always communicated honestly. Her leadership style not only made me want to stay with the company for four years, but it also shaped my understanding of what effective, humane leadership looks like.
When I founded The OBM Group, I brought all these experiences with me. I realized that while companies often focus on training new hires, there is a significant gap in training leaders. At The OBM Group, we don’t just train leaders; we help them see the importance of effective training and ensure they understand how crucial it is for compliance, especially with my background in healthcare. We know that adhering to state compliance regulations for training is vital, and we assist agencies and companies in implementing these compliance trainings effectively.
But we don’t compartmentalize ourselves to healthcare alone. Training is necessary across all industries, and our programs are adaptable to meet the needs of any business. Whether it’s enhancing leadership skills, ensuring compliance, or fostering environments rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and person-centered practices, The OBM Group is committed to providing the tools and knowledge needed to create meaningful change within organizations.
Our mission is to equip leaders not only with the skills to lead but also with the understanding of why effective training is critical to their organization’s success and compliance. We’re here to support organizations in building stronger connections, both within their teams and with the people they serve, across all sectors.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The OBM Group, simply put, is dedicated to helping companies treat people like people—with respect, compassion, and empathy. My journey into this industry was shaped by my extensive background in healthcare, where I witnessed firsthand the importance of effective training and the impact it has on both employees and the organizations they serve. I realized that when people fall short in their roles, it’s often because they weren’t adequately trained, yet they are still held accountable for tasks they were never properly prepared for. This disconnect inspired me to create The OBM Group, with the mission to close that gap.
At The OBM Group, we specialize in creating customized training solutions that go beyond the traditional, monotonous methods that many of us have experienced—like sitting through hours of multiple-choice quizzes that feel more like a chore than a learning opportunity. We understand that adults learn differently, so we design blended modalities of learning that cater to the adult learner. Our approach makes training more engaging, interactive, and ultimately more effective. By doing so, we ensure that employees are fully equipped to meet their company’s expectations, and companies can confidently track and measure the effectiveness of their training programs.
What sets us apart is our commitment to not just meeting compliance and operational standards but also fostering a workplace culture rooted in person-centered practices. We integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all of our training programs, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Our services are adaptable across various industries because, at the end of the day, effective training is universal—it’s about empowering people to perform at their best.
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on transforming how companies approach training and leadership. We’re not just training employees; we’re building stronger connections within organizations and helping leaders lead with empathy and effectiveness.
The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about The OBM Group is that we are here to make a difference. We’re passionate about creating meaningful change within organizations, helping them to achieve their goals while fostering a positive and inclusive environment for everyone involved. Whether you’re looking to enhance your training programs, improve compliance, or build a more inclusive workplace, The OBM Group is here to support you every step of the way.
Any advice for managing a team?
One of the most significant projects I’ve led involved bringing a department back into compliance after being out of alignment with state and federal requirements for several years. The focus was on person-centered practices, which are mandated by law, especially under the Affordable Care Act, for individuals who provide services and supports to vulnerable populations.
The task was monumental—we had 600 individuals who needed to be trained, including a team of 400 that I directly coordinated. The key to managing this project and maintaining high morale was twofold: connecting the team with the deeper purpose of their work and equipping them with the practical skills to excel in their roles.
Person-centered practices are not just a regulatory requirement; they are essential for providing quality care, particularly when working with individuals with disabilities or those experiencing socioeconomic challenges. I coordinated the schedules, collaborated with facilitators, and ensured that all staff, including managers, participated in the training. These were extensive two-day sessions, held twice a week at times.
Initially, there was some resistance—many felt it was a burden to take time away from their daily tasks. But what I found most rewarding was seeing the transformation that occurred within the first 20 minutes of the training. People who came in dreading the experience soon realized the value of what they were learning. It wasn’t just about understanding why their roles were important, but also about gaining the how—the actual skills and methods needed to implement person-centered practices effectively.
To maintain high morale, it’s crucial to connect your team with the deeper purpose of their work and to provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed. In this case, the training sessions didn’t just fulfill a compliance requirement; they reconnected the staff with the core values of empathy, understanding, and the importance of treating every individual with dignity. But just as importantly, we equipped them with the skills to apply these values in their day-to-day interactions.
My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to always tie the work back to its fundamental purpose and ensure that your team is not just aware of why they are doing something, but also confident in how to do it. When people understand the ‘why’ behind their tasks and are equipped with the practical skills to perform them, they are more engaged, motivated, and inspired to do their best work. This combination of purpose and practical training naturally boosts morale and creates a more cohesive and effective team.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the mindset that once you get a good job, you stick with it for 20-30 years. Growing up, I was taught that this was the path to success—working hard, being a “worker bee,” and staying loyal to one job. In my family, that was the norm. We worked tirelessly, often to the point of burnout, without ever questioning if there might be a different or better way.
But as I grew older and started to explore my own aspirations, I realized that this mindset was holding me back. I kept hearing this quote I learned when I was 14: “Nothing will change unless something changes.” I came to understand that the change had to start with me. I had to evolve into the woman I wanted to be, and that meant stepping out of the comfort zone that my upbringing had placed me in.
To reach the next level in my life and career, I needed to make internal adjustments. I had to diversify my skills and experiences, rather than staying in one place and mastering just one thing. This was a significant shift from what I had always been taught, but it was necessary for my growth. I also had to stop seeking advice from people who weren’t in my shoes—those who didn’t share my dreams or understand my ambitions. Instead, I began surrounding myself with like-minded and like-driven individuals who could support and challenge me in the right ways.
Unlearning the idea that sticking with one job forever is the only path to success opened up new opportunities for me. It allowed me to embrace change, take risks, and pursue the goals that truly mattered to me. This shift in mindset has been crucial in my journey, helping me build The OBM Group and become the leader I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.theobmgroup.com
- Instagram: @theobmgroup
Image Credits
Black Health Connect
York Academy
Purpose Driven Enterprises
Madison Avenue of Fashions
Truist Bank
Sekai
Manifested Self-care