Ashley Sterken is the founder of Hive Ambition, a community that supports women in business to grow with clarity, confidence, and intention, most importantly, without burning out.

This is a topic that’s really near and dear to my heart, having mentored women in business, especially women in healthcare business, for nearly 10 years now. Ashley has a background in speech pathology, and her long, bumpy and curvy path has brought her to leading and mentoring other women entrepreneurs.

And one really cool thing we discussed that I think more women need to feel safe and have permission to say out loud is the true inherent isolation that comes with entrepreneurship and our drive and desire for friends; we talked about how it’s really okay to say, “I need more friends” or “The friends I currently have aren’t working for me anymore.”

We talk about her unexpected leap to full‑time entrepreneurship and leading Hive Ambition—she knew all along it was coming, but then was pushed unexpectedly by the universe before her picture‑perfect timeline fell into place—and about balancing the masculine and feminine energies in your business and why it’s not a 50‑50 split for most people.

We talked about why you can’t “spreadsheet your way through” everything and also why you can’t simply dream, manifest, and work on mindset stuff—you need both.

We also highlighted the importance of conveying vulnerability as a leader and mentor, the brave act of listening to your inner voice before you’re in crisis and have no choice but to listen, and Internal Family Systems, something that’s really benefited Ashley as a woman in business and informs my own work with my clients and, of course, with myself!

06:49 – From Speech Pathology to CEO: Ashley’s Journey
Ashley shares her winding path from clinical work to leadership and entrepreneurship—and how Hive Ambition was born

13:02 – The Power (and Pain) of Community

How connection heals the inherent isolation women feel in entrepreneurship, and the realities of navigating big transitions and unexpected pivots as a leader in community

21:52 – When Life Says “Pivot” … and you gotta go whether you’re ready or not

From building a nonprofit after Hurricane Helene to realignment and learning to put it on pause—how Ashley took a brave step back even when what she was building was a good thing

35:51 – Inner Guidance & The Loud Nudge

How and why to recognize your internal cues before a crisis hits, and the magic of checking in with yourself regularly

48:44 – Building with Soul: Strategy Meets Spirituality

Merging masculine structure with feminine flow, redefining success, and reclaiming self-worth in leadership

01:20:23 – Play, People & Personal Truths

Connect with Ashley and learn more:

Instagram: @hiveambition

Website: https://www.hiveambition.com/

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I interview Dr. Kelsea Cannon, who shares her journey from physical therapy to coaching, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between medicine and spirituality.

We discuss the significance of emotional and energetic healing, the complexities of navigating the dark parts of personal growth – those “oh snap!” moments when you realize you’ve been carrying shame and guilt that’s been weighing you down.

But the thing we discuss about shame and guilt is not what you might expect – instead of obstacles to be overcome, we discuss how they these often hidden and cast out parts of ourselves are actually “golden doorways” to full authentic self-expression.

A true sink AND swim opportunity.

Kelsea beautifully discusses the importance of inward and outward connection and support, both in the physical realm and through your unseen team’s intuitive, spiritual, and personal connections.

We discussed the constant need to be present to receive messages from the universe, the significance of navigating the tension of life's liminal phases, and the lessons learned from past relationships.

Kelsea is such a beautiful model for how and why to let go of white knuckle gripping control and instead reveal the joy that can be found by trusting the process.

Highlights:

04:01 The personal and professional journey to bridge the gap between physical and spiritual healing

18:32 The “Oh snap” moments: discovering the strength and golden doorways of your hidden and cast out parts in healing

33:31 Navigating Vulnerability Hangovers and Authenticity in Self Expression

42:54 How women don’t heal alone: engaging with both your Seen and Unseen Teams

55:35 Navigating the tension in relationships and the liminal spaces of life using intuition

Learn more about and follow Kelsea at @kelseacannondpt on instagram and check out her website at www.kelseacannon.com

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Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week

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Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website

In this episode of the Sink and Swim podcast, I share Part 1 of my story about walking away from the physical therapy profession when I was at the absolute peak of my career, and how choosing to sink a thriving career opened doors that never would have been possible had I stayed put.

In Part 1 I reflect on the challenges and transformations I faced (and sometimes continue to face) when extricating myself from a career and professional identity, the negative impact of healthcare regulations on my ability to provide excellent care, and the not-so-subtle toxic dynamics among female colleagues and impossible pressures placed on on women and working mothers in the profession.

05:55 Reflections on Leaving Physical Therapy

11:20 The draw to shift into coaching: a ripple effect is created

29:45 The Not-So-Hidden Culture of Competition Among [Female] Colleagues

41:27 The Pressure and Encouragement of Self-Sacrifice in Working Women & Mothers

52:47 Navigating a Loss of Identity and Purpose

If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend

Looking for more of where this came from?

Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube

Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week

Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club

Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website